A tragic case in Cork has raised serious concerns over the potential dangers of the weight-loss drug Ozempic after an inquest found that Breeda O’Donoghue, 66, died of total organ failure just three months after starting the medication.

Her sudden decline, which began after she increased her Ozempic dose in line with her prescription, led to severe vomiting that ultimately disrupted her blood pH balance, resulting in multi-organ failure. Pathologist Dr. Margot Bolster has now recommended that the case be referred to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

What Happened to Breeda O’Donoghue?

Breeda O’Donoghue, a mother-of-two and grandmother, was prescribed Ozempic, a drug primarily used for treating Type 2 diabetes but now commonly prescribed as a weight-loss treatment.

According to the inquest, Breeda followed medical instructions carefully and increased her Ozempic dosage in accordance with her prescription. However, once she did so, she began experiencing “profound vomiting,” a symptom that quickly led to dangerous levels of dehydration and metabolic imbalance.

Her condition worsened rapidly, and despite medical intervention, she passed away from total organ failure.

Pathologist’s Findings: A Call for Investigation

Dr. Margot Bolster, the pathologist who conducted the post-mortem, determined that Breeda’s death was directly linked to the severe side effects of Ozempic.

She explained that the intense vomiting severely affected Breeda’s blood pH levels, which led to a cascade of medical complications, ultimately shutting down multiple organs.

Given the gravity of the case, Dr. Bolster has recommended that the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) investigate the risks associated with Ozempic.

“This case raises significant concerns about the safety of Ozempic for weight loss, particularly in how it affects metabolic stability in certain patients.”

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication developed for Type 2 diabetes, helping to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production. However, in recent years, it has gained widespread popularity as a weight-loss drug, with many patients using it to suppress appetite and shed pounds rapidly.

While some have reported significant success in weight management, others have suffered extreme side effects, including severe nausea, dehydration, and even organ failure, as seen in Breeda’s case.

Severe Side Effects Linked to Ozempic

The most common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Dehydration
• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
• Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
• Electrolyte imbalances

However, Breeda’s case highlights a much more serious and potentially fatal risk—organ failure triggered by metabolic imbalance.

Warnings About Ozempic Use

As Ozempic use grows, medical experts are now warning that the drug may not be safe for everyone.

Dr. Paul O’Leary, an endocrinologist, stated:

“Ozempic is an incredibly effective drug, but it must be prescribed with extreme caution. Patients who experience severe vomiting or other metabolic symptoms must stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention.”

He emphasized that weight-loss patients may be particularly vulnerable as their bodies react differently to the drug compared to Type 2 diabetics, for whom Ozempic was originally intended.

Should Ozempic Be Investigated?

Following Breeda O’Donoghue’s death, medical professionals and regulators are calling for further investigation into Ozempic’s long-term safety.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is expected to review the case and determine whether additional warnings or restrictions should be placed on Ozempic prescriptions in Ireland.

Consumer safety advocates are urging better education for doctors and patients about the potential risks of using Ozempic for weight loss purposes.

Public Reaction to the Tragic Case

Breeda O’Donoghue’s death has shaken the community, with her family and friends now speaking out about the hidden dangers of Ozempic.

A close family member stated:

“She did everything right. She followed the prescription exactly as instructed, and yet it still killed her. People need to know the risks.”

Many people who have used Ozempic for weight loss have taken to social media to share their concerns, with some reporting similar extreme side effects.

One user posted:

“I was on Ozempic for a month and had to stop. The nausea was unbearable, and I started getting dizzy spells. I had no idea it could be this dangerous.”

The Need for Greater Awareness and Regulation

While Ozempic has helped many achieve weight loss and diabetes control, the tragic death of Breeda O’Donoghue underscores the need for serious caution.

Healthcare professionals are now calling for:

• Stronger patient monitoring when prescribing Ozempic
• More research into its effects on non-diabetic patients
• Mandatory warnings about potential fatal side effects

Patients who are currently taking Ozempic are urged to consult their doctors if they experience any severe gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, or weakness.

Final Thoughts

The loss of Breeda O’Donoghue has raised serious concerns about the safety of Ozempic, particularly for weight loss patients.

As the HPRA prepares to investigate the case, this tragedy serves as a stark warning that even approved medications can have devastating consequences when not adequately monitored.

For those considering Ozempic for weight loss, the advice from medical professionals is clear:

“Proceed with extreme caution. If side effects become severe, stop immediately and seek medical help.”

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