Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes and weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Whilst NHS access is available through specialist services following NICE guidance, many patients seek private prescriptions for faster access. Curely, a UK-regulated online healthcare service, offers private Mounjaro prescriptions following clinical assessment by registered prescribers. Understanding the costs, eligibility criteria, and differences between NHS and private routes is essential for making informed decisions about accessing this dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist safely and appropriately.

What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and, more recently, for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and belongs to a novel class of medications known as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

The mechanism of action of Mounjaro involves mimicking two naturally occurring incretin hormones that play crucial roles in glucose regulation and appetite control. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppresses glucagon release when blood glucose is elevated, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. This dual action results in improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes and significant weight loss in those using it for obesity management.

Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, particularly during dose escalation. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Hypoglycaemia may occur, especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas; dose reductions of these medications may be needed to reduce this risk.

Mounjaro is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or diabetic retinopathy (particularly if on insulin). Tirzepatide may reduce the exposure to oral contraceptives, so additional barrier contraception is advised for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation. Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.

If a dose is missed, it should be administered within 4 days of the scheduled dose; if more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

Patients should report any suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app).

NHS Availability vs Private Prescriptions for Mounjaro

Access to Mounjaro on the NHS is subject to specific eligibility criteria established by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). For type 2 diabetes, NICE has recommended tirzepatide as an option for adults with inadequately controlled diabetes, typically after other treatments have been tried. Following a NICE Technology Appraisal, there is a legal funding direction requiring NHS organisations to make the treatment available within specified timelines.

For weight management, NICE guidance recommends tirzepatide for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or more (or 30 kg/m² or more with at least one weight-related comorbidity), with lower thresholds for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean family backgrounds. Treatment must be provided as part of a specialist weight management service and is typically limited to a maximum of 2 years. Despite the funding direction, access may still be limited by local service capacity and national supply constraints.

Many individuals are turning to private prescriptions to access Mounjaro more quickly. Private healthcare providers, including regulated online services, can prescribe Mounjaro to eligible patients following a thorough clinical assessment. Private prescribers must adhere to the UK marketing authorisation and professional guidance; any off-label prescribing requires clear justification and informed consent.

Key considerations when choosing between NHS and private access include:

• Cost: NHS prescriptions are subject to standard prescription charges (currently £9.90 per item in England, free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), whereas private prescriptions involve significantly higher costs.

• Waiting times: NHS pathways may involve waits for specialist appointments, while private services often provide consultations more quickly.

• Eligibility: All prescribers must adhere to MHRA licensing and safe prescribing standards, though service availability may differ.

Patients should discuss their options with their GP or a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and safe route for accessing Mounjaro, particularly in light of ongoing supply constraints affecting GLP-1 receptor agonists in the UK.

How to Access Mounjaro Through Curely's Online Service

Curely is a UK-based regulated online healthcare service that provides private consultations and prescriptions for a range of conditions, including weight management and type 2 diabetes. Accessing Mounjaro through Curely involves a clinically governed process designed to ensure patient safety and appropriate prescribing.

The first step is to complete an online medical questionnaire on the Curely platform. This comprehensive assessment gathers information about your medical history, current medications, allergies, weight management goals or diabetes control, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, contraception use, and any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy, or severe gastrointestinal conditions. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information, as this forms the basis of the clinical decision-making process.

Once submitted, your questionnaire is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber—either a GP or an independent prescribing pharmacist. The clinician will assess your suitability for Mounjaro based on current licensing, clinical guidelines, and your individual health profile. This includes evaluating your BMI (with appropriate ethnicity-based adjustments if applicable), weight-related comorbidities, HbA1c levels if diabetic, and any contraindications or cautions.

If deemed appropriate, the prescriber will issue a private prescription for Mounjaro. The medication is then dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy and delivered to your home address. Curely's service includes ongoing clinical support, with follow-up consultations to monitor your progress, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed.

Important practical information:

• Mounjaro should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) before first use. After first use, the pen may be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 21 days.

• You will receive guidance on injection technique, rotation of injection sites, and proper disposal of used pens in a sharps container.

• If you are taking insulin or sulfonylureas, your prescriber may advise reducing these doses to minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• With your consent, Curely can share information about your treatment with your NHS GP to ensure continuity of care.

Curely's model offers convenience while maintaining clinical standards, making it an option for those seeking private access to Mounjaro. All prescribing is conducted in accordance with UK regulations and professional standards.

Mounjaro Cost Through Curely: Pricing and Payment Options

The cost of Mounjaro through Curely's private service includes both the medication itself and the clinical consultation and ongoing support. As of 2025, private Mounjaro prescriptions in the UK typically range from £150 to £250 per month, though prices may vary depending on the dose prescribed and current supply availability. Curely's pricing includes the consultation fee, prescription, and home delivery.

Mounjaro is available in several dose strengths—2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg—administered once weekly. Treatment usually begins at the lowest dose (2.5 mg) and is gradually increased every four weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects and optimise efficacy. Higher doses may cost more than lower doses, and patients should request specific pricing information for their prescribed regimen.

Payment options through Curely include:

• One-off payment: Patients can pay for each month's supply individually, providing flexibility to pause or discontinue treatment if needed.

• Subscription plans: Some online providers offer monthly subscription models that may include automatic prescription renewals.

• Consultation fees: Initial consultations are typically included in the first month's cost, with follow-up reviews either included or charged separately.

It is important to note that private prescriptions for Mounjaro are not reimbursed by the NHS, and patients are responsible for the full cost. Most private health insurance policies in the UK do not currently cover Mounjaro, though this varies by insurer and policy type. Patients should check directly with their insurance provider regarding potential coverage.

Financial considerations:

• For weight management, NICE guidance typically limits NHS-funded treatment to a maximum of 2 years within specialist services. Private treatment duration should be discussed with your prescriber.

• For type 2 diabetes, treatment may continue long-term if clinically beneficial.

• Discontinuation should be done under medical supervision, as stopping abruptly may lead to weight regain or worsening glycaemic control in diabetic patients.

• Patients experiencing financial difficulty should discuss alternative options with their GP, including other licensed weight management or diabetes medications.

Curely provides upfront pricing information, and patients can contact their support team for detailed cost breakdowns and payment queries. Always ensure that any online service you use is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and employs UK-registered healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions