North Lanarkshire, Scotland — A Scottish nurse’s recent death has raised concerns over the safety of a newly approved weight-loss medication. Susan McGowan, 58, a long-serving nurse at University Hospital Monklands, died on September 4 following complications linked to her usage of tirzepatide, also known by its brand name Mounjaro. It marks the first recorded fatality in the UK associated with the drug, highlighting potential risks even as weight-loss treatments gain traction in public health strategies.
McGowan had started tirzepatide treatment about two weeks prior to her death, during which she received two low-dose injections. Her death certificate, which has come under media scrutiny, cites multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis as direct causes, but also notes the use of tirzepatide as a contributing factor. Tirzepatide’s role in her demise brings the drug’s safety profile and monitoring measures into question.
Employed at Monklands for over three decades, McGowan was known among her peers as a committed and vibrant individual. Friends and family recall her ongoing struggle with weight management, her vibrant personality, and the hope she placed in new medical solutions like tirzepatide, which she procured after extensive research and consultations, through a registered online pharmacy.
The medication, costing between £150 and £200 per month, is readily available from pharmacies throughout the UK. However, in McGowan’s case, severe abdominal pain and illness set in days after her second injection, leading to urgent hospitalization at her own workplace. There, despite the efforts of her colleagues, her condition rapidly deteriorated.
Jade Campbell, McGowan’s niece, witnessed her aunt’s sudden health decline. “It was incredibly fast. She was active and full of life one moment, and struggling immensely the next,” Campbell shared. Despite the initial absence of underlying health issues, McGowan’s kidneys failed quickly, leading to a coma and eventual organ failure.
Tirzepatide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, recognized for their ability to increase feelings of fullness, thereby aiding in weight management. Approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2023, it is prescribed under NHS guidelines for a limited number of patients, largely due to cost and restricted availability.
While public reporting on tirzepatide’s side effects is still limited, MHRA records from January to May noted 208 reports, including 31 deemed serious and one suspected death. These statistics present a complicated picture, juxtaposing potential benefits with emerging risks. Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, maintains that patient safety remains paramount, with rigorous monitoring to ensure the therapeutic advantages outweigh possible dangers.
The effectiveness and risks of tirzepatide are continuously assessed, according to a spokesperson from Lilly, the drug’s manufacturer. “Patient safety is our top priority, and all our medicines undergo continuous monitoring. We ensure that all regulatory bodies worldwide are kept informed on the benefits and risks identified,” the spokesperson stated.
This incident has sparked greater scrutiny of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which include other drugs like semaglutide with reported suspected fatalities. Although deemed safe following clinical trials, the real-world application of these drugs continues to be closely evaluated. Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow noted, “While trials suggest robust safety and significant benefits, each patient reacts differently, which necessitates careful, individualized consideration.”
Amid ongoing debates and government trials aiming to leverage such drugs for broader public health initiatives, McGowan’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal risks involved. Reflecting on government-backed health solutions, Campbell urges caution: “Engage with your GP, explore all options, and don’t rush into new treatments despite government endorsement.”
Her family’s loss underscores the necessity for ongoing dialogue between patients, healthcare providers, and regulators to navigate the complexities of modern medical treatments effectively and safely. With the government’s decision to expand access to tirzepatide still pending, the balance between innovative healthcare solutions and individual patient safety continues to be a contentious topic in the UK’s evolving medical landscape.