Government issues serious sexual health warning for Mounjaro users as weight loss drug set to be available on NHS

The government issued a serious warning relating to sexual health for Mounjaro users.

And tomorrow (23 June), the weight loss medication is set to begin its roll out on the NHS. Until now, the drug has only been available for this kind of treatment on a private prescription in the UK.

Typically designed for Type-2 diabetes, the injectable has become more commonly used for to help aid weight loss, like the similar drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.

Used in combination with a healthy, reduced food intake and exercise, Mounjaro can have huge health benefits for those eligible. But the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a serious warning earlier this month for women who are or want to be using the drug.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is set to be rolled out on the NHS. (Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

Licensed for use in the UK as a weight loss treatment (and soon available on the NHS), the drug contains tirzepatide.

This mimics the actions of the GLP-1 and GIP hormones typically released by the body after eating. Mounjaro then is able to make people feel fuller for longer and reduce their appetite.

While the drug is going to be available on the NHS for weight loss, it’s said that only up to 220,000 people may be offered it over the next three years.

Oliver Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, stated: “NHS provision won’t meet demand straight away.

“In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed. We expect that many people will continue seeking it privately.”

Women are warned to consider their contraception. (Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

What is the warning from officials?

A release from the MHRA specifically addressed women using Mounjaro, in relation to contraception and pregnancy.

It warned: “These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.”

Regarding contraception, it reminded woman to use ‘effective contraception’ while taking Mounjaro.

However, it explained that the drug may ‘reduce the effectiveness’ or oral contraception (the pill) in those who are overweight.

There are a number of forms of contraception - including those with penises wearing a condom. (Getty Stock)

What is the advice for Mounjaro users?

So, the MHRA says those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and using oral contraception should also use a non-oral form of contraception. Other effective forms of contraception include implants, IUD, combined injectable birth control and your sexual partner wearing a condom.

Remember, it's always best to seek professional advice when finding what works best for you.

It adds: “This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase.”

This advice is also laid out in the patient leaflets provided with the medicine.

The MHRA also adds: “You should only take GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.

What has the manufacturer said about the warning?

Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, said in a statement: "Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority, and we actively engage in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety information for all our medicines. The Summary of Product Characteristics for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) explains that tirzepatide 'has the potential to impact the rate of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medicinal products' and that the impact 'is most pronounced at the time of tirzepatide treatment initiation.'"

The Patient Information Leaflet pregnancy section includes: “This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as the effects of this medicine on an unborn child are not known. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. It is recommended to use contraception while using this medicine. If you are a woman with obesity or overweight and are using oral contraceptives, you should consider also using a barrier method of contraception (e.g., a condom) or switching to a non-oral contraceptive method for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after each increase in dose.”