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Authorities in Northern Ireland have reported two deaths that may be connected to the use of weight-loss injections, according to data submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These fatalities are included among over 500 suspected adverse reaction reports linked to GLP-1 medications received from Northern Ireland within the past two years. The drugs involved, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are commonly prescribed across the UK for managing weight and diabetes.
These reports to the MHRA do not necessarily confirm that the medications caused the adverse effects. The agency emphasized that other health conditions or coincidental factors might explain the reactions. Of the two deaths, the individuals were a man and a woman, aged in their 40s and 60s respectively, although their specific ages were not detailed in the data. This information was disclosed following a Freedom of Information request covering 2024 and 2025, during which healthcare professionals submitted the majority (82%) of the 511 adverse reaction reports.
Among the reported cases, one fatality was linked to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), while the other involved an unspecified semaglutide medication, which is marketed under names including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Additionally, six instances of acute pancreatitis were reported in the same period; three associated with Mounjaro, one with Ozempic, and two with unspecified brands. The MHRA previously issued a warning in January regarding the risk of acute pancreatitis, a condition often related to gallstones and recognized as a side effect of GLP-1 drugs.
In Northern Ireland, access to these weight-loss injections via the NHS is limited primarily to individuals with type 2 diabetes who meet certain criteria, unlike in Great Britain where access may be broader. Others seeking treatment can obtain the medications privately if they meet medical guidelines, such as having a body mass index (BMI) over 30. At private clinics like Joanne McMullan’s weight-loss clinic at Portaferry Pharmacy, around 50 patients aged between 18 and 75 pay for injections, with Mounjaro being the most commonly prescribed drug at a monthly cost of £200 to £300. McMullan noted positive outcomes among some patients, including improved mobility and significant weight loss, although she highlighted concerns over potential long-term side effects, which remain uncertain due to limited long-term data.
Health officials recognized the importance of reporting suspected side effects through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, which collects safety information from both healthcare professionals and the public. While the Department of Health in Northern Ireland did not respond to queries about the specific deaths or related actions, they reiterated ongoing collaboration with the MHRA and promotion of drug safety guidance. The Coroners Service indicated no current cases where GLP-1s were formally linked to deaths under investigation.
Pharmaceutical companies involved also commented on safety monitoring. Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Mounjaro, affirmed that patient safety is their highest priority and that they actively submit safety data to regulators, advising healthcare professionals to report concerns via the Yellow Card system. Similarly, Novo Nordisk, which produces Wegovy and Ozempic, emphasized the importance of using the drugs strictly according to approved indications under medical supervision and urged patients to report any adverse effects to their doctor and the MHRA
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