A 62-year-old man with type 1 diabetes was rushed to hospital after a weight loss jab sent his metabolism into overdrive.
A&E doctors spotted that the man was suffering from an overactive thyroid after he experienced sudden palpitations, a fever and hand tremors.
Hospital scans have revealed that the 62-year-old had developed atrial fibrillation – a condition that causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat.
In addition, he was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis – an acute, life-threatening, hypermetabolic state induced by an excessive release of thyroid hormones.
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The man – who was living with obesity – had lost more than five stone in less than six months after using tirzepatide, otherwise known under the brand name Mounjaro.
The slimming jab, Mounjaro, was made available in the UK in February. Clinics are now selling a week’s supply of the drug for roughly £40.
Prior research has discovered that the weight loss jab can help people living with obesity lose nearly a quarter of their body weight in less than two years.
However, the drug is associated with some harmful side effects, including palpitations, excessive sweating, confusion, fever and hand tremors – all of which were experienced by the man who was hospitalised after using the jabs.
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The unidentified man started on a 2.5mg weekly dose of tirzepatide before upping his dose until he was eventually taking 10mg weekly.
“Atrial fibrillation was triggered by thyrotoxicosis following rapid weight loss from tirzepatide,” said the medics.
They continued: “We recommend evaluating people using tirzepatide closely (every four to six weeks initially) for assessment of therapy response, adverse events, and possible dose adjustment of other concomitant medications.”
