Accessing Mounjaro in Ireland

All medical information is reviewed by our clinical partners at MedicOnline.

Dr. Jahan Khan, CMO @ MedicOnline. IMC 409788

How to access Mounjaro in Ireland?

One of the biggest questions we receive from patient is "how to access Mounjaro in Ireland?", so we've put together this no-nonsense blog post to break it down for you. This guide explains what Mounjaro is, how it is prescribed in Ireland, and the correct, safe process for seeking treatment.

Mounjaro® has brought a new and significant development to the field of weight management in Ireland. As a newer medication, there is a great deal of interest, but also a need for clear, accurate information. Mounjaro is the brand name for the active drug Tirzepatide. It represents the very latest in medical advancements for weight management.

What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and How Is It Different?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication. While it is in the same "family" as other weight loss injections, it is the first of a new class.

It is a dual-agonist, meaning it mimics two different gut hormones:

1. GLP-1: This is the same hormone that drugs like Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Saxenda® (liraglutide) target. It slows digestion and signals fullness to the brain.

2. GIP: This is a second hormone that also regulates appetite and how the body handles sugar and fat.By acting on both these pathways, Tirzepatide has been shown in clinical trials to be highly effective for weight management.

Is Mounjaro Licensed and Available in Ireland?

Yes. Mounjaro is licensed by both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) for two separate indications:

1. For the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.

2. For chronic weight management (obesity or overweight with related health issues).Its availability for weight management has been a major step forward, offering a new clinical option for doctors and patients.

The Process: How to Get a Prescription for Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a powerful, prescription-only medication. It cannot be legally or safely purchased over the internet without a valid prescription from an IMC-registered doctor.

There are two main pathways to get this prescription:

1. Your Local GP

You can always start by having a conversation with your GP. They know your medical history and can discuss your suitability for this or other treatments.

2. A Specialist Weight Management Service

Given this is a highly specialised area of medicine, many patients in Ireland now turn to dedicated, doctor-led services. These clinics or telehealth platforms are often focused exclusively on a holistic approach to weight management.

Am I Eligible? Medical Criteria for Mounjaro

A doctor can't prescribe Mounjaro to anyone who asks for it. Your eligibility is determined by strict, official clinical guidelines to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.

A doctor can't prescribe Mounjaro to anyone who asks for it. Your eligibility is determined by strict, official clinical guidelines to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.

The criteria for prescribing Mounjaro for weight management are:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more (which is the clinical definition of obesity).

• OR a BMI of 27 kg/m² to < 30$ kg/m² (defined as overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea).

A doctor must also conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you have no contraindications - medical reasons you should not take the drug. These include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a history of pancreatitis. This is why a full health review with a doctor is essential.

What Is the Cost of Mounjaro? Is It on the Medical Card?

This is a key consideration. In Ireland, when prescribed for weight management, Mounjaro is not typical currently covered by the HSE, the Medical Card, or the Drug Payment Scheme.

This means the treatment is normally only available privately. Patients are responsible for the cost of their private prescription (paid to the pharmacy) and the cost of the medical programme that provides the necessary clinical support and guidance.

Why a Full Programme is Recommended

The best outcomes are not seen from just a prescription. Medical guidelines recommend that these medications, when used, should be part of a comprehensive programme.

Medication can be a powerful tool to support you, in the right circumstances. It works best when combined with a holistic programme that includes:

• Expert Medical Supervision: From an IMC-registered doctor to manage your dosage, monitor your progress, and ensure your safety.

• Nutritional Guidance: To help you manage potential side effects and learn new eating habits for long-term health.

• Lifestyle Support: Focusing on physical activity to protect muscle mass, and on behavioural strategies to build a new, sustainable lifestyle.

The best outcomes are not seen from just a prescription. Medical guidelines recommend that these medications, when used, should be part of a comprehensive programme.

This combined approach is designed to help you achieve the best results, and, just as importantly, to give you the skills to maintain your health in the long term.

Our secure online platform allows you to submit your detailed medical history for review at your convenience. This system allows an IMC-registered doctor to assess your eligibility in a timely manner.

This efficiency does not compromise safety. Our 'quality-first' approach means every assessment is reviewed personally by a specialist, IMC-registered doctor. Your full medical history is checked against the strict clinical criteria and contraindications before any medication is ever considered. This commitment to clinical quality is the foundation of our service.