Weight Loss Injections (tirzepatide / Mounjaro) – initiation in primary care
You may be aware that the NHS England and NICE have approved the use of the weight management medication tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in primary care. However, this will be implemented as a phased roll out, starting with those people most at risk from weight-related complications.
Initially, this medication will only be available to people with a BMI over 40 and 4 other health problems from the following list: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. These criteria have been set by NHS England and apply nationally, so we do not have any scope to prescribe this medication for weight loss outside of these criteria.
We have approximately 120 patients across the 8 sites of MVMG who fit these criteria.
Prescribing tirzepatide requires careful assessment, regular titration of the dose and monthly follow ups. In order to do this safely and effectively, we will be directly contacting those patients who are eligible for this medication to invite them onto the programme. If you meet the eligibility criteria, please wait to be contacted by our team. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, we are not able to prescribe this medication for weight loss to you at this time.
More information from our local ICB can be found here:
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) use for weight loss Frequently Asked Questions for Patients - BNSSG ICB