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Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Mounjaro Answered By A Doctor
Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Mounjaro Answered By A Doctor
Get expert insights on the Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPen® from Dr. David Nkamare, where he answers the common questions that you've asked UK Meds about the weight loss treatment.
Your Most Common Questions About Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPen® Answered
UK Meds has gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about Mounjaro from our weight loss patients. Here are the answers to help you better understand the treatment.
When was Mounjaro approved for weight loss in the UK?
Mounjaro was approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) on 8 November 2023 for weight loss and weight management in adults aged 18 and over.
Read the official MHRA announcement.
Is Mounjaro available in the UK with a private prescription?
Yes, since February 2024, Mounjaro has been available in the UK with a private prescription for adults looking to manage weight or treat type 2 diabetes.
Can I get Mounjaro for weight loss on the NHS?
As of October 2024, Mounjaro is not available on the NHS for weight loss. However, NICE is reviewing a potential phased rollout.
For now, Mounjaro is only available on private prescription from providers like UK Meds.
Do Mounjaro pens come with alcohol swabs?
No, alcohol swabs are not included. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the injection site with an alcohol swab before use. These can be purchased separately from a pharmacy or online.
Who makes Mounjaro and what else do they produce?
Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly & Company, a global pharmaceutical firm that also produces medications such as Zepbound (US brand name for tirzepatide weight loss treatment).
Is Mounjaro a GLP-1 medication?
Yes, Mounjaro is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics natural gut hormones to control blood sugar, suppress appetite, and support weight loss. It also targets GIP, another hormone, which may make it more effective than other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy.
Is there a difference between Mounjaro and tirzepatide?
No, Mounjaro is the brand name and tirzepatide is the active ingredient.
Can I use Mounjaro if I have high blood pressure?
Possibly. Your doctor will assess your medical history before prescribing Mounjaro. Some early studies suggest it may help lower blood pressure, but always follow medical advice.
How quickly can I lose weight using Mounjaro?
Clinical trials show that users may lose up to 20% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Results vary depending on your lifestyle, starting weight, and response to treatment.
If you're not seeing progress, there could be other factors that are preventing it.
Can Mounjaro cause fatigue or make you feel tired?
Tiredness isn’t an official side effect, but some people do report feeling fatigued. This may be due to changes in diet, metabolism, or as a symptom of type 2 diabetes.
If it continues, get medical advice.
Does Mounjaro cause erectile dysfunction?
There is no known link between Mounjaro and erectile dysfunction. If you experience ED while using it, speak to your doctor to explore other possible causes.
Can Mounjaro cause hair loss?
Mounjaro doesn’t directly cause hair loss, but rapid weight loss can trigger temporary shedding (telogen effluvium). To reduce this risk:
Get enough protein
Take supplements if needed
Avoid crash dieting
If hair loss persists, speak with your doctor.
Our guide looks at what the evidence says, possible reasons behind hair changes, and what to do if you're affected. Read more about hair loss and Mounjaro.
Why does Mounjaro make me feel tired or low on energy?
Fatigue may occur when you start Mounjaro or increase your dose. It could be linked to lower calorie intake, metabolic changes, or disrupted sleep. If it affects your daily life, speak to a healthcare professional.
Does Mounjaro affect dreams or cause vivid dreaming?
Vivid dreams aren’t officially listed as a side effect, but some users of tirzepatide have reported intense or unusual dreams. If this affects your sleep, talk to your doctor.
Learn more about Mounjaro and dreams.
Can Mounjaro interfere with the contraceptive pill?
Yes, Mounjaro can affect how oral contraceptives are absorbed by slowing gastric emptying. You may need additional contraception.
Find out more about Mounjaro and contraception.
Is Mounjaro licensed to treat PCOS in the UK?
Mounjaro is not licensed in the UK to treat PCOS. However, it may be prescribed off-label for people with PCOS and type 2 diabetes or weight concerns. While it may improve insulin sensitivity and aid weight loss, it is not a direct treatment for PCOS.
Read more on Mounjaro and PCOS.
Important: Always follow your prescriber’s advice. If you’re unsure whether Mounjaro is right for you, speak to a registered healthcare professional.
Taking NAD+ while on Mounjaro?
Many people taking Mounjaro also ask whether NAD+ can help boost energy, support metabolism or reduce fatigue. See if you can safely combine Mounjaro with NAD+.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC Reference no: 7151419
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Blog author
David Nkamare
Dr. David Nkamare is a General Practitioner with expertise in Dermatology, Lifestyle Medicine, and Musculoskeletal Health, delivering patient-centred care across acute and primary settings while also advocating for medical education and evidence-based well-being interventions.
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