Alisha Trafford, a 25-year-old from Hull, East Yorkshire, experienced severe and life-altering health complications after taking the weight-loss medication Mounjaro. Initially thrilled by the drug's effectiveness in helping her lose weight and manage symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Ms Trafford now deeply regrets her decision, stating the medication "destroyed" one of her vital organs.

Ms Trafford began taking the fat jabs in February of this year. Just three months later, in May, she was diagnosed with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, a crucial organ for digestion and hormone release. Doctors concluded that Mounjaro was the only plausible cause for her condition. She described the pain as "agonising" and her body as "exhausted," leading to a two-stone weight loss during her hospital stay due to inability to eat.

Tragically, Ms Trafford developed a rare complication known as pancreatic necrosis, where the pancreas loses its blood supply, causing some of the organ tissue to die. This condition carries severe risks, including infection, sepsis, and organ failure, which can be fatal. Her ordeal began when she started using her second Mounjaro pen, experiencing excruciating abdominal pain that rapidly intensified. She was hospitalized after continuous vomiting and pain she likened to a heart attack, where she received her pancreatitis diagnosis.

Despite being discharged after a week, Ms Trafford was readmitted within 48 hours and diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis. She endured multiple hospital admissions between May and August. Her consultant was reportedly astonished by her ability to speak, stating he had never seen so many pancreatitis admissions in such close succession and that her age was likely the only reason she wasn't in a medically induced coma. Ms Trafford was hospitalized again on December 6th and has been informed she will remain at risk of pancreatic issues for the rest of her life, a consequence that has "completely put her life on hold."

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Trafford recalled how Mounjaro, for which she paid £135 per prefilled injection pen from an online pharmacy, initially seemed like a "magic drug." She lost three-and-a-half stone in three months, and her PCOS symptoms improved, making her feel "healthy" and "independent." However, armed with hindsight, she deeply regrets taking the jab. She now has chronic pancreatitis and a healing pancreas, expressing heartbreak that her desire for a better life led to constant health risks. She warns others taking Mounjaro to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any pain or feel unwell, emphasizing it's "not worth ignoring."

Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (known officially as tirzepatide), addressed patient safety concerns, stating it is their top priority. Their Patient Information Leaflet lists inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) as an uncommon side effect, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. They also advise patients with a history of pancreatitis to consult their doctor before using the drug. Lilly encourages patients to discuss any side effects with their healthcare professionals and to ensure they are using genuine Lilly medicine.

Studies have suggested a potential link between Mounjaro and an increased risk of pancreatitis, though conclusive evidence on who is at increased risk and why the drug triggers it is still lacking. One theory posits that Mounjaro increases levels of certain pancreatic enzymes, which may then cause them to attempt to digest the pancreas itself. Mounjaro, often dubbed the "King Kong" of weight loss drugs and classed as a GLP-1 agonist, works by signaling the body to produce more insulin, reducing liver glucose production, and slowing digestion. It is set to be offered to approximately 220,000 people over the next three years under new NHS prescribing rules, having previously been available privately and in specialist NHS clinics, helping patients shed significant body weight.