Do you need a prescription to access Mounjaro?

Over the last few years, weight loss medications have made a splash in the news and on social media.

People have debated the benefits, shared success stories, and Googled endlessly. But how do you even get your hands on these medications, or start your weight loss journey safely?

In this article, we'll explore one of the newer weight loss treatments now available in the UK — Mounjaro. We'll talk you through who can access Mounjaro for weight loss, where to find it, and how to make sure you're getting the most out of your treatment.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro (sometimes known as tirzepatide) is a medication that was originally developed as a diabetes treatment. It works by activating some of your hormones — called GLP-1 and GIP — which help to regulate your insulin and blood sugar levels [1].

Mounjaro is taken as a once-weekly injection, that's injected under the skin (usually near your stomach, upper arm, or thigh).

Most people begin on a starting dose of 2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks and gradually increase to a higher maintenance dose of up to 15 mg — depending on your doctor's recommendation [2].

When Mounjaro was first being used as a diabetic medication, researchers and doctors started to notice another effect it was having: people were experiencing significant weight loss while taking it [3].

Then, in 2023, Mounjaro was FDA-approved for weight loss treatment. This means there was enough scientific evidence for government and health officials to allow Mounjaro to start being prescribed as a weight loss medication [4].

When taken as a weight loss injection, Mounjaro helps target the receptors in the brain that make us feel full. It makes you feel fuller sooner when eating a meal and helps you stay full for longer. People end up losing weight by eating less and needing less food to feel satisfied [4].

Other weight loss drugs work by trying to make you feel physically more full by creating/mimicking that sensation in your stomach.

What makes Mounjaro different is its active ingredient tirzepatide — which works directly on the appetite centre in your brain. This helps reduce food cravings and leads to a much more realistic sense of feeling full [4].

It's important to note that Mounjaro isn't a weight loss quick fix, but something that should be used alongside healthy lifestyle changes.

Data from the above clinical trials suggests that people who used Mounjaro as part of a holistic weight loss programme (meaning they also ate a healthy diet and got regular exercise) lost up to 20% of their body weight [4].

So, how do you access Mounjaro for weight loss in the UK?

Do you need a prescription for Mounjaro?

The short answer is yes, Mounjaro is a prescription medication, so you'll need to check in with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting treatment. This helps make sure Mounjaro is the right medication for you, as well as making sure you're aware of any potential side effects [5].

Before they prescribe Mounjaro, a doctor will check in with you regarding your medical history. They'll assess things like:

• Whether you have a family history of thyroid cancer or have had it yourself (Mounjaro may cause thyroid tumours, so it's important to know this)
• If you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• If you have any other medical conditions or take any medications/supplements that might interfere with Mounjaro
• If you're pregnant/breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant [6].

By having a proper health assessment before starting Mounjaro, you can get the most out of your weight loss treatment.

A doctor or healthcare professional can also help you figure out your initial body weight, and work with you to set some healthy, achievable weight loss goals [1].

Are there any side effects?

All medications come with a risk of side effects, and it's important to consider these before starting any new medication.

Some side effects can be mild, and some more serious, so it's important to know what to look out for. Having said that, just because a side effect is listed, doesn't mean you'll experience it!

Some of the more common side effects of Mounjaro can include [6]:

• Feeling sick and/or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Stomach or abdominal pain

More serious side effects can include [5]:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Severe stomach problems
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney problems
• Severe allergic reactions
• Vision changes

If you notice any side effects that bother you or aren't going away, it's important to check in with your doctor. They can adjust your Mounjaro dosage if needed, or give you advice on how to manage the side effects.

If you notice any of the more serious side effects listed, you should seek immediate medical attention.

How can you get a Mounjaro prescription?

You can get a Mounjaro prescription by speaking to your pharmacist or through an online programme, like our Weight Reset Programme, and all it takes is a few easy steps:

• Complete a brief initial quiz
• Get matched with an online prescriber for a digital consultation and talk through any questions or concerns you may have
• Receive your medication directly at your door and join the Juniper app to unlock your personalised programme and receive ongoing support from Juniper health coaches, dietitians, nutritionists, and other specialists

Sound easy? That's because it is!

Can anyone get a Mounjaro prescription?

To get a prescription for Mounjaro in the UK, you have to meet the right criteria. This helps doctors, scientists, and the government regulate the safety of the medication [2].

Currently, Mounjaro is only available as a weight loss medication for people who:

• Are living with obesity and have a body mass index (BMI) score of 30 or more
• Have a BMI score of 27-30, but also have another weight-related medical condition [2].

These health conditions could include pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, or high cholesterol [2].

Mounjaro is only prescribed for adults aged 18 and over. People who don't meet the above criteria might need to discuss alternative weight loss treatments with their GP or healthcare professional [2].

Is it safe to buy Mounjaro online?

Unfortunately, as soon as something gains a lot of attention in the media, counterfeit and off-label versions seem to pop up everywhere. Weight loss injections included.

Because of the high demand for weight loss drugs at the moment, fake versions of Mounjaro are circulating much more often. The Mounjaro product manufacturers addressed safety concerns by looking into these off-label drugs, with concerning results [7].

These versions were found to be unsterile, containing bacteria, or a completely different drug altogether — all of which are super dangerous to put into your body [7].

Therefore, you should only be buying Mounjaro from a registered provider or prescriber. Your purchase should involve the health assessment we mentioned earlier — and Mounjaro should only be used for genuine weight management, not on a whim [7].

In particular, you should never inject Mounjaro if the packaging says 'research purposes only' or 'not for human consumption'. Always check your medication to make sure it looks legitimate [7].

Or, want to save yourself the worry and hassle? Juniper's team is fully accredited and legally certified, and we only source our medications from trusted providers. To learn more, check out our credentials here.

How much does Mounjaro cost?

The amount you pay for your treatments will depend on where you buy Mounjaro from, and other eligibility factors. In our Weight Reset Programme, a month's supply of your treatment can cost from £209.

At the moment, Mounjaro is only included in the NHS if it's being used for diabetes management, not purely to aid weight loss [8]. Although Mounjaro isn't currently available on the NHS for weight loss, the government and NICE are currently reviewing this as an option.

Similarly, health insurance doesn't cover Mounjaro in the UK yet. Other countries, such as the USA already have health insurance coverage for Mounjaro, so we'll keep you posted if this changes.

Can you get any weight loss medications over the counter?

You've probably walked into a pharmacy and seen a barrage of over-the-counter medications and supplements, all claiming to help lose weight and reduce appetite.

The truth is, there's only one FDA-approved weight loss drug available to buy over the counter [9].

This medication is called Alli and is a low-dose version of a medication called Orlistat. Though it can help get your weight loss journey started, it's not the most effective weight loss drug on the market, so it might not be the best choice for those who have a lot of weight to lose [9].

We'd always recommend speaking to a health professional before starting any kind of new weight loss regimen.

And remember — if you've been working hard at eating a balanced diet and exercising, but still not seeing results, it's okay to ask for help.

The right medication and support can make a world of difference — just check our testimonials!