Mounjaro in Edinburgh: The Complete Guide from Bruntsfield Pharmacy

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults who meet specific criteria. At Bruntsfield Pharmacy it comes up in most of our weight management consultations, and people usually arrive with a mix of good information, half-remembered headlines and a few myths.

This is our complete guide. It covers how Mounjaro works, what the trial evidence shows, who can and cannot take it, how the dose schedule runs, what side effects to expect, how NHS and private access compare, and what happens at an appointment with us at 129 Bruntsfield Place. Each major topic also has its own page for anyone who wants more detail, linked as we go.

Mounjaro in Edinburgh at a glance

• What it is: tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection that acts on two gut hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1.
• Licensed for: adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 to under 30 with at least one weight-related condition, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity.
• How it is taken: a pre-filled KwikPen injected under the skin once a week, starting at 2.5 mg and stepped up in stages of at least four weeks.
• What the evidence shows: in the SURMOUNT-1 trial, average weight loss at 72 weeks was between 15.0% and 20.9% across all participants, depending on dose, compared with 3.1% on placebo.
• NHS Scotland: accepted for restricted use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium on 10 June 2024. Access depends on your health board.
• Private route: a consultation with a pharmacist prescriber at Bruntsfield Pharmacy. No GP referral is needed to book.
• Not suitable for everyone: including in pregnancy, while breastfeeding and with some medical histories. We check this at consultation.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name of tirzepatide, a once-weekly injectable medicine made by Eli Lilly. It was first licensed for type 2 diabetes and is now also licensed in the UK for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults. The licence describes it as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not a replacement for either.

It belongs to a newer class of medicines that copy the action of gut hormones. Tirzepatide is the first licensed medicine to act on two of these hormones at once, GIP and GLP-1, which is why it is called a dual agonist. Older weight management medicines either worked on a single pathway or, like orlistat, acted in the gut without changing appetite at all.

Each pen is a pre-filled KwikPen that holds four weekly doses, so one pen covers a month of treatment at a given dose. You inject under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm on the same day each week, and rotate the site. A pharmacist shows you the technique before you take a pen home.

How does Mounjaro work?

Two gut hormones are involved, and both are released naturally when you eat.

GLP-1: the fullness signal

GLP-1 tells the brain you have eaten enough, slows the rate at which the stomach empties and helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high. Tirzepatide activates the same receptors for far longer than your own GLP-1 lasts. That is why many people find they feel full on smaller portions and think about food less between meals.

GIP: the second pathway

GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) also supports insulin release, and it appears to influence how the body handles fat and energy. Researchers are still working out how much GIP activity adds to the effect of GLP-1 alone. What the trials show is that, in practice, the combination has produced larger average weight loss than GLP-1 medicines used on their own.

Put simply, you feel full sooner, food leaves your stomach more slowly and cravings tend to quieten. None of that removes the need to eat less overall, which is why the licence pairs the medicine with a reduced-calorie diet and regular activity.

Because insulin response and blood sugar also improve, weight loss on Mounjaro is often accompanied by better blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose control. Those changes are largely driven by the weight loss itself, and they are one reason we assess your wider health, not only your weight.

What does the clinical evidence show?

Mounjaro has one of the largest trial programmes of any weight management medicine, called SURMOUNT. Four of its trials matter most to people considering treatment.

SURMOUNT-1: adults with obesity or overweight

SURMOUNT-1 enrolled 2,539 adults with obesity, or with overweight plus at least one weight-related condition, and excluded people with diabetes. Everyone also received diet and activity advice. After 72 weeks, average weight loss across all randomised participants was 15.0% on 5 mg, 19.5% on 10 mg and 20.9% on 15 mg, compared with 3.1% on placebo.

The figure you will see most often, 22.5% on the 15 mg dose, counts only people who stayed on their assigned dose for the full 72 weeks. Both figures are legitimate, but the first is the more realistic guide, because in everyday life not everyone is able to continue.

SURMOUNT-2: adults with type 2 diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes tend to lose less weight than people without it. In SURMOUNT-2, which enrolled 938 adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes, average loss at 72 weeks was 12.8% on 10 mg and 14.7% on 15 mg, compared with 3.2% on placebo. Blood glucose control improved too.

SURMOUNT-4: what happens when treatment stops

SURMOUNT-4 gave adults Mounjaro for 36 weeks, then randomised 670 of them to either continue or switch to placebo. Those who continued lost a further 5.5% on average. Those switched to placebo regained 14.0%. We come back to this in the section on stopping treatment.

SURMOUNT-5: head to head with semaglutide

SURMOUNT-5 compared Mounjaro directly with semaglutide (Wegovy) in 751 adults with obesity and without diabetes. After 72 weeks, average weight change was 20.2% with tirzepatide and 13.7% with semaglutide. Averages do not decide which medicine suits an individual, and we return to that comparison below.

What trials cannot tell you

Trial participants are monitored closely, receive structured lifestyle support and are selected to meet entry criteria. Real-world results vary with starting weight, how consistently the medicine is taken, how well side effects are tolerated and how much eating and activity change alongside it. We would rather give you a realistic expectation at consultation than a headline figure. References for each trial are listed at the foot of this page.

Who can take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro can only be supplied after an individual assessment by a prescriber. The licence sets the starting point. You may be eligible if you are an adult and either:

• your BMI is 30 kg/m² or above, or
• your BMI is 27 kg/m² or above but below 30, and you have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.

BMI is a screening measure, not a verdict. It does not separate muscle from fat, and the health risks of excess weight begin at a lower BMI for people from South Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean and some other minority ethnic backgrounds. The Scottish Medicines Consortium notes that a lower BMI cut-off may be appropriate for groups at equivalent risk at a lower BMI, and we take that into account when we assess you.

When Mounjaro may not be suitable

We would not prescribe, or would look much more carefully, if you:

• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
• have a history of pancreatitis
• have severe kidney, liver or gastrointestinal disease
• have had an allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of its ingredients
• have a history of an eating disorder, which we discuss with you carefully

Some medicines need extra attention too, particularly insulin and sulfonylureas, which raise the risk of low blood sugar, and oral contraceptives, covered in the questions at the end of this page.

None of these lists is exhaustive, and eligibility can only be confirmed at a consultation where we take your full history. Our separate page on eligibility for Mounjaro goes through the criteria in more detail, including what happens if you do not qualify.

How does the Mounjaro dose schedule work?

Mounjaro comes in six doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg. Treatment always starts at 2.5 mg, and the dose can be raised in 2.5 mg steps after at least four weeks on the current dose. The steps are deliberately slow, to give the gut time to adjust and keep side effects manageable.

• 2.5 mg, weeks 1 to 4: the starting dose. It introduces the medicine gently and is not intended to be the dose that does most of the work.
• 5 mg, from week 5: the first step up. Many people notice stronger appetite control from here.
• 7.5 mg, 10 mg and 12.5 mg: further steps, each held for at least four weeks. Some people reach the effect they need at one of these doses and stay there.
• 15 mg: the highest licensed dose. Not everyone needs it or reaches it.

The aim is the lowest dose that controls appetite and supports steady weight loss with side effects you can live with. That is a clinical decision made at each review, not a target to hit. If an increase leaves you unwell, we can hold at the current dose for longer before stepping up.

If you miss a dose, the prescribing information says to inject it as soon as possible within four days. After four days, skip it and inject on your usual day. Edinburgh Vaccination Clinic, which operates from the same pharmacy, has a step-by-step guide to each Mounjaro dose for anyone who wants more on what each stage involves.

What should I expect in the first weeks and months?

Timelines vary between people, but the pattern below is typical and is what we use when we set expectations at a first appointment.

Weeks 1 to 4: the starting dose

Many people notice a smaller appetite and fewer cravings within the first week or two, even at 2.5 mg. Weight change at this stage is usually small, because the dose is low and the effect is still building. Mild nausea or a feeling of fullness after small meals is common. This is the settling-in phase, not a measure of how treatment will go.

Weeks 5 to 12: stepping up

As the dose rises through 5 mg and 7.5 mg, appetite control usually becomes more consistent and weight loss becomes steadier. This is also when side effects are most likely, because each increase gives the gut something new to adjust to. Smaller meals eaten slowly, and a gap before lying down, help a great deal.

Months 3 to 6: finding the working dose

Over this period most people reach a dose they tolerate and respond to. In SURMOUNT-1, average weight kept falling for most of the 72 weeks, with the rate of loss slowing as time went on. We review your weight, side effects and eating pattern at each step and agree the working dose together.

Month 6 onwards: keeping progress

Weight loss usually slows as the body adapts. The focus shifts from losing weight quickly to holding it, protecting muscle with resistance exercise and enough protein, and building habits that will outlast the medicine. Plateaus are normal and are not a sign that treatment has stopped working.

What are the side effects of Mounjaro?

Most side effects are gastrointestinal, are usually mildest at the starting dose and are most noticeable in the days after a dose increase. For most people they settle within a week or two.

Very common and common effects

The prescribing information lists nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and fatigue as very common, meaning they affect more than 1 in 10 people. Common effects include indigestion, bloating, burping, reflux, dizziness, hair loss and reactions at the injection site. A reduced appetite is the intended effect, although it can be strong enough to need managing.

Practical steps make a real difference: smaller portions, eating slowly, avoiding very fatty or rich food, staying well hydrated and adding fibre if constipation is a problem. Every patient receives a written side effect guide, and you can contact us between reviews.

Less common but important

• Pancreatitis: severe, persistent abdominal pain, sometimes spreading to the back, needs urgent medical attention. Stop injecting and seek help straight away.
• Gallbladder problems: rapid weight loss raises the risk of gallstones. Pain in the upper right abdomen, fever or yellowing of the skin should be reported.
• Low blood sugar: mainly a concern if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. We review these medicines before prescribing.
• Dehydration: severe or prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which in turn can affect the kidneys.
• Allergic reaction: swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, is an emergency. Call 999.

Side effects are one reason we review you regularly in the first months. Edinburgh Vaccination Clinic publishes a more detailed guide to Mounjaro side effects that covers what tends to peak when and how to manage each one.

How does Mounjaro compare with Wegovy and Ozempic?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) and Ozempic (semaglutide at lower doses) act on the GLP-1 pathway only. Mounjaro adds GIP. All three are once-weekly injections. Wegovy and Mounjaro are both licensed for weight management in adults, while Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes and its use for weight loss is off-label.

SURMOUNT-5 reported larger average weight loss with tirzepatide than semaglutide over 72 weeks. That does not make Mounjaro the right choice for everyone. Tolerability, other medicines, previous experience of treatment, supply and personal preference all shape the decision, and some people do better on one than the other. A pharmacist prescriber will talk you through the options at your consultation.

Edinburgh Vaccination Clinic has a full comparison of Mounjaro and Wegovy if you want to look at the head-to-head data in depth.

How much does Mounjaro cost, and what about the NHS?

How private pricing works

Mounjaro is supplied by the pen, and each pen holds four weekly doses, so you pay month by month. The price changes with the dose and rises as you step up, which means the cost of treatment is not a single fixed figure across a course. Prices also move over time, so we keep current figures on our price list rather than printing numbers in an article that can date. Your prescriber will talk you through the likely cost of the first few months at your consultation, so nothing comes as a surprise.

NHS access in Scotland

The Scottish Medicines Consortium accepted tirzepatide for use in NHS Scotland on 10 June 2024, with a restriction to adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above and at least one weight-related comorbidity, with a lower BMI cut-off possible for some minority ethnic groups. Acceptance by the SMC does not mean you can simply ask your GP for a prescription. How it is made available depends on your health board, which for Edinburgh is NHS Lothian, and on local referral criteria, priorities and waiting times.

If you meet the NHS criteria and are happy to wait, ask your GP about the local pathway. If you would rather be assessed sooner, or fall outside the NHS criteria, a private consultation is open to you, and some people do both. Our page on NHS or private access in Edinburgh sets out how to weigh the two.

How does an appointment at Bruntsfield Pharmacy work?

The process is designed to be clinically thorough without being slow. Here is what happens from the first booking to your first review.

1. Book online. Choose a time that suits you using the calendar below, or ring us on 0131 563 6824.
2. Complete a short health questionnaire. It covers your weight history, medical conditions, current medicines and goals, and takes most people five to ten minutes. It means your appointment can be spent on conversation rather than paperwork.
3. Meet your pharmacist prescriber. We confirm your weight and BMI, review your history and medicines, and talk through what you hope to achieve and what treatment would involve.
4. Get a clear decision. If Mounjaro is appropriate, we explain the dose plan, side effects and monitoring, and can prescribe at the appointment. If it is not right for you, we say so, explain why and talk about alternatives.
5. Learn the injection technique. If you start treatment, we show you how the pen works, where to inject and how to store it before you leave.
6. Stay in touch. We arrange a first review at around four weeks, to coincide with the first dose decision, and you can contact us between appointments with any concern.

Our page on what happens at a Mounjaro consultation walks through each step in more detail, including what to bring and how long to allow. You do not need a GP referral or to be registered with the pharmacy first.

Book a weight management consultation

Choose a time below. A prescriber will decide at your appointment what is suitable for you.

Book a consultation online

What happens if I stop taking Mounjaro?

Obesity is a long-term condition, and in the trials its response to treatment behaved like one. In SURMOUNT-4, people who stayed on Mounjaro lost a further 5.5% on average over the next year, while those switched to placebo regained 14.0%. Regain after stopping is common to most weight management medicines. It does not mean Mounjaro failed.

That is why we talk about the plan beyond the medicine from the start: how long you might stay on treatment, what you will do to hold your weight afterwards, and how any step down or stop would be supervised. Stopping is always your decision, and it works best when it is planned with the person prescribing.

Why choose Bruntsfield Pharmacy for weight management?

Bruntsfield Pharmacy is a registered community pharmacy at 129 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4EQ (GPhC registration 1042628), serving Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside, Merchiston, Tollcross and the surrounding area. Several things separate the service from ordering a medicine online:

• A named prescriber, in person. Prescribing is led by Ather Diab, superintendent pharmacist and independent prescriber (GPhC 2233707).
• Continuity. The same team reviews you at each dose step, so you are not explaining your history to someone new each time.
• Access. We are open seven days a week, and you can come into the pharmacy with a question between reviews.
• Safe supply. We obtain medicines through UK-licensed wholesalers. Counterfeit and unlicensed pens sold online are a recognised safety risk.
• Honest advice. If Mounjaro is not the right choice for you, we will say so.

Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro in Edinburgh

Can I get Mounjaro in Edinburgh without seeing my GP first?

Yes, for a private consultation. You do not need a referral to book with us. A prescriber assesses your eligibility against the licensed criteria, and may suggest you also speak to your GP, particularly about the NHS route or about a condition your GP manages.

Can I take Mounjaro if I use the contraceptive pill?

Mounjaro can reduce how well oral contraceptives are absorbed. The UK prescribing information advises switching to a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method such as condoms, for four weeks after starting and for four weeks after each dose increase. We go through this with anyone who could become pregnant. Mounjaro should not be used in pregnancy, so reliable contraception matters.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Inject as soon as possible within four days of the missed dose. After four days, skip it and take your next dose on the usual day. Do not double up.

How should I store the pen, and can I travel with it?

Keep unused pens in the fridge and never freeze them. The patient leaflet sets out how long a pen can be kept at room temperature, which matters on holiday or a long day out. Carry pens in your hand luggage, not the hold, and keep the leaflet with you. If you are travelling, speak to us before you go.

Will I lose muscle as well as fat?

Some of the weight lost on any weight management programme is lean mass. Resistance exercise and enough protein help protect muscle, and we talk through both at review.

Do I need to tell anyone before surgery or a procedure?

Yes. Mounjaro slows stomach emptying, which can raise the risk of food or fluid remaining in the stomach during general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Tell your surgeon, anaesthetist or dentist that you take it, well before the procedure, so they can advise on timing.

Can I drink alcohol on Mounjaro?

There is no ban, but many people find they tolerate alcohol less well, and it can worsen nausea early in treatment. It also adds calories that work against weight loss. Drinking less, and more slowly, is sensible.

Can I take Mounjaro if I have type 2 diabetes?

Often yes, and Mounjaro is licensed for type 2 diabetes in its own right. If you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, those doses may need to come down to avoid low blood sugar, so your diabetes team or GP should know before you start.

Is it safe to buy Mounjaro online without a consultation?

No. Prescription-only medicines should only be supplied after an assessment by a prescriber. Regulators have repeatedly warned about counterfeit and unlicensed weight loss pens sold online. Check that any seller is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council before you buy.

What if I am not eligible?

We tell you plainly, explain why, and talk through what else might help. That can include a different medicine, a structured lifestyle programme or a return to your GP about the NHS pathway.

Related reading

• Am I Eligible for Mounjaro? BMI and Health Conditions Explained
• Mounjaro on the NHS or Privately in Edinburgh: How Access Compares
• What to Expect at a Mounjaro Consultation at Bruntsfield Pharmacy
• Can You Get Mounjaro Without Going Through Your GP in Edinburgh?

Reviewed by Ather Diab, Superintendent Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2233707). Bruntsfield Pharmacy, GPhC registration 1042628, 129 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4EQ. Last reviewed: 7 October 2026.

This page is for general information and does not replace an individual clinical consultation. Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine, supplied only following an individual assessment by a prescriber. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you have side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 999.

Sources: Mounjaro KwikPen Summary of Product Characteristics (electronic medicines compendium); Scottish Medicines Consortium, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for obesity, SMC2653, 10 June 2024; Jastreboff AM et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2022;387(3):205-216 (SURMOUNT-1); Garvey WT et al., The Lancet 2023;402:613-626 (SURMOUNT-2); Aronne LJ et al., JAMA 2024;331:38-48 (SURMOUNT-4); Aronne LJ et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2025;393(1):26-36 (SURMOUNT-5); MHRA guidance on GLP-1 medicines and contraception; NHS inform.