Around 82 people has died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. Up to the end of January, 22 died after taking meds for weight loss, and another 60 for Type 2 diabetes, according to the official Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
A report by The Sun revealed that official figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency show the death toll up to the end of January.
MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave said, as quoted by The Sun, professionals must always advise on whether they are necessary.
She added: “The decision to start, continue or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their doctor, based on full consideration of benefits and risks.”
Reportedly, an estimated half a million Brits take the drugs, with the total expected to double in a year. The report revealed that Mounjaro will be rolled out on the NHS soon.
The NHS website warns: “Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.”
The figures show 18 deaths were linked to Mounjaro – the brand name for tirzepatide. Another 29 came after taking Ozempic, Rybelsus or Wegovy (also known as semaglutide), The Sun reported. Meanwhile, 35 Brits died after taking Saxenda and Victoza (liraglutide).
An investigation also revealed that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight-loss drugs. Some of the common side-effects of the drugs include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, leaving sufferers with severe dehydration. However, these weight loss drugs can also cause serious complications including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas.
Meanwhile, the makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its “top priority”.
“Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional,” the company stated as quoted by The Sun.