UPDATE: A mother from Greater Manchester has tragically died after receiving an illegal weight-loss injection, prompting her daughters to urgently call for action against the black market sale of unregulated drugs. Karen McGonigal, aged 53, succumbed just days after allegedly receiving a dose of semaglutide at a local beauty salon for £20 ($26.63).
The devastating incident occurred in May, with her daughters, Ffion and Abbie McGonigal, expressing their heartache and urging others to avoid unlicensed weight-loss treatments. In an emotional interview with ITV News, Ffion stated, “If this saves another person, we’ve done enough.” The family believes that widespread illegal sales are endangering lives, as campaigners from Save Face report an alarming rise in such incidents over the past year.
Karen’s family is grappling with her loss, particularly as Ffion recently discovered she’s pregnant with her first child, Karen’s fifth grandchild. “It’s horrific…the day-to-day routine has affected me,” Ffion said. This tragic story underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations against illegal drug sales, as health officials confirm that unauthorized sellers can face up to two years in prison.
Karen’s journey began when she experienced mental health struggles and sought help for her weight loss. After being denied a prescription for Mounjaro due to NHS guidelines, she turned to the black market. Friends informed her about the salon where the injections were offered, leading to a series of visits that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Four days after her last injection, Karen experienced severe stomach pains and struggled to breathe. Ffion recalled calling an ambulance as her mother’s condition worsened. Tragically, after two days in intensive care, Karen’s family was told there was nothing more doctors could do. “We were around her, kissing and hugging her,” Abbie recounted, reflecting on their final moments together.
Authorities are now investigating her death, with one person arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Meanwhile, Ashton Collins from Save Face warns that people are “playing the lottery” with their lives by opting for unregulated weight-loss injections. These products are often sold by individuals lacking medical qualifications, leading to increased risks for users.
In response to this tragedy, health officials, including the MHRA’s Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, emphasize the dangers of purchasing medications from illegal sources. “Buying any medicine from illegal online suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving falsified or unlicensed products,” said Andy Morling.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also expressed his condolences and reaffirmed the need for public awareness regarding the dangers of black market drugs. “My heart goes out to Karen’s family after such a shocking and avoidable loss,” he stated, urging the public to seek medical advice only from regulated providers.
The McGonigal sisters continue to share their story, hoping to prevent others from experiencing similar heartache. “The outcome is devastating… it’s really not worth it,” Abbie warned, as they aim to spread awareness about the perils of counterfeit weight-loss treatments.
As the investigation unfolds, the family awaits further test results while raising their voices against the illicit drug trade. This urgent call to action serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the realm of unregulated health products.
