Access to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for Weight Management in the Black Country
Black Country ICB are commissioning tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for the management of obesity for an eligible cohort of people who meet the following criteria.
- Age 18+ and have a BMI of 35 or greater (or 32.5 or greater for people from minority ethnic backgrounds)
And have at least four of the five following long-term conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dyslipidaemia
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
This is in line with NHS England’s interim national commissioning guidance for the implementation of NICE TA1026.
If you have previously accessed tirzepatide through a private provider, the NHS may only continue treatment if you meet the current NHS eligibility criteria following an assessment by your GP.
If you do not meet the current eligibility criteria in the Black Country, you will be advised of this. Whilst we recognise this may be disappointing, it's important to note there are other NHS services that can support you. These may include:
- Tier 2 weight management programmes
- Dietitian referrals
- Digital tools and lifestyle coaching
Please be aware if you contact an NHS service with questions about your private tirzepatide prescription, including stopping or tapering off the drug, you be advised to speak with your private provider.
Please note:
Access to tirzepatide will be alongside structured diet, exercise and behavioural support to ensure patients are supported in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
The ICB website has latest FAQs for weight management published by NHS England, which may give you more information.
People living with type 2 diabetes and obesity may also be considered for Tirzepatide if they have already tried at least two other diabetes medications and their blood sugar levels are still not well controlled.
This follows the recommendations set out in the NICE guidance for type 2 diabetes, NG28 Type 2 diabetes: summary of medicines recommendations.
