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

Article Summary:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, helping control blood sugar and reduce appetite.
• You need a prescription from a healthcare professional.
• Mounjaro is available from MedExpress without any in-person appointment or subscription. Your consultation is free and 100% online.

What is Mounjaro?

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.

Many popular weight loss medications like Wegovy belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor 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 contains tirzepatide, a medication that mimics two 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 a once-weekly injection, Mounjaro has been shown in clinical trials to help people lose an average of 21% of their body weight over time, while also supporting better management of obesity-related health concerns. [1]You can read our in-depth guide to Mounjaro or read on to learn about the availability of Mounjaro now, as well as eligibility and the costs you might expect to pay.

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

• Nausea (up to 33.3%)
• Diarrhoea (up to 23.0%)
• Constipation (up to 17.1%)
• Vomiting (up to 12.2%)
• Indigestion (up to 11.3%)

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

It's essential to monitor any side effects and consult your clinical team if they persist or worsen.

Is Mounjaro Available Without a Prescription?

The short answer is no. 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 concerns 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.

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost per Month?

At MedExpress, Mounjaro costs just £179.99 for the first four weeks, starting at the lowest dose of 2.5 mg. That price includes your consultation, prescription, and ongoing clinical support.

Starting Weight Loss Treatment

Weight loss injections need to be prescribed by a healthcare professional who assesses whether these medications are suitable for you. Find out what treatment is suitable for you on our website.

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. [cited 2024 Mar 12]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-dose-mounjaro-kwikpen-approved-by-mhra-for-diabetes-and-weight-management