Karen Coe, a 59-year-old activities coordinator from Hailsham, East Sussex, has recounted her harrowing experience following her first injection of the weight loss drug Mounjaro. Weighing in at a size 20, she had decided to try the medication in hopes of losing weight and managing her type two diabetes after hearing positive experiences from friends. Her prescription was provided through the NHS.

The initial injection took place on March 14, but shortly thereafter, Karen began to experience adverse effects, including a headache and dizziness. On March 17, the situation escalated as she woke up at 5am suffering from “excruciating” stomach pain and severe diarrhoea, prompting her husband, Rob, also 59, to summon an ambulance. Despite being assessed at the hospital, she was informed that her vital signs were stable and advised to monitor her symptoms at home.

However, Karen continued to endure significant stomach cramps and noticed blood in her stools. A week later, on March 24, after passing “massive blood clots,” she sought urgent medical attention at an accident and emergency department. Following an examination, she was referred to a colorectal surgeon through an urgent two-week pathway. While doctors indicated that her initial symptoms could be linked to Mounjaro, they have not confirmed whether her complications were caused directly by the drug.

Karen detailed her experience, saying, “At first I had a headache and got dizzy. I had a few stomach cramps. On Monday it was excruciating. It was like being ripped open with a knife.” She noted that she had previously tried metformin to manage her diabetes but struggled with diarrhoea from that treatment as well.

While she was aware of potential side effects associated with Mounjaro—such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort—she did not anticipate her extreme reaction. She expressed her ordeal further, revealing, “I nearly passed out. I had to ask my husband to call for an ambulance. I was dizzy and really cold.”

Now asserting that she will not continue with Mounjaro injections, Karen cautioned others about the potential dangers. “It can cause severe reactions and severe side effects. People should really think carefully and don’t take it lightly,” she remarked.

In response to Karen’s experience, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), stated, “Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines.” The company acknowledged that various gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation, are listed as common or very common side effects in the Mounjaro Patient Information Leaflet. They encourage patients experiencing any side effects to consult with their doctor or healthcare provider to ensure they are receiving genuine Lilly medicine.

Source: Noah Wire Services