The number of drug-related fatalities in the UK linked to diabetes and weight loss medications has risen to 82, according to new data from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The figures, updated to January 31, revealed the increasing death toll associated with GLP-1RA receptor agonist drugs. Among the reported deaths, 22 individuals were using these medications for weight loss, a significant increase from 10 deaths recorded in October, highlighting the growing popularity of these treatments.
These drugs are primarily prescribed for either type 2 diabetes management, weight loss, or both. Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, was initially approved for diabetes treatment but was later authorised for weight management.
Semaglutide, on the other hand, is available under different brand names, such as Wegovy, which is licensed for managing obesity. However, Ozempic and Rybelsus and are specifically approved for managing type 2 diabetes alongside diet, exercise and other official medications.
As of January, the MHRA reported 18 deaths associated with tirzepatide, 29 deaths linked to semaglutide, and 35 fatalities connected to liraglutide.
However, these statistics derive from medical reports documenting adverse incidents, and while the use of these drugs may coincide with a death, this does not necessarily imply causation. Underlying health conditions unrelated to the medications could also be contributing factors.
The surge in popularity of these drugs has prompted regulators to take swift action to ensure they are prescribed responsibly, leading the pharmacy watchdog to implement stricter guidelines. In addition, the advertising regulator has launched nine separate investigations into the alleged improper marketing of these medications.
In light of these concerning figures, NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis emphasised the importance of proper medical oversight, stating: “Weight loss drugs can have side effects, and it is important that they are prescribed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional rather than being obtained online.
“They’re also not a magic bullet and need to be prescribed alongside programmes that help people live healthier lives by making changes to their diet and physical activity,” officials warned.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been used for over 15 years to manage type 2 diabetes, but their popularity as a weight-loss solution has surged in the past seven years.
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, stated that patient safety is their “top priority” and that the company actively monitors, evaluates, and reports all safety information. “Tirzepatide is authorised for use to treat both type 2 diabetes and for weight management and is being used to help millions of patients around the world.
“Our confidence in tirzepatide as an important treatment option is based on our extensive clinical trial programme,” a spokesperson told The Independent
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, emphasised in a statement to the publication that these medications should be used only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
They added that the wellbeing of patients is of the “utmost importance” and ensured that the company regularly gathers safety data and “monitors reports” of any negative reactions experienced by users through “routine pharmacovigilance”.