NICE Update on Tirzepatide
On December 23rd 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released an update regarding Tirzepatide, a new medication for managing obesity in addition to its use in diabetes.
Delayed Availability
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) will start to become available in Newcastle soon.
Specialist Access
Initially, only patients in specialist weight management services will have access to Tirzepatide. It will not be available through GP surgeries immediately whilst awaiting national guidance.
Long-Term Availability
Tirzepatide could take up to 12 years to become fully available to all eligible patients. This will require the development of a new service for primary care and training of healthcare professionals.
Eligible Patients (Spring 2025) – Year 1 – Cohort 1
From Spring 2025, Tirzepatide will start to become available in a phased approach to adults in England. Initially it will be for patients with obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or over, and with 4 or more weight-related health problems. or BMI of 37.5 for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds with 4 or more weight-related health problems. It will only be prescribed alongside commitment to a healthy living support programme, which will help people live healthier through changes in diet and exercise.
What happens next?
As mentioned, the availability of this treatment on the NHS will be phased in gradually, with those that are most likely to benefit from it given access first. Once details of this become available, eligible patients will be contacted. Please do not book an appointment or phone to discuss if you are eligible. This notification will be updated once more 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.
