How to Access Mounjaro Through the NHS：2025 Latest Guide
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new type of injectable treatment developed for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, studied for weight management. It has generated significant attention in the UK following approvals in both the US and Europe. In September 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued guidance recommending tirzepatide for certain patients in the NHS system.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that acts as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
It improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It supports weight loss by reducing appetite and improving metabolic function.
It has been positioned as a next-generation alternative to GLP-1 treatments such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy).
NHS Approval Status
According to NICE Guidance TA1026 (September 2024), Mounjaro is recommended in England for managing type 2 diabetes in adults when:
The patient has an inadequate response to other glucose-lowering treatments such as metformin.
A GLP-1 receptor agonist would otherwise be considered appropriate.
BMI and other clinical criteria are met.
NHS rollout timelines vary between trusts, but prescribing is expected to expand gradually through 2025.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Mounjaro?
Eligibility criteria for Mounjaro under the NHS typically include:
Adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Patients who have tried standard first-line medications without sufficient effect.
A BMI usually above 30 (or above 27 in some cases where other conditions apply).
Suitability determined by a GP or diabetes specialist.
Mounjaro is not currently approved on the NHS solely for weight management without diabetes, though research is ongoing and further NICE evaluations are expected in 2025.
How to Get a Prescription on the NHS
Patients interested in Mounjaro should follow these steps:
Consult a GP – Discuss current diabetes management and whether Mounjaro is suitable.
Specialist referral – Many patients will be referred to a diabetes clinic or endocrinologist.
Eligibility assessment – BMI, HbA1c levels, and prior treatment history are reviewed.
Prescription & initiation – If approved, the NHS will supply Mounjaro on prescription, often starting with a lower dose before titration.
Private Access Options
If NHS access is not available in a particular area, Mounjaro can sometimes be prescribed privately:
| Option | Typical Availability | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Private GP or clinic | Selected UK cities | Cost of consultation and medication |
| Online pharmacy (registered in UK) | Nationwide | Requires valid private prescription |
| Overseas purchase (regulated) | Limited | Risk of non-approved supply chains |
Patients should always ensure prescriptions come from registered UK medical providers and pharmacies to maintain safety.
Application Steps
The application for Mounjaro through the NHS is not a formal written process but follows a clinical pathway. Here is how patients can expect it to unfold:
Initial GP Appointment – The GP reviews medical history, previous treatments, and discusses eligibility.
Diagnostic Review – Blood tests and BMI calculations confirm whether criteria are met.
Specialist Referral – If necessary, the patient is referred to an endocrinologist or diabetes clinic.
Treatment Recommendation – The specialist decides if Mounjaro is appropriate under NICE guidelines.
Prescription and Monitoring – The patient starts on the lowest available dose, with regular follow-ups for dose adjustment and side effect monitoring.
Key Takeaways
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved by NICE for use in adults with type 2 diabetes under certain conditions.
NHS access is expanding but may not yet be available in every region.
Eligibility is determined by BMI, treatment history, and clinical need.
Private access is possible but involves additional costs.
Alternatives such as semaglutide and dulaglutide remain widely available through the NHS.
Conclusion
Mounjaro represents one of the most significant new treatments for type 2 diabetes and weight-related health issues in the UK. While NHS rollout is ongoing, patients can discuss eligibility with their GP, consider private access when appropriate, and continue benefiting from other established medications until access broadens nationwide.