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Information for patients about the weight loss drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

Updated 19 June 2025

This information is about how the weight loss drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®) will be prescribed to patients.

The local NHS is aiming for this drug to be available to those eligible later in the year but is paused whilst we set up local clinics for Derby and Derbyshire.

We are working across the local NHS to put in place community-based clinics to meet areas of greatest need.

This is being organised by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) which has the responsibility.

How can I access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

Please do not contact your GP if you think you are eligible as it will not be available in Derby and Derbyshire until later in the year.  

The ICB will publish more information on this page once a service has been set up explaining who can access it and how this can happen.

What is tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®)

 Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro®, mimics gut hormones released by the body after eating, telling the brain you are full and slowing down the time it takes the stomach to empty.

Who can get these injections

There are clear rules about which patients can get tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®) from primary care.

Eligible groups will be phased, the initial priority criteria are as follows:

You must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 plus* and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:

✓ type 2 diabetes

✓ high blood pressure

✓ heart disease

✓ obstructive sleep apnoea

✓ abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

(* We use a lower BMI threshold – usually reduced by 2.5 kg/m2 – for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.)

How will the NHS decide who gets tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

It will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised.

Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will be phased in gradually to make sure primary care services are not overwhelmed and can manage the extra demand safely. 

The local NHS in Derby and Derbyshire is aiming for it to be available to people who are eligible later in the year.

This is being organised by the Integrated Care Board which has the responsibility.

What should I do if I’m worried about my weight?

There are other options for weight management available in Derby and Derbyshire.

If you are concerned about your weight, you can self-refer into these two weight management schemes which provide help and support.

If you live in Derby you can access Livewell: Homepage | Livewell

If you live in Derbyshire you can access: Home – Live Life Better Derbyshire

You do not need to contact your GP to access these services.

ZERO TOLERANCE

The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person's safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient's medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL WE TOLERATE THIS BEHAVIOUR.

• Please be polite and respectful, your GP and practice team are available and working hard to support you, your family and friend’s health and care needs.
  
  
• Visit the local pharmacy for clinical advice on minor health concerns and ask about the Pharm Refer Scheme.

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