Tragically, a woman in Australia has died after taking a weight loss drug ahead of her daughter’s wedding. Trish Webster, 56, had been prescribed Ozempic, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes but also FDA-approved for chronic weight management. After seeing the drug advertised on TV, Webster got a prescription from her doctor in a desperate attempt to lose weight before the upcoming wedding.
Despite experiencing sickness and diarrhoea, Webster continued to use the drug, determined to shed a few pounds for her daughter’s big day. After three months of taking Ozempic, she allegedly switched to a different weight loss drug called Saxenda for another two months. In total, she lost 35 pounds, but her weight loss came at a terrible cost.
Webster’s husband, Roy, reported that the side effects from the drug made her seriously ill, causing constant vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea. Tragically, on January 16th, Webster collapsed at home and died. Her death certificate listed the cause of death as an ‘acute gastrointestinal illness.’ Her husband is convinced that the drugs she was taking led to the tragedy.
Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, released a statement expressing condolences for Webster’s passing but emphasized that they do not support Ozempic specifically for weight loss. They also stated that gastrointestinal events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class of drugs, including Ozempic.
The company recommended that patients take these medications for their approved indications under the supervision of a healthcare professional. They assured that they are continuously monitoring the safety profile of their products and collaborating closely with authorities to ensure patient safety.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks involved in taking prescription medications for off-label uses. It also highlights the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.