Update on Weight Loss injections
In Scotland, weight loss injections can only be prescribed by a private prescriber, or a secondary care specialist, usually a Diabetic Consultant, as part of the management of diabetes. They are not available on prescription from your GP.
Practice position on patients who access these drugs privately
Many patients are currently accessing these drugs privately. The practice cannot safely advise on treatments started and prescribed elsewhere. It is important to remember that there are many reasons why patients should not take these medications and the private company will not have access to your NHS record. Private companies are expected to operate safely and take care to check your medical history thoroughly but it is important to make sure you are dealing with a regulated provider and to provide them with an accurate medical history.
Many companies will write to your GP after prescribing these medications. This does not mean we are checking or confirming your suitability for treatment. We will provide an NHS patient summary for you to collect from reception and you may share this with your private provider to support safe prescribing.
What are weight loss injections?
You may have heard of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the drug Semaglutide. Mounjaro is the brand name for the drug Tirzepatide. This class of drugs are referred to as GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide 1) agonists. Tirzepatide/Mounjaro is both a GLP-1 agonist as well as a GIP (Glucose Dependent Insulinotropic polypeptide) agonist.
Who should not take these drugs?
These drugs are not safe for everyone. Contraindications include pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (which can worsen with these drugs in some cases), pregnancy, breastfeeding, being under 18 years of age, personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or other thyroid issues, personal and family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia or other endocrine issues.
If you are taking oral contraception oral HRT please be aware of the information below.
If you have any concerns about any of the above you should discuss it with your private provider. If an oral HRT dose adjustment is advised, please arrange an HRT review with your GP.
Patients on a prescription of Mounjaro, and taking an OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pill) or HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), please see advice on the attached leaflet:-