Mother Dies After Injecting Black Market Weight-Loss Drug

URGENT UPDATE: A mother of three, Karen McGonigal, tragically died after injecting herself with a black market weight-loss drug, sending shockwaves through her community in Salford, Greater Manchester. Her daughters are now calling for immediate action against the illegal sale of unlicensed weight-loss medications.

The heart-wrenching incident occurred just days after the 53-year-old was allegedly administered a dose of semaglutide, a weight-loss drug, for only $26. Her daughters, Ffion and Abbie, described their mother as having the “biggest heart” and are urging others to avoid purchasing shady weight-loss shots that could lead to devastating consequences.

In an exclusive interview with ITV News, the family became the first in the U.K. to publicly discuss a death linked to counterfeit weight-loss injections. The campaign group Save Face revealed a concerning rise in illegal weight-loss injections being sold online, with reports increasing alarmingly over the past year.

Karen’s death in May 2023 has left her family reeling, particularly as her daughter Ffion recently learned she is pregnant with her first child—something Karen will never see. “I’m devastated and heartbroken that she’s not here to meet my baby,” Ffion stated, highlighting the profound emotional impact of this tragedy.

Before her death, Karen was struggling with mental health issues and felt pressure to lose weight after her long-term relationship ended. Despite seeking help from her doctor, she was unable to obtain the necessary prescriptions due to strict NHS guidelines. Friends directed her to a local beauty salon that allegedly offered these injections, which Karen believed were legitimate.

On several occasions, she received the injections in a back room, with no medical oversight. Just four days after her last injection, she experienced severe stomach pains and struggled to breathe. Ffion recalls the panic of seeing her mother’s face turn purple before calling for an ambulance. Tragically, Karen was pronounced brain dead two days later.

Authorities have arrested one individual on suspicion of manslaughter and another for supplying a controlled substance. The investigation into the illegal distribution of these dangerous drugs continues.

Ashton Collins from Save Face emphasized the dire need for customers to be aware of the risks associated with these unregulated products. “Purchasing drugs from illegal sources is like playing the lottery with your life,” Collins warned, urging the public to consult regulated healthcare professionals before considering weight-loss treatments.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stated that buying medication from illegal online suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving counterfeit or unlicensed products. MHRA Deputy Director Andy Morling expressed condolences to Karen’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal drug sales.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting also commented on the tragedy, stating, “My heart goes out to Karen’s family after such a shocking and avoidable loss.” He emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice from regulated healthcare providers before using weight-loss medications.

Five months after their mother’s untimely death, Ffion and Abbie McGonigal are speaking out to warn others about the dangers of counterfeit weight-loss drugs. “If this saves another person,” Abbie said, “then we’ve done enough.” They are determined to prevent others from suffering the same fate as their beloved mother.

As the investigation unfolds, the sisters continue to advocate for stricter regulations to combat the illegal sale of unlicensed weight-loss medications. They hope their story will serve as a cautionary tale for others contemplating similar dangerous options.

Stay tuned for further developments on this tragic story. Follow The Mirror US on Google News for the latest news updates.