82 Deaths Linked to GLP 1 Drugs in the UK and What You Need to Know Before Your Next Dose
What You Need to Know Before Your Next Dose
The safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is under scrutiny after 82 deaths were reported in the UK. While these drugs help with diabetes and weight loss, concerns about their risks are growing. Here’s what every patient and caregiver needs to know.
82 Deaths and Growing: Should You Be Worried?
A new report from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has raised alarm bells. GLP-1 RAs, including popular medications like Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, and Saxenda, have been linked to 82 reported deaths—60 from type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment and 22 from weight loss use.
A deeper dive into the numbers shows:
🔴 Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): 18 deaths reported
🔴 Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide): 29 deaths reported
🔴 Victoza/Saxenda (Liraglutide): 35 deaths reported
These figures don’t necessarily mean the drugs caused the deaths. However, the growing reports highlight the urgent need for better patient education, careful prescribing, and strict monitoring by healthcare professionals.
Yellow Card Reports: A Warning, Not a Verdict
The deaths were flagged through the Yellow Card Scheme, a system where patients and doctors report suspected drug side effects. While these reports don’t confirm that GLP-1 drugs directly caused these fatalities, they signal a pattern that regulators can’t ignore.
Health conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, or undiagnosed medical issues might have played a role in these cases. That’s why blindly trusting social media recommendations or using these drugs without medical supervision is dangerous.
The Danger of Fake GLP-1 Pens & Unregulated Online Sales
The MHRA has also issued a strong warning about unregulated online sales and counterfeit GLP-1 pens. Some desperate patients are buying fake or illegally sourced weight-loss injections online, exposing themselves to unknown risks.
💉 Fake pens could contain incorrect doses or even toxic substances.
💉 Unverified sellers don’t provide medical supervision or dosage guidance.
💉 Many patients are using these drugs without fully understanding the risks.
For your safety, only get GLP-1 medications from licensed pharmacies with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
GLP-1s Are Effective—But Only When Used Safely
Despite the concerns, GLP-1 RAs remain powerful tools for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Studies continue to support their benefits when used correctly and under supervision.
But with their rising popularity, proper prescribing, patient education, and medical follow-ups are more important than ever.
If you or a loved one is on a GLP-1 medication, here’s what you should do:
✅ Consult a doctor before starting or stopping treatment.
✅ Monitor for side effects like nausea, severe stomach pain, or unexplained fatigue.
✅ Avoid unregulated online sellers—stick to approved medical sources.
✅ Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor or the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
The 82 deaths linked to GLP-1 drugs in the UK don’t mean these medications are unsafe for everyone, but they highlight the need for caution, awareness, and medical supervision.
If you’re using or considering these treatments, speak to your doctor, follow the prescribed guidelines, and stay informed about potential risks. Your health isn’t worth the gamble.