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Urgent warning over drug taken by millions – as AstraZeneca accused of ‘misreporting' safety data

Urgent warning over drug taken by millions – as AstraZeneca accused of ‘misreporting' safety data

The Irish Sun11 hours ago

MEDICS have raised concerns over a drug taken by millions to prevent heart attacks and strokes, claiming key safety data was "misreported" by its manufacturer AstraZeneca.
Anti-clotting pill ticagrelor has been available on the NHS in 2011, after trials appeared to show it could prevent one in five deaths after a heart attack.
1
A BMJ investigation has raised concerns over clinical trials that spurred on the approval of ticagrelor, sold as Brilique
But
Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine that prevents blood cells from sticking together and
The twice-daily pill is prescribed to patients with acute coronary syndrome who are at greater risk of blood clots due to a
history
of
In the UK, the drug is prescribed around 45,000 times per month on the NHS.
Read more on medication
Now, experts claim to have uncovered "evidence of serious misreporting" in two clinical trials that were pivotal to the drug's approval in the UK and US.
These findings raise "doubts over the approval and decade long use of ticagrelor", sold as Brilique in the UK, the report authors wrote in the
BMJ
.
In response, an AstraZeneca spokesperson told Sun Health: 'We are confident in the integrity of the trials and its evidence in support for Brilique.'
Two AstraZeneca studies, known as ONSET/OFFSET and RESPOND, were published in the leading journal
Circulation
, reporting the drug's effects on platelet function.
Most read in Uncategorized
The ONSET/OFFSET trial involved 123 patients and found that ticagrelor was faster and better at preventing clots than a competitor drug.
Similar results were published in RESPOND, which involved 98 patients.
Early warning sign of heart attack you may notice in bed
But the report authors claimed claimed 'primary endpoint' results in the two key trials - which were pivotal in determining the treatment's effectiveness - were inaccurately reported in
Circulation
.
"We found evidence that the trials were inaccurately reported," they said.
"In one instance, AstraZeneca's trial failed to show statistical significance, but was published in a leading cardiology journal as significant."
It also said around a quarter of the readings from machines used in the trials were not included in the data sets, the US medicine's regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to approve the drug.
In order for ticagrelor to get approved, clinical trials had to prove that it was a better drug than competitors in a phase 3 trial.
After phase 3 and drug approval, the FDA and MHRA in the UK, continues monitoring it in phase 4 trials, to see if there are any additional problems with the drug.
But the
BMJ
analysis of two phase 2 trial results found there were instances of patients whose blood "platelet aggregation dramatically increased".
This is when blood cells stick together to form clumps, which can lead to blood clots - exactly what the drug aims to prevent.
Key facts about ticagrelor
Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine that prevents platelets - a type of blood cell - from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot.
Taking ticagrelor can help prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them because you:
Have had a heart attack
Have unstable angina
Have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic stroke (TIA, or mini-stroke)
Ticagrelor is only available on prescription.
You'll usually take ticagrelor twice a day and it's often prescribed together with low-dose aspirin at the start of treatment.
The main side effects of ticagrelor are getting out of breath and bleeding more easily than normal.
You may have nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.
According to medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), patients are advised to take the drug twice a day at 90mg for around a year after a heart attack.
A lower dose of 60mg, may then be prescribed by doctors for up to a further three years.
It may also be taken by those who have suffered a minor stroke or a transient ischaemic attack at 90mg alongside aspirin.
Sources: NHS, NICE
This is "an improbable effect for an anti-platelet drug" and "suggests an incorrect laboratory reading", the BMJ said.
Assessing the readings from platelet machines used at the two trial sites, led by cardiologist Dr Paul Gurbel, investigators also found more than 60 of the 282 readings were not included in datasets submitted to the FDA.
"The platelet activity levels not entered were significantly higher than those used in the Circulation papers and FDA datasets," they claimed.
"It is unclear whose blood was sampled, and why those measurements did not contribute to data in either trial."
The report authors conducted their investigation through interviews with trial investigators and platelet experts and access to the underlying trial data submitted to regulators.
They also said that principal investigators involved in ticagrelor trials "were unreachable or declined to be interviewed".
"The findings raise even deeper questions over the approval and decade long use of the drug," the authors claimed.
Dr Victor Serebruany, an expert in cardiovascular pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, who has been critical of the drug for over a decade said: "It's been obvious for years that there is something wrong with the data.
"That the FDA's leadership could look past all these problems- on top of the many problems their own reviewers identified and are now being discovered by
The BMJ
- is unconscionable.
"We all need to know how and why that happened.
"If doctors had known what happened in these trials, they would never have started using ticagrelor."
But a spokesperson for the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research and Drug Development, which Dr Gurbel leads, told
Sun Health has also contacted
Circulation
for comment. The journal did not respond to the
BMJ
.
How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

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Urgent warning over drug taken by millions – as AstraZeneca accused of ‘misreporting' safety data
Urgent warning over drug taken by millions – as AstraZeneca accused of ‘misreporting' safety data

The Irish Sun

time11 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Urgent warning over drug taken by millions – as AstraZeneca accused of ‘misreporting' safety data

MEDICS have raised concerns over a drug taken by millions to prevent heart attacks and strokes, claiming key safety data was "misreported" by its manufacturer AstraZeneca. Anti-clotting pill ticagrelor has been available on the NHS in 2011, after trials appeared to show it could prevent one in five deaths after a heart attack. 1 A BMJ investigation has raised concerns over clinical trials that spurred on the approval of ticagrelor, sold as Brilique But Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine that prevents blood cells from sticking together and The twice-daily pill is prescribed to patients with acute coronary syndrome who are at greater risk of blood clots due to a history of In the UK, the drug is prescribed around 45,000 times per month on the NHS. Read more on medication Now, experts claim to have uncovered "evidence of serious misreporting" in two clinical trials that were pivotal to the drug's approval in the UK and US. These findings raise "doubts over the approval and decade long use of ticagrelor", sold as Brilique in the UK, the report authors wrote in the BMJ . In response, an AstraZeneca spokesperson told Sun Health: 'We are confident in the integrity of the trials and its evidence in support for Brilique.' Two AstraZeneca studies, known as ONSET/OFFSET and RESPOND, were published in the leading journal Circulation , reporting the drug's effects on platelet function. Most read in Uncategorized The ONSET/OFFSET trial involved 123 patients and found that ticagrelor was faster and better at preventing clots than a competitor drug. Similar results were published in RESPOND, which involved 98 patients. Early warning sign of heart attack you may notice in bed But the report authors claimed claimed 'primary endpoint' results in the two key trials - which were pivotal in determining the treatment's effectiveness - were inaccurately reported in Circulation . "We found evidence that the trials were inaccurately reported," they said. "In one instance, AstraZeneca's trial failed to show statistical significance, but was published in a leading cardiology journal as significant." It also said around a quarter of the readings from machines used in the trials were not included in the data sets, the US medicine's regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to approve the drug. In order for ticagrelor to get approved, clinical trials had to prove that it was a better drug than competitors in a phase 3 trial. After phase 3 and drug approval, the FDA and MHRA in the UK, continues monitoring it in phase 4 trials, to see if there are any additional problems with the drug. But the BMJ analysis of two phase 2 trial results found there were instances of patients whose blood "platelet aggregation dramatically increased". This is when blood cells stick together to form clumps, which can lead to blood clots - exactly what the drug aims to prevent. Key facts about ticagrelor Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine that prevents platelets - a type of blood cell - from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot. Taking ticagrelor can help prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them because you: Have had a heart attack Have unstable angina Have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic stroke (TIA, or mini-stroke) Ticagrelor is only available on prescription. You'll usually take ticagrelor twice a day and it's often prescribed together with low-dose aspirin at the start of treatment. The main side effects of ticagrelor are getting out of breath and bleeding more easily than normal. You may have nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising. According to medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), patients are advised to take the drug twice a day at 90mg for around a year after a heart attack. A lower dose of 60mg, may then be prescribed by doctors for up to a further three years. It may also be taken by those who have suffered a minor stroke or a transient ischaemic attack at 90mg alongside aspirin. Sources: NHS, NICE This is "an improbable effect for an anti-platelet drug" and "suggests an incorrect laboratory reading", the BMJ said. Assessing the readings from platelet machines used at the two trial sites, led by cardiologist Dr Paul Gurbel, investigators also found more than 60 of the 282 readings were not included in datasets submitted to the FDA. "The platelet activity levels not entered were significantly higher than those used in the Circulation papers and FDA datasets," they claimed. "It is unclear whose blood was sampled, and why those measurements did not contribute to data in either trial." The report authors conducted their investigation through interviews with trial investigators and platelet experts and access to the underlying trial data submitted to regulators. They also said that principal investigators involved in ticagrelor trials "were unreachable or declined to be interviewed". "The findings raise even deeper questions over the approval and decade long use of the drug," the authors claimed. Dr Victor Serebruany, an expert in cardiovascular pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, who has been critical of the drug for over a decade said: "It's been obvious for years that there is something wrong with the data. "That the FDA's leadership could look past all these problems- on top of the many problems their own reviewers identified and are now being discovered by The BMJ - is unconscionable. "We all need to know how and why that happened. "If doctors had known what happened in these trials, they would never have started using ticagrelor." But a spokesperson for the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research and Drug Development, which Dr Gurbel leads, told Sun Health has also contacted Circulation for comment. The journal did not respond to the BMJ . How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

I lost 8st on fat jabs but felt severely hungover & was constantly on the loo – but I'm happier than ever being skinny
I lost 8st on fat jabs but felt severely hungover & was constantly on the loo – but I'm happier than ever being skinny

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

I lost 8st on fat jabs but felt severely hungover & was constantly on the loo – but I'm happier than ever being skinny

A MOTHER has revealed that she lost over eight stone whilst using Mounjaro, but has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Not only this, but Kelsey, the mum from Glasgow, has constantly found herself on the loo and has been battling with feeling severely hungover, despite not having a drop of alcohol. Advertisement 4 A mother has opened up on her Mounjaro weight loss and her battle with diarrhoea and exhaustion Credit: 4 Kelsey also clapped back at those who accuse her of "cheating" her weight loss Credit: 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The content creator, who has lost 8 stone 13lbs since August 2024, got candid on the unfortunate fat jab side effects, but despite this, claimed that she is 'happier than ever' being slim. Posting on social media, alongside a picture of Kelsey shortly after giving birth to her baby, she confirmed that as a result of taking But just seconds later, the brunette beauty showed off her newly slimmed down frame as she wore a cropped co-ord, held up a drink and beamed: 'I'll forever cheers to 'cheating'.' Eager to clap back at those who hail Advertisement Read more on fat jabs 'You don't know the pain of battling a body that felt like it was working against me because of Not only this, but Kelsey also claimed that prior to using She then claimed that she is 'not 'stealing' from anyone', and instead, is 'reclaiming' her health and 'showing up' for herself in a way she never thought she could. Now, Kelsey claimed that her ' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Not only this, but she stressed that Mounjaro 'changed' her life and now she feels 'happier than ever.' Sun GP Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' Advertisement I have been up since 5:30am feeling sick, really, really sick - back and forward to the toilet Kelsey In The mother explained that she had initially been 'so lucky' when it came to experiencing She admitted: 'Oh my goodness, I feel severely hungover, I feel like I've got the worst hangover. Advertisement 'I feel so, so tired. I have been up since 5:30am feeling sick, really, really sick - back and forward to the toilet.' Kelsey explained that not only has she been dealing with Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. According to Advertisement The pros also acknowledged that diarrhoea, as well as stomach pain, are just two of the 'most common side effects of Mounjaro'. Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Despite her side effects, social media users were stunned by Kelsey's incredible weight loss and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Oh my you look incredible!!' Advertisement What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Another added: 'Wow!! Incredible transformation.' Meanwhile, a third commented: 'You're stunning!' Fatal consequences In addition to diarrhoea and stomach cramps, those debating whether to begin using The injections are licensed for patients with Advertisement 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Advertisement Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club

I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit – I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald
I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit – I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit – I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald

A WOMAN who went on Mounjaro to lose weight has been forced to quit after suffering horrendous hair loss. Carrie initially took to TikTok to bemoan how much her hair has thinned out since starting on the fat jabs, as she said: "No one tells you this, but if you're thinking about going on Mounjaro think again. Advertisement 7 Carrie's hair was long and luscious before she started on Mounjaro Credit: tiktok@outdoordisputes/ 7 She started losing hair in her second month on the fat jabs - when she was on 5mg Credit: tiktok@outdoordisputes/ 7 And by her fourth month, when she'd moved up to 7.5mg, her hair loss was at its worst Credit: tiktok@outdoordisputes/ 7 And she made the decision to quit after the hair loss became too much to bear Credit: tiktok@outdoordisputes/ "Because you have to choose between your hair and your weight." "Just because I don't suit being bald. I tried that TikTok filter and it's just not..." "Chubby with hair," she captioned her video. Advertisement And the comments section was immediately filled with people weighing in, with many agreeing with Carrie. "Mounjaro left me with 3 strands of hair!!" one wrote. "I've been on it 3 months and I've been taking vitamins from the doctors," another added. "I've still got really bad hair loss, I'm hoping it gets better." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "I said this!!!! I said my hair is thin and not growing anymore!" a third admitted. "I lost almost half my hair, I started taking collagen and bought expensive ish shampoo and conditioner," someone else wrote. Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin "Barely lose hair now!" "I hear you girl, I lost so much hair. But now I'm skinny and trying to grow it back," another added. Advertisement However, others accused her of "scaremongering", with one insisting they'd lost five stone and "not one hair". "Not true. I have lost 140lb and I have LOADS of hair - ungodly amounts," another added. "Stop spreading misinformation!" someone else commented. "Not only do I work in the pharmaceutical industry but I'm on Mounjaro. Advertisement Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. "Any kind of weight loss can make your hair go into Telogen phase (the resting and shedding stage of the hair growth cycle). "It's only temporary not permanent and taking vitamins will help!" Carrie further opened up about her hair loss to Fabulous Online, as she said it began in her second month of being on Mounjaro, when she was on a dose strength of 5mg. Advertisement And when she moved up to 7.5mg in her fourth month, she saw the most hair loss. "I have come off it and hoping my hair grows back but I would never take it again," she sighed. "I've always had good hair, nails and gums. "It affected all three of those near enough instantaneously." Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Not only that but Carrie "only fluctuated by a few pounds the whole time" she was on it. "I'm not the only one by far that this has happened to, thousands of women agree with me," she said, adding: "But I understand the treatment works for some." 7 She's now unable to wear her hair up Credit: tiktok@outdoordisputes/ 7 As she's so self-conscious about the bald patches in her hair Credit: tiktok@outdoordisputes/ Advertisement 7 Carrie even said she didn't lose much weight on the Mounjaro jabs anyway Credit: Alamy

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