UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mounjaro users attempt “fifth dose” amid shortages, raising safety concerns as pharmacists and experts warn against potential health risks.
As reported by The Independent, experts warned against extracting extra doses from prescribed syringes.
The drug maker Eli Lilly warned that Kwickpen syringes, used for four weekly doses, must be disposed of after the prescribed injections.
How are users risking safety to take a ‘golden dose’ of Mounjaro?
Experts issued warnings after some users attempted a risky “fifth dose” from leftover Mounjaro liquid, also known as the “golden dose.”
Ahead of next month’s cost increase and amid tight stock, UK users are taking risky measures with the drug, ignoring repeated warnings from pharmacies.
Across social media, users are sharing experiences and questions about the “golden dose,” with YouTube providing step-by-step guides, and eBay sellers in the UK supplying the necessary plungers.
What did Olivier Picard say about the risks of the ‘golden dose’?
Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said he was “very concerned,” warning the method is “completely inappropriate” and potentially dangerous.
He revealed stories of users employing pliers to obtain the medication.
Mr Picard said,
“You’ve got the danger of adding plastic or even glass, and then not knowing the exact measurement of the drug – people doing this just can’t be sure what they are getting.”
He stated,
“There is no such thing as a golden dose, it is not part of the prescribed medication and any attempt to get it is completely inappropriate.”
The NPA head said,
“I recognise the concern people are having, but they should speak to a pharmacist, and not seek guidance on social media groups.”
Mr Picard, a pharmacy owner, said UK licensing does not cover the practice, and it may void insurance for the medication.
What did Asda say about the risks of taking the “fifth dose”?
A pharmacy, Asda, warned that taking a “fifth dose” could disrupt prescriptions and interfere with the treatment plan. This may trigger side effects in users.
It warned that overdosing could cause sickness, constipation, or diarrhoea.
What did The Family Chemist warn about using leftover Mounjaro doses?
The Family Chemist online pharmacy said,
“While that extra liquid leftover may seem like an extra opportunity, it should never be used. Unmeasured, and unsafe, this extra dose can lead to dangerous side effects.”
It added,
“Stick to the prescribed doses and dispose of the pen safely when you’re finished.”
How are UK Mounjaro users reacting to price hikes and shortages?
The drugmaker, Eli Lilly, suspended supply to UK wholesalers as prices are set to increase on 1 September.
Costs of a month’s supply of Mounjaro are set to rise from £122 to £330, sparking a surge in demand as users stockpile and major pharmacies restrict sales.
Superdrug ran out of Mounjaro on Thursday as users continued stockpiling. A firm cited “extremely high demand” for the shortage, saying new orders will be accepted from next week.
Online forums and social media have been discussing the “golden dose” this week. One user said,
“Might need to take the golden dose, just due to waiting for my next delivery.”
What did Eli Lilly say about the Mounjaro KwikPen and “golden dose”?
A spokesperson for Eli Lilly said,
“The Mounjaro KwikPen is designed to deliver a fixed volume of Mounjaro solution at each dose.”
They stated,
“The KwikPen contains sufficient solution to allow for the necessary priming before each injection and the delivery of a total of 4 doses.”
They added,
“Medication will remain in the KwikPen cartridge following the delivery of the four fixed doses, however, an additional complete dose cannot be dialled. The KwikPen must be discarded after four doses or 30 days after first use.”
Key facts about Mounjaro users in the UK
Most Mounjaro users are women in their 40s and 50s, with an average age of 50.2. Around 90% access the drug through private prescriptions, while only 10% receive it via the NHS.
Approximately 500,000 people in the UK use Mounjaro. Users typically lose an average of 15.3 pounds in six weeks, with clinical trials showing 15–22.5% body weight loss over 72 weeks.