Mother's Harrowing Ordeal With Weight Loss Injections
A mother of two has issued a stark warning after nearly dying twice following her use of popular weight loss injections, an experience she says has left her preferring to be overweight rather than risk her health again.
The Fatal Combination
Tammy Downing, a 44-year-old pharmacy dispenser from Stourbridge, Dudley, began her weight loss journey in April 2025 as a "last resort" after reaching 16 stone despite regular exercise and diet attempts. She initially found success with Mounjaro, losing four stone while experiencing only minor side effects like nausea.
However, when prices for weight loss injections surged last October, Tammy switched to the more affordable Wegovy alternative. Just two weeks into her weekly 1.7mg dose regimen, disaster struck while she was enjoying a "couple of Bourbon Ginger Beers" with family at home.
Catastrophic Medical Emergency
"I'd only had a couple of shots of bourbon and I had a seizure about half an hour later," Tammy recounted. "During that, I stopped breathing and my brother-in-law had to perform CPR on me for five minutes."
The situation deteriorated further as paramedics rushed her to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. "I was blue-lighted to hospital and needed CPR again because I stopped breathing again while the paramedics were checking me in," she explained. "I don't remember it at all. Only thing I remember is waking up in hospital with a tube down my throat."
Medical professionals later informed Tammy that her brush with death was likely caused by the combination of the GLP-1 drug Wegovy with alcohol, despite extensive testing including ECG, EEG and MRI scans finding no other cause for the seizure.
Further Health Complications
Despite the terrifying experience, Tammy's desperation to lose weight led her back to Mounjaro. This decision resulted in additional severe health consequences. "I was really ill over Christmas and I was back in hospital on Christmas Day because of excruciating stomach pains," she said.
Doctors initially suspected appendicitis but discovered through ultrasound and MRI scans that her gallbladder was the problem. Within a week, Tammy underwent surgery to remove the organ, with medical staff later confirming this was likely a side effect of Mounjaro.
Traumatic Family Impact
The incident has left lasting emotional scars on Tammy's family. Her partner Nicole Mestre, 47, witnessed the entire episode and now suffers from PTSD. "My partner was right next to me in absolute tears," Tammy revealed. "My children were in the house when it happened as well, so it was traumatic for them."
Tammy described waking in hospital completely disoriented: "I felt absolutely terrible when I woke up. I was very, very confused as to why I was in hospital. I couldn't even tell you who the prime minister was or the day of the week."
Expert Guidance and Manufacturer Responses
While there is no strict prohibition against mixing Wegovy with alcohol, medical experts consistently recommend moderation. Superdrug's online doctor advises that combining the two "can make side effects worse, especially at the start of treatment when your body is still getting used to semaglutide."
Dr. Crystal Wyllie, quoted by Asda, emphasizes staying within standard alcohol guidelines of no more than 14 units per week, spread across several days, noting that alcohol "can also increase the chance of unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets."
Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of Wegovy, stated: "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. Like all medications, side effects can occur and vary from patient to patient." They recommend taking medications only under strict healthcare supervision.
Eli Lilly and Company, makers of Mounjaro, highlighted that their patient information leaflet warns about abdominal pain as a very common side effect and gallbladder infection as an uncommon side effect affecting up to one in 100 people.
A Changed Perspective
Tammy has completely stopped using weight loss injections and now focuses on "eating sensibly" and exercise. She maintains her weight loss at just over 12 stone but remains adamant about her changed perspective.
"Just stay away. Don't use them at all," she warns other GLP-1 users. "It's not worth risking your life or losing an organ over it. I know these jabs work for some people but there are so many people saying they've had pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. I don't want people to make the same mistake I did."
Reflecting on her harrowing experience, Tammy concludes: "Now I regret it because not only did I nearly die twice but I've also lost a gallbladder because of it. I'd rather be overweight than use those jabs again."
