Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. This means you cannot buy it over the counter — you need a valid prescription from a registered prescriber. Eligibility criteria vary between pharmacies, but most follow broadly similar guidelines based on BMI and medical history.
The majority of UK private pharmacies prescribe Mounjaro to adults with a BMI of 27 or above. Some pharmacies set a higher threshold of 30+. NHS prescribing follows NICE guidance which requires a BMI of 35+ with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
| Route | Minimum BMI | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Most private pharmacies | 27+ | None (varies) |
| Some private pharmacies | 30+ | None (varies) |
| NHS (England) | 35+ | At least one weight-related comorbidity |
| NHS (certain ethnic groups) | 32.5+ | At least one weight-related comorbidity |
Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone. Your prescriber will assess your full medical history before issuing a prescription. Common contraindications include:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g. gastroparesis)
- History of pancreatitis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe renal impairment
- Known hypersensitivity to tirzepatide
This is not a complete list of contraindications. Always complete a full medical consultation with a registered prescriber before starting Mounjaro.