Alisha Trafford, 25, from Hull, started Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in February 2025 to lose weight and manage painful PCOS symptoms. She ordered the medication for £135 from an online pharmacy. In three months, she lost three-and-a-half stone, hailing it as a 'magic' drug that transformed her life.
Initial Success with Mounjaro
Alisha struggled with weight since her teenage years and tried various methods without lasting success. Mounjaro not only aided weight loss but also improved her PCOS symptoms.
"It was probably the best thing I ever did at the time because everything started to change," Alisha said. "It was quite nice, really, seeing everything start to clear up and feeling like you had a magic drug."
Sudden Onset of Severe Pain
Problems began with her second pen. Alisha experienced abdominal pain she initially dismissed. On May 28, 2025, the pain intensified dramatically.
She left work early, then called an ambulance within six hours due to continuous vomiting and chest-like agony. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed pancreatitis, reportedly caused by Mounjaro.
Key Symptoms Alisha Experienced
- Intense abdominal pain
- Continuous vomiting
- Exhaustion and inability to eat
- Pain resembling a heart attack
Progression to Pancreatic Necrosis
After a week-long hospital stay with fluids and painkillers, Alisha was discharged. She was readmitted after 48 hours and diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis, where pancreas tissue dies due to lost blood supply.
Alisha stopped Mounjaro after the first admission. She endured multiple hospitalizations from May to August 2025, losing two stone in hospital from inability to eat.
Her consultant was stunned by her stability, noting her youth prevented a medically induced coma. "He'd never seen so many admissions for pancreatitis so closely together," Alisha recalled.
Lifelong Risks and Regret
Alisha faced another pancreatitis episode on December 6, 2025. She now has chronic pancreatitis, with her pancreas still healing, and remains at lifelong risk.
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"My life has completely been put on hold," she said. "If I knew this was what my life was going to be like then I never would have taken it."
Once independent and planning her future, Alisha now warns others: "Don't ignore any pain. If something doesn't feel right, get it checked." She pursues natural weight loss methods.
Lilly's Statement on Mounjaro Safety
A Lilly spokesperson emphasized: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority."
The Mounjaro Patient Information Leaflet lists acute pancreatitis as an uncommon side effect (up to 1 in 100 people). It advises consulting a doctor before use if pancreatitis history exists.
Patients should report side effects and ensure genuine Lilly medicine. Apps like Shotlee can help track GLP-1 doses and symptoms for better monitoring.
What is Pancreatic Necrosis?
According to the NHS, pancreatitis involves short-term pancreas inflammation. Pancreatic necrosis is a severe complication where the pancreas loses blood supply, causing tissue death.
This can lead to infection, sepsis, organ failure, and death if untreated.
Alisha's case highlights the importance of awareness for those using GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro for weight management or PCOS.