Is Mounjaro Available In The UK? Everything You Need To Know

There’s been a lot of discussion online about the availability of injectable weight loss treatments in recent months. Among them, you might have heard the name Mounjaro.

Article Summary

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar and reduce appetite.
• Mounjaro requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
• Mounjaro may be available following a free online consultation where UK-regulated clinicians verify your eligibility (including BMI and medical history.

What is Mounjaro?

Many popular weight loss medications, like Wegovy, belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists. These treatments mimic a natural hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release after eating.

Mounjaro works slightly differently. It’s the brand name for tirzepatide, a medication that mimics two gut hormones, GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Together, these hormones help control appetite, improve blood sugar regulation and increase feelings of fullness.

Taken as an injection once a week, Mounjaro has been shown in clinical trials to help people lose an average of 22.5% of their body weight in 72 weeks (1 year, 5 months), while also supporting better management of obesity-related health concerns. [1] It’s most effective as a weight loss treatment when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.

Approval and Availability of Mounjaro in the UK

In the UK, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Who Can Use Mounjaro?

You’re eligible to take Mounjaro if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above, and you may be eligible if you have a BMI of 27 and above in the presence of a weight-related health condition. These related concerns include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Mounjaro isn’t suitable for you if you have:

• Severe kidney or liver problems
• Type 1 diabetes
• A personal or family medical history of thyroid cancers or certain genetic conditions
• An allergy to tirzepatide or any other ingredients
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Mounjaro Side Effects

Side effects are common when using Mounjaro, but tend to improve over time for most people. The most common side effects of tirzepatide, when used for weight loss and weight management, include:

• Nausea (up to 33%)
• Diarrhoea (up to 23%)
• Constipation (up to 17%)
• Vomiting (up to 12%)
• Indigestion (up to 11%)

Other common side effects include: injection site reactions, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating, gas, fatigue, hair loss and increased heart rate.

Side effects like constipation and indigestion can be managed with simple lifestyle changes, like increasing your fibre and water intake. If possible, increasing your physical activity can help manage these side effects and also support your weight loss journey.

It's essential to monitor any side effects and consult your clinical team if they persist or worsen. You can learn more about side effects in your patient information leaflet, which arrives with each pen.

Is Mounjaro Available Without a Prescription?

The short answer is no. Buying Mounjaro in the UK is always subject to a medical consultation, which ensures you meet the clinical criteria for weight loss treatment. This means that, to use Mounjaro, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Before prescribing Mounjaro, our clinical team verifies your identity, BMI and other health conditions you may have to make sure the treatment is right for you. These steps are in place to safeguard you and ensure that you use Mounjaro in the most effective way.

How Do I Get Mounjaro Online?

Mounjaro is available from MedExpress without any in-person appointment or subscription. Your consultation is free and 100% online. This involves answering some simple questions about your health to receive your recommended treatment and free prescription from our UK medical team, if you’re eligible.

Starting Weight Loss Treatment

Weight loss injections need to be prescribed by a healthcare professional who assesses whether these medications are right for you.

Find out what treatment is suitable for you by taking a free online consultation with MedExpress.

References

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3):205–16. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
2. Four-dose Mounjaro “KwikPen” approved by MHRA for diabetes and weight management [Internet]. GOV.UK. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-dose-mounjaro-kwikpen-approved-by-mhra-for-diabetes-and-weight-management