Mounjaro funding on NHS

[kentishmaid1234]

Hi

I started on mounjaro through the NHS in August 2024, due to a HBa1c of 95 and a high BMI. Initially on 2.5 then onto 5 after 4 weeks where I have remained. I’ve lost about 4 stone and my last HBA1c was 33 in January. However, since the start of this year the effects of the medication are wearing off, I’m having higher blood glucose readings, like 7/8, and I’m basically hungry like I used to be so it’s a real struggle to just maintain my current weight loss. I tried to get an increase to 7.5mg but the practice nurse point blank refused to increase beyond 5mg due to my HBA1c from January. Debating just abandoning the NHS prescription all together and funding privately. Has anyone else faced this issue at all?

 

[Deleted member 596235]

Here in Australia, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is supplied as a
single-use vial that is used once a week, ideally on the same
day each week.

When you first start using Mounjaro, the starting dose is
2.5mg once a week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks your dose
will be increased to 5mg once a week.

Your doctor may choose to increase your dose by 2.5mg every
4 weeks to achieve a dose of 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg or 15mg
once a week if needed. The maximum dose is 15mg once weekly.

Also, in Australia, practise nurses are not medically qualified in
order to initially write prescriptions and/or adjust your current
medications without the express approval of the prescribing doctor.

I've noticed in the past here that people talk about "practise nurses"
prescribing drugs and/or adjusting dosages in the UK, or in your
case "point blank refusing" something. I can understand your concern
with this particular scenario, and I'm confused as to why your treating
doctor isn't the person monitoring your medication.

​

 

[kentishmaid1234]

Funny you should say because I was born and grew up in Australia and I know just how bad the NHS is compared to the Australian healthcare system, but just trying to navigate an underfunded and generally poor system in the UK

 

[wobbles]

Funny you should say because I was born and grew up in Australia and I know just how bad the NHS is compared to the Australian healthcare system, but just trying to navigate an underfunded and generally poor system in the UK

Sorry to hear this.

BTW Congrats on the weight loss and HBa1C results!

There is so much variability in the process and “rules” in different NHS areas.

I started Mounjaro in Feb 2025 and am currently at 7.5mg. I started at 18st and am currently at 17st so my weight loss has been at a much slower rate than yours…

TBH - My advice would be to try and escalate to see a diabetic consultant to discuss your particular situation. I can see the nurses point of view as 33 is an amazing reading and there is concern about what would happen if dose was increased.

At the same time you don’t want to gradually put the weight back on…

Q. If you analyse your recent diet or exercise habits can you identify any patterns or trends?