A recent tragedy in Scotland has shed light on the potential dangers of a newly approved weight loss drug. Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old nurse from North Lanarkshire, passed away from multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis after taking the NHS-approved drug tirzepatide. Her death, recorded on September 4, is reportedly the first in the UK officially linked to the drug. As her family and medical professionals search for answers, this incident raises questions about the drug’s safety, particularly in patients without diabetes.

What is Tirzepatide? The Weight Loss Drug Under Scrutiny

Tirzepatide, also known by its brand name Mounjaro, was originally developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use on the NHS, the drug works by mimicking specific hormones that signal fullness after eating, slowing digestion and helping users eat less. The result has shown promise in helping individuals lose weight, and studies have even touted it as a “game-changing” solution for obesity.

For a typical four-week supply, tirzepatide costs between £150 and £200, making it a potentially affordable solution for patients struggling with weight. However, despite its benefits, the recent case surrounding Susan McGowan highlights the importance of caution and thorough research into its possible side effects.

A Tragic Incident: Susan McGowan’s Death and Link to Tirzepatide

Susan McGowan was a dedicated nurse who had spent more than 30 years working at the University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie. Like many, she had tried various methods to manage her weight and eventually sought medical advice on tirzepatide. After conducting research and consulting with healthcare professionals, she decided to try the drug.

Unfortunately, only days after her second low-dose injection, Susan began experiencing severe stomach pains and nausea. She sought emergency care at her own hospital, where her condition rapidly deteriorated. Her kidneys failed, and within days, she fell into a coma. Despite the efforts of her colleagues, her organs ultimately began to fail. Her niece, Jade Campbell, recalled how suddenly her aunt’s health spiraled, describing her as a “bubbly,” “generous” person with “the biggest laugh in the hospital.”

Tirzepatide’s Mechanism and Potential Risks

Tirzepatide belongs to a new class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which work by stimulating the production of hormones that increase the feeling of fullness. They delay gastric emptying and help control blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can lead to weight loss. Although these benefits are clear, drugs like tirzepatide have complex mechanisms that may interact unpredictably with each individual’s physiology, making them potentially risky for patients without type 2 diabetes.

Susan’s death has raised questions about how this medication impacts patients with no prior health concerns or history of diabetes. Her sudden decline following tirzepatide administration illustrates that, while the drug may show benefits, the risks could be more severe than previously anticipated.

Nurse Susan McGowan passed away in September (Facebook)

Medical Responses and Ongoing Investigations

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has expressed condolences to Susan’s family and reassured the public of their stringent monitoring systems. The agency reiterated that no medication is approved without meeting their standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.

The MHRA also operates the Yellow Card Scheme, allowing patients and health professionals to report any suspected side effects from drugs. From January to May 2024 alone, 208 reports related to tirzepatide were filed, including 31 cases of serious reactions and one additional suspected death in a man in his sixties. Such reports signal the importance of continual monitoring and raise concerns about whether more adverse reactions could arise as the drug becomes more widely used.

Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind tirzepatide, responded by emphasizing patient safety as their top priority. They stated that tirzepatide was approved after rigorous evaluation, and they continue to provide prescribers with up-to-date information on its risks and benefits.

The Complexity of Approving Drugs for Off-Label Uses

While tirzepatide was initially intended for type 2 diabetes, its weight loss benefits have led to its approval for use in weight management in certain cases. However, expanding a drug’s use for non-targeted health issues can sometimes lead to unforeseen risks.

Weight loss medications that work by altering hormone levels or digestion may affect people differently based on their unique medical history, lifestyle, and genetics. Even patients with similar health profiles may experience different side effects. Therefore, while some drugs show promising results in clinical trials, real-world outcomes can vary significantly, as Susan McGowan’s case demonstrates.

Safety Measures for Patients Considering Tirzepatide

For those considering tirzepatide, healthcare professionals recommend thorough medical evaluation and close monitoring to detect any adverse reactions early. As with any weight-loss medication, patients should discuss their entire health history, existing medications, and possible drug interactions with their doctor. While the MHRA has robust systems in place, there’s still no substitute for individual caution and informed decision-making.

In light of recent events, patients considering tirzepatide or other weight loss medications should take the following precautions:

1. Seek Professional Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare provider to evaluate whether the drug is appropriate, given your personal health profile.
2. Report Any Side Effects Immediately: Using the Yellow Card Scheme, report any adverse reactions to ensure that they are documented and addressed promptly.
3. Consider Gradual Dose Adjustments: Begin with the lowest possible dose, under medical supervision, to monitor how your body responds before increasing.
4. Monitor for Severe Symptoms: Be alert to signs such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, or fatigue, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

The Future of Weight Loss Medications and Patient Safety

With the popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists growing, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and medical professionals must maintain transparent and proactive communication regarding potential risks. While drugs like tirzepatide could offer a solution to obesity—a condition that poses serious health risks in itself—the need for continued research, monitoring, and caution cannot be overstated.

Susan McGowan’s case serves as a reminder that even FDA- or MHRA-approved medications are not without risks. As technology advances and new medications enter the market, patient safety remains paramount, particularly as drugs designed for specific conditions, like type 2 diabetes, expand into new therapeutic areas.

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of the Complexities of Medical Advancements

The death of Susan McGowan has cast a shadow over the optimistic potential of tirzepatide as a weight-loss solution. Her story is a stark reminder that with every new medical advancement, there are risks and unforeseen consequences. While the weight loss benefits of tirzepatide are promising, Susan’s untimely death emphasizes the need for caution, continuous monitoring, and open dialogue between patients, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies.

As the medical community navigates the complexities of multi-use drugs, Susan’s memory highlights the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks of weight loss medications. For patients, thorough research, medical guidance, and awareness of potential side effects are crucial steps in making informed healthcare decisions.