Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

What Is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?

Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®) is a once-weekly injectable medication used for the management of overweight and obesity in adults who meet clinical eligibility criteria.It is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. 

These gut hormones regulate appetite, satiety and blood glucose levels.Tirzepatide supports weight reduction by:

• Reducing appetite
• Increasing feelings of fullness
• Slowing gastric emptying
• Supporting metabolic regulation

It is licensed for use in adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with weight-related comorbidities, when used alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is determined following clinical assessment.Treatment may be appropriate for adults with:

• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²
  or
• BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related condition (e.g. hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea)

Treatment is not offered for cosmetic weight loss. Final eligibility is based on comprehensive clinical review.

How Tirzepatide Is Taken

Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.The dosing schedule follows gradual escalation to support tolerability:

• 2.5 mg weekly (initial dose)
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg (maximum dose)

Dose increases occur at intervals of at least 4 weeks and only where clinically appropriate.Escalation depends on tolerability and clinical response.

Expected Outcomes

Weight loss varies between individuals.Clinical trials have demonstrated significant average weight reduction when tirzepatide is combined with lifestyle modification.Treatment response depends on:

• Adherence
• Dose achieved
• Lifestyle factors
• Baseline BMI
• Individual metabolic response

Weight loss is typically gradual over months rather than immediate.Treatment is reviewed regularly to assess effectiveness and ongoing suitability.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal and occur most commonly during dose escalation:

• Nausea
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Indigestion

Symptoms are usually mild to moderate and often improve over time.Dose escalation will not proceed if tolerability is poor.

Serious or Urgent Symptoms

Patients should seek urgent medical assessment if they experience:

• Severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration
• Sudden visual changes
• Symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease

RE Medical Services is not an emergency provider.

When Treatment May Not Be Suitable

Tirzepatide may not be appropriate in individuals with:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Previous severe hypersensitivity to tirzepatide
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Caution is required in individuals with:

• History of pancreatitis
• Severe gastrointestinal disease
• Significant eating disorders
• Severe renal impairment

Final suitability is determined through clinical assessment.

Surgery & Acute Illness

If you are scheduled for surgery requiring general anaesthesia or sedation, tirzepatide may need to be temporarily stopped.

You must inform your surgical team that you are using a GLP-1/GIP medication.

If you experience acute illness with reduced oral intake, vomiting or dehydration, treatment may be paused.

Alcohol & Driving

There is no direct prohibition on alcohol; however, alcohol may:

• Worsen gastrointestinal side effects
• Increase dehydration risk
• Affect blood sugar levels

Tirzepatide is not known to impair driving. However, if you experience dizziness, weakness or visual disturbance, you should not drive.

Pregnancy & Contraception

Tirzepatide must not be used during pregnancy.Effective contraception is required during treatment and for at least 1 month after discontinuation.

Oral contraception may be less effective during dose escalation due to delayed gastric emptying. 

Additional contraceptive measures may be advised.

Ongoing Monitoring

Safe prescribing requires:

• Initial video assessment
• Mandatory 3–4 weekly follow-up
• Review of weight response
• Assessment of tolerability
• Confirmation of ongoing eligibility

Treatment may be paused or discontinued if:

• Side effects are significant
• Weight response is insufficient
• Risks outweigh benefits

Regulatory & Governance Standards

Tirzepatide prescribing at RE Medical Services Ltd is:

• Conducted by Independent Prescribers
• CQC regulated
• Aligned with licensed indications
• Supported by structured clinical governance

GP communication is required prior to prescribing.

Pricing (Private Prescription)

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is supplied via private prescription following clinical assessment and confirmation of eligibility.

Current medication pricing:

• 2.5 mg – £184
• 5 mg – £200
• 7.5 mg – £256
• 10 mg – £280
• 12.5 mg – £298
• 15 mg – £315

A delivery charge applies in addition to the medication cost.

Dose increases are not automatic and occur only where clinically appropriate following review.

Consultation fees and ongoing monitoring costs are outlined separately.

Prices are subject to change based on pharmacy supply and market conditions.

Information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace individual clinical assessment.