Mounjaro, also called tirzepatide, has been dubbed the “King Kong” of weight-loss jabs. It is seen as more effective than similar drugs like Ozempic.
Who can get it on the NHS
NICE has ruled that 3.4 million adults are eligible for Mounjaro. It is recommended for people with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related illness.
Why access will be limited
NICE says it will be rolled out to over 200,000 people in three years. But NHS capacity means only 220,000 patients will receive it in that time. NICE has also agreed to give the NHS more than a decade to fully introduce it.
The drug costs £122 a month. Regulators say it should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. It will be available within 90 days of final guidance on December 23.
Side effects doctors want you to know
There are growing concerns about misleading claims on safety. Reports include severe stomach problems, such as stomach paralysis and gallbladder issues.
US doctor Ethan Melillo told his 450,000-plus TikTok followers that pancreatitis is a “rare but serious side effect.” He warned patients to report “pain in your stomach that radiates to your back,” so doctors can discuss stopping the drug.
A UK death case
The MHRA has received reports of 10 deaths linked to weight-loss jabs, plus 7,228 reports of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It notes reports do not prove cause.
Susan McGowan, 58, a nurse from Lanarkshire, died on September 4 after two low-dose injections over two weeks. Her death certificate listed tirzepatide as a contributing factor. Her niece Jade told the BBC Susan was “healthy” and “wasn’t on any other medication.”