Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has garnered significant attention as a weight loss treatment in the UK, alongside its role in managing type 2 diabetes.
Here’s a closer look at its latest availability, pricing, and comparisons with other weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy:
NHS Coverage Status
As of November 2024, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available on the NHS primarily for patients with type 2 diabetes. It’s not yet widely approved for weight loss treatment on the NHS. However, a phased rollout might soon be underway, as proposed by NHS England and NICE, which began a consultation in October 2024. The rollout would initially target individuals with a BMI greater than 40 who have additional weight-related health issues such as hypertension or sleep apnea.
UK Availability and Stringent Prescription Criteria
To receive an NHS prescription for Mounjaro for weight loss, patients need to specifically meet certain criteria – type 2 diabetes, in this case. For those without diabetes, private prescriptions are currently required. In terms of geographic availability, Mounjaro can be prescribed in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Recent Developments and Authorisations
Earlier in 2024, the MHRA approved the use of the Mounjaro KwikPen for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30kg/m² or more, and for those with a BMI between 27-30kg/m² who have weight-related health problems. This marks a significant step forward by authorizing broader use cases beyond diabetes management.
Pricing for Mounjaro in the UK
The cost of Mounjaro for weight loss varies based on dosage and purchasing platform.
Here’s a snapshot of the latest pricing here at AJ Hill Aesthetics:
2.5mg Mounjaro: £225
5mg Mounjaro: £225
7.5mg Mounjaro: £235
10mg Mounjaro: £235
12.5mg Mounjaro: £255
15mg Mounjaro: £255
Comparison with Wegovy and Ozempic
Wegovy (semaglutide): Starting dose is priced at £170 monthly in the UK which could workout to be slightly less expensive than Mounjaro which is £225 for a starting dose. However, Wegovy is often deemed just as effective for weight loss, similar to Mounjaro.
Ozempic (semaglutide): Priced at about £225 monthly for the starting dose making it the same price as Mounjaro.
Financial Assistance Programs and Insurance
While financial assistance programs in the UK aren’t available, in the U.S., many insurance plans cover Mounjaro when prescribed for type 2 diabetes, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs. In contrast, coverage for weight loss treatment using these medications often requires meeting strict health criteria, and individuals must often rely on private prescriptions or specific health programs like those from AJ Hill Aesthetics.
Effectiveness and Side Effects
Clinical trials indicate that Mounjaro could lead to up to a 20.9% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks for patients. Such weight loss outcomes are backed by significant clinical evidence. However, it is essential to consider potential side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues, which were frequently reported.
Conclusion
With its dual-action formula targeting GLP-1 and GIP hormones, Mounjaro is proving to be a potent player in the weight loss arena, rivalling other GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Ozempic.
While more affordable options such as private prescriptions are available, ongoing consultations by NHS England may pave the way for broader NHS coverage in the future. Comparisons in cost with Wegovy and Ozempic highlight Mounjaro's relatively competitive pricing, albeit with variances based on region and specific use cases.
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