Weight Loss Medications and NHS prescribing

Posted by: benkay - Posted on:

As many people are aware, there is increasing use of the newer weight loss medications known as GLP-1 agonists.

Many patients are obtaining these privately through providers such as Boots, Superdrug and other online retailers and then requesting we take over prescribing of these medications once they have proven effective due to the costs involved.

As an NHS practice we must adhere to the prescribing indicators in the area – which is currently NOT to prescribe on the NHS.

In summary:

  • Critically we cannot prescribe Saxenda or Wegovy as these are restricted to prescribing in secondary care by a specialist MDT tier 3 weight management service
  • Mounjaro and the other GLP1s for managing overweight and obesity is non-formulary while NICE appraisal for this indication is in development (expected 30.10.2024)

We await the NICE guidelines in development and will update our prescribing practice in due course but for now – PLEASE DO NOT ASK US TO PRESCRIBE THESE MEDICATIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS