A 62-year-old man with type 1 diabetes has been hospitalized following a severe adverse reaction to a weight loss injection, which significantly accelerated his metabolism.
Emergency room physicians identified that the patient was experiencing symptoms indicative of an overactive thyroid. These included sudden palpitations, elevated body temperature, and tremors in his hands.
Diagnostic imaging revealed that the patient developed atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. Additionally, he was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis, a critical hypermetabolic state caused by an excessive release of thyroid hormones.
The patient, who had been struggling with obesity, lost over five stone in less than six months after beginning treatment with tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro. This weight loss injection became available in the UK in February, with a weekly supply now retailing for approximately £40.
Tirzepatide has shown potential in aiding substantial weight loss, with studies indicating that it can help individuals reduce their body weight by nearly 25% within two years. However, the drug is known for its potential side effects, which include palpitations, excessive sweating, confusion, fever, and hand tremors—all of which were experienced by the hospitalized man.
The patient initially received a weekly dose of 2.5mg of tirzepatide, which he later increased to 10mg per week. According to medical professionals, “Atrial fibrillation was induced by thyrotoxicosis resulting from rapid weight loss due to tirzepatide.”
The medical team advises close monitoring of individuals undergoing tirzepatide therapy, recommending assessments every four to six weeks to evaluate the response to the drug, identify adverse effects, and adjust dosages of any concurrent medications as necessary.
