Introduction to Mounjaro
Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide, is a weekly injection that was originally licensed to treat type-2 diabetes but is now also prescribed to help people with obesity lose weight. The drug works by making you feel fuller, so you eat less. In clinical studies, people who used it lost 20% of their body weight.
Availability of Mounjaro
Recipes for Mounjaro will be available from today from GP operations in England, but only for those who meet very strict criteria. According to NHS England, the long-term plan is that the jabs will still be available, but a staggered approach is required to achieve the most if necessary, to manage the workload of GPs and NHS resources. Some GP practices already warn patients who do not meet the criteria that they should not book appointments to discuss the jabs at the moment.
Eligibility Criteria
The first group of patients who will be able to get the jab from their family doctor or a community clinic will be those in need. These are people with a BMI of 40 or more (or 37.5 if they are from an ethnic minority background) and four out of five of the following conditions: type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea. People will also be offered "wrap-around" support, including help with exercise and a healthy diet.
Access to Mounjaro
It is unlikely that all patients who want Mounjaro and meet the criteria will be prescribed immediately. The commercial association for large pharmacies says that although the medication is likely to "change the life of millions", it is unlikely that the planned GP determination will be sufficient to meet the demand for patients. Weight loss services are relatively new in healthcare, and some GPs and other healthcare employees need training to offer them safely and appropriately.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Mounjaro requires monthly examinations for patients in the first months of taking it, which makes this a labor-intensive process for doctors. Operations will also examine their capacity to ensure the changing of the diaper, which is required in addition to the injection. There will also be those who cannot take Mounjaro at the moment, such as women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. People who have had certain diseases, such as pancreatitis or certain thyroid tumors, should not take the medication.
Other Options
Mounjaro has been available in specialist NHS weight loss clinics since March. Wegovy, also known as Semaglutide, is another weight loss injection that works in a similar way. Certain groups of people can be prescribed under the care of specialist NHS weight loss management clinics. Both medications can also be bought privately.
Future Availability
Around 220,000 people will be eligible for Mounjaro in the next three years. The current plan suggests that it can be available in phases: June 2026 for people with a BMI of 35-39.9 who have four out of five conditions, and April 2027 for people with a BMI of 40 who have only three out of five conditions. The Health Watchdog will then review the rollout and decide whether it is the right time to offer it to more people with obesity.
Availability in Other Parts of the UK
Mounjaro is available from specialist weight management services in the NHS in Wales. The Welsh government is considering other arrangements, including inclusion in primary care. In Northern Ireland, a new regional obesity management service will be introduced in the next few years, which may include access to lifestyle support and obesity medication. In Scotland, very few people are currently prescribed medication for weight loss on the NHS, and health authorities make decisions about which medications are available in their areas.
