Phase one of the NHS' Mounjaro rollout is set to take place next week across England, Wales and Northern Island.
Although patients in England have been able to get Mounjaro through NHS specialist weight management clinics, more may soon be able to get Mounjaro through their local GP.
However, having a BMI of between 35-39.9 and at least four other health conditions is part of the strict criteria and GPs across the country have issued a warning. Also, the eligible health conditions include 'Type-2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea,' according to the Oxford Online Pharmacy.
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But before taking the drug, it's important to know exactly what it is and what side effects are to be expected.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, commonly known as tirzepatide, is a prescription medication designed for patients with Type-2 diabetes in England.
When injected, the drug lowers blood sugar levels and reduces appetites, making you feel full for longer.
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That's why in the UK, it is also prescribed as a weight-loss drug for individuals who may be able to get it through their GP from next Monday (23 June).
How is Mounjaro different to Ozempic?
While both drugs pretty much do the same thing, Mounjaro is approved for weight loss in the UK, whereas Ozempic is only approved in our ends for people with Type-2 diabetes.
Ozempic's manufacturer Novo Nordisk told LADbible that Ozempic is a 'prescription only medicine and requires a healthcare professional to prescribe under strict supervision'.
Now, semaglutide, which is the chemical present in Ozempic, is officially licensed for weight loss under the name Wegovy. But the difference with Mounjaro is that it contains the tirzepatide chemical instead.
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Dr Babak Ashrafi, an online doctor for ASDA, explained: "Both of these are GLP-1 receptor agonists. But Mounjaro is a dual agonist, which means it mimics 2 hormones (glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1)."
"In addition to GLP-1, Mounjaro contains GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)," he added.
"GIP works slightly differently to GLP-1. It works to regulate blood sugar and fat metabolism by helping your body release insulin after you eat, targeting the metabolism."
What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
According to Diabetes UK, the side effects include:
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• Feeling sick
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Risk of low blood sugar
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• Risk of high blood sugar
What have GPs warned about the NHS Mounjaro rollout?
The big caveat with the phased rollout is that the NHS said only up to 220,000 people could be offered Mounjaro over the next three years.
As reported by The Sun, GPs have said that they won't be able to prescribe it to all patients, despite the high demand.
“We do not prescribe weight loss jabs so please do not ask,” said the Crayford Town Surgery in Kent.
“Once we are able to prescribe, they will be offered to those with the highest medical need only,” added Fairhill Medical Practice in Kingston, South West London.
LADbible Group has contacted the NHS and Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, for comment.
Anish Vij