British mother Karen McGonigal, 53, reportedly died days after receiving an illegal dose of semaglutide, a weight management jab often prescribed for obesity or overweight adults. The injections were administered at a local beauty salon, according to her daughters and ITV News.
Family Says Injections Were Given in a Back Room Without Proper Prep
Daughters Abbie and Ffion McGonigal told ITV News that their mother visited the salon after learning she could not obtain the medication through the NHS. Texts seen by ITV indicated the jabs were offered for about £20 (roughly $26) each. The daughters described a rapid, unsterile process, with the beautician allegedly stopping other services to administer the shot in a back room.
Clinical Context: Semaglutide Use and Common Side Effects
Semaglutide is a weekly injection used to aid weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight status. Common side effects include nausea and digestive issues. The drug is intended to be used under medical supervision with a prescription.
Progression to Illness and Outcome
Karen reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain and breathing difficulties four days after her last injection, with her face turning purple before an ambulance was called. She spent two days in the ICU, and her life support was eventually withdrawn after clinicians determined there was no chance of recovery.
Legal and Public Health Response
Greater Manchester Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the case: one on charges of administering a noxious substance and manslaughter, and another on charges related to supplying a controlled substance. The MHRA emphasized the dangers of purchasing medicines from illegal online sources and the need to enforce laws to protect public health.
Professional Commentary on Illicit Medicines
MHRA Deputy Director Andy Morling stressed that buying medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving falsified or unlicensed products. The agency noted ongoing collaboration with law enforcement, customs, and online platforms to remove illegal medicines from sale and to disrupt the networks that support them.
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