Young Mother Nearly Dies After Accidentally Overdosing on Weight-Loss Drug Sent as Promotional Item from Instagram Company

A 26-year-old mother, Leigh-Anne Lagden, had a terrifying near-death experience after accidentally injecting herself with five times the recommended dose of a weight-loss drug provided by a company promoting itself on Instagram. Lagden, from Newcastle, England, shared with The Daily Mail that she received a month’s supply of the prescription drug in June after following the brand on social media.

Lagden explained that she initially took what she believed to be the “recommended” dose of 0.5ml, but soon experienced severe side effects. “I started vomiting blood and was rushed to the hospital twice,” she told the outlet. She recalled the brand reaching out to her on Instagram after she followed them, sending her the injections for free with the expectation that she would promote their product. The drug came in a liquid solution with a needle that she was expected to mix and administer herself.

When Lagden first reached out to the brand, concerned about her symptoms, she was told that nausea was normal with the treatment. However, her condition quickly worsened, and she experienced four days of continuous vomiting, during which she could not keep down any food or liquids. “After the second day of being sick, my mum called 111, and they told me to go to the hospital straight away,” she recalled.

Once admitted to the hospital, doctors discovered that the black vomit she was expelling was, in fact, blood. “I thought I was going to die,” Lagden said. Medical professionals expressed concern over her dangerously elevated heart rate and abnormal liver readings. “My blood tests were off the charts,” she shared, adding that doctors explained she had likely “overdosed” on the medication, which was supposed to be taken in smaller doses of 0.1ml.

After a harrowing recovery involving multiple IV drips, Lagden has struggled with ongoing health issues, including difficulties eating. Despite her recovery, she decided to cut ties with the brand, which showed no remorse when she contacted them about her experience. “I’d never take these again,” she said, adding that she has since focused on natural weight-loss methods through diet and exercise. “I think that’s why I’ve lost so much weight now, as I’ve been walking everywhere.”

When reached for comment, Meta — Instagram’s parent company — clarified its policies regarding potentially harmful weight-loss products. Meta informed The Daily Mail that it prohibits the sale of pharmaceutical drugs on Instagram and Facebook, adding that any content related to weight-loss products or cosmetic procedures is restricted for users under 18.

Lagden’s story serves as a cautionary tale for those approached by companies offering free products through social media, especially when the products involve self-administration and lack clear instructions from qualified professionals. Her experience underscores the risks associated with unregulated promotional health products and highlights the need for tighter restrictions on companies marketing such items online.