Weight Loss Medication: Latest Update
NHS England and NICE have approved the use of Tirzepatide, which you may also know as Mounjaro® or ‘the weight loss drug’, from primary care.
Tirzepatide represents a new therapy for weight management, but requires structured implementation, appropriate monitoring, and clarity around responsibilities. GPs should only engage in prescribing where clinically appropriate and safely resourced to do so.
Practice Position at this stage:
Prescribing medications that necessitate wraparound care, requires substantial resources and capabilities to ensure safe, effective, and person-centred treatment.
Primary care prescribing of Tirzepatide demands structured implementation: patient selection, baseline assessments (height, weight, comorbidities, labs), dose titration, adverse‐effect monitoring, nutrition and behavioural support.
At this stage we believe that we are not appropriately resourced to prescribe and monitor Tirzepatide safely in the community. However, we are in contact with BLMK, seeking what additional resources and training is needed prior to safely implement the programme.
Once more details are confirmed, all eligible patients will be contacted directly.
Please do not schedule an appointment or call to inquire about your eligibility.
This notice will be updated as soon as further information becomes available.
Private supply
More patients are now seeking to have weight loss injections prescribed privately. We are unable to discuss eligibility or suitability with you, and it is the responsibility of the private prescriber to discuss this with you. Please do not book an appointment to discuss this. Ensure you let the practice know if you are receiving these injections, so we can make note to ensure we are not prescribing medications that could interfere or cause problems with the injections.
Please see attached below the latest ‘Weight Management Service for Adults Policy’ from BLMK.