You may have seen recent news coverage about safety concerns surrounding weight-loss medications like Mounjaro. We understand this may raise questions, and we want to be open with you about what the reports actually mean and how we keep patient safety at the heart of everything we do at Carlton Lane Pharmacy.
What the News Reports Say
Recent figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show that over 158,000 adverse reactions and more than 200 suspected deaths have been reported in connection with weight-loss jabs. For Mounjaro specifically, 106,189 adverse reactions and 120 deaths have been reported to the Yellow Card Scheme.
It is vital to understand what this data does not mean. The MHRA has been clear that these reports do not necessarily mean the medicine caused the death or reaction – only that the reporter had a suspicion it may have been involved. As the MHRA spokesperson explained: “It is important to place these reports in the context of the millions of GLP-1 prescriptions issued in the UK. Reporting volumes can be influenced by increased use, greater awareness of a potential adverse reaction and other factors”. On the basis of current evidence, the MHRA states that “the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists outweigh the potential risks when used in line with their authorised uses”.
What Eli Lilly Says
The manufacturer of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, has issued a clear response. The company states that “patient safety is Lilly’s top priority” and that they “actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines”.
Lilly has also been vocal about a specific safety risk that does not apply to our service: counterfeit and compounded versions. The company has warned about “potential safety risks” linked to “knock-off” versions of tirzepatide, particularly those mixed with untested additives like vitamin B12. Their testing revealed “significant levels of an impurity” created when tirzepatide is combined with B12 – an impurity with unknown short- or long-term effects in humans. Lilly concluded that mass compounding of these untested combinations represents an “unacceptable risk for patients”.
Importantly, Lilly does not endorse the off-label use of Mounjaro for cosmetic weight loss. The company emphasises that tirzepatide should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional and supplied by registered pharmacies.
Our Commitment at Carlton Lane Pharmacy
At Carlton Lane Pharmacy, we take these safety concerns extremely seriously. Here is how we ensure your safety when you use our weight-loss service:
- We only supply genuine, regulated Mounjaro – We never use compounded, counterfeit, or unlicensed versions. Every supply is fulfilled with the authentic medicine from Eli Lilly.
- We follow strict clinical guidelines – Our pharmacists assess your height, weight, BMI, and overall medical history before any prescription is issued. We do not rely on quick questionnaires or shortcuts.
- We conduct proper consultations – We ensure full clinical checks are in place. We do not prescribe without understanding your complete health picture, including any underlying conditions or medications that could interact.
- We monitor and report – We advise all patients on what side effects to watch for and encourage reporting any concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, just as Lilly recommends.
- We are a regulated pharmacy – Unlike unregulated clinics where unsafe prescribing has occurred, we operate under the full oversight of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and adhere to the highest professional standards.
A Final Word
Weight-loss medications like Mounjaro represent a significant medical advance for people living with obesity – a serious health condition. When prescribed responsibly, with proper clinical oversight, and using genuine medication, the benefits can be life-changing.
If you have any concerns about Mounjaro or our weight-loss service, please speak to us. We are here to listen, to explain, and to ensure you have all the information you need to make safe, informed decisions about your health.
Your safety is our priority – just as it is Lilly’s.
Carlton Lane Pharmacy – Caring for our community, safely and responsibly.