Scots nurse Susan McGowan died after just two low doses of a weight-loss jab.
Susan, 58, took medical advice before using tirzepatide, known as brand name Mounjaro.
Her death certificate said “use of prescribed tirzepatide” was a contributing factor.
Susan, who worked at Monklands hospital in Airdrie, obtained a prescription via a registered online pharmacy. But days after her second jab, she suffered severe stomach pains and sickness. She went to A&E at Monklands where colleagues battled to save her.
After her death in September last year, her heartbroken niece Jade Campbell urged women to consider alternatives to jabs.
She said: “Speak to your GP, there might be another option before you jump on weight-loss injections.” Tirzepatide is one of a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which make the patient feel fuller for longer.
It was approved as a weight-loss aid in the UK in 2023 by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Dr Alison Cave, of MHRA, said new medicines, such as tirzepatide, are more intensively monitored to ensure any new safety issues are identified promptly
Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly said the drug was approved based on extensive assessment.
Semaglutide, known by brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, are also GLP-1 receptor agonists.
There have been 23 suspected deaths linked to semaglutide in the UK since 2019.
These drugs are approved for UK use but docs stress they should only be administered with full medical advice.
Recently, the UK Government announced plans to roll out tirzepatide to the unemployed to help get them back to work. Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the jab “game-changing”.
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