Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) – Patient Information
Pear Tree Surgery are governed by NHS England guidance, as well guidance from NHS Coventry & Warwickshire ICB. We are only permitted to prescribe medications in line with the local formulary approved by the ICB.
What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro®, is a novel dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist recommended by NICE TA1026 for managing obesity alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults.
NHS Coventry & Warwickshire ICB Policy as of 23/06/2025
The NHS is beginning a phased rollout of the weight loss medication Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for a limited group of eligible patients. The NHS is rolling out access to this medicine in phases to ensure fair and safe delivery to those most in clinical need and who will benefit the most from the treatment.
However, in Coventry and Warwickshire, this medication is not yet available as an option in managing obesity. We are currently developing a weight management service that will include access to weight loss medications alongside lifestyle support, accessible within the community. This service is expected to launch in autumn 2025.
Until this service is live, GPs cannot prescribe Tirzepatide for managing obesity. Even if you meet the national eligibility criteria, please do not request this medication at GP appointments as you will be contacted if you are eligible.
Can I get weight loss medication from my GP?
No. GPs cannot prescribe Tirzepatide or similar GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in Coventry and Warwickshire at this time. Access to this medication in Coventry and Warwickshire will only be available through our new weight management service once it launches. GPs cannot refer patients into this service yet and cannot begin any NHS treatment plans for weight loss drugs at this time.
Once the new service is live, all referrals and prescribing will be managed through our new weight management service.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro from GPs right now?
According to NHS England, the first group of patients who will be able to get the jab from their GP or a community clinic, will be those most in need.
This is people with:
- a BMI of 40 or over (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background)
- and four out of five of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea
If patients are eligible for the medication, they will be referred to a specialist primary care weight management clinic who will then begin the treatment for the patient. The patient must also engage with a NHS England commissioned wraparound care support package as part of the treatment.
Not eligible?
If you do not meet the criteria for Mounjaro, we can still support you. There are a range of local weight management services available, and our team can help you access them.
Can I access weight loss drugs privately?
Some private clinics may offer weight loss medications such as Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
However, the NHS will not take over prescribing, monitoring, or follow-up for patients who access these drugs privately.
If you choose to use a private provider, you will remain under their care.
Contraceptive Pill
If you’re using tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) and taking the contraceptive pill, you should use an additional method of contraception, such as a condom. This is because your body may not absorb the contraceptive pill while using tirzepatide (Mounjaro®).
Diarrhoea and vomiting can happen when taking GLP-1 agonists and might make the pill less effective. If you vomit within three hours of taking your pill, or have bad diarrhoea for more than a day, follow the guidance for missed pills. If diarrhoea or vomiting continues, think about using a different type of contraception that isn’t a pill, or use condoms as well.
HRT
If you are taking oral progestogen as part of your HRT (for example Utrogestan, Norethisterone, Medroxyprogesterone), then you need to be aware that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may have an impact on the effectiveness of your HRT. This means your HRT might not protect your endometrium (womb lining) enough. Please contact the surgery to book an HRT review, as we may need to increase your dose or change you to a different form of medication.