Prescribed to treat obesity, under strict conditions, the drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is now available in pharmacies in France.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a new drug against diabetes, has been marketed in French pharmacies “since November 2024”.
- This treatment is prescribed by a doctor specializing in endocrinology-diabetology-nutrition or holder of specialized transversal training in “Applied Nutrition”.
- Indicated for people under 65 years of age, with an initial body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2, it should only be used when a change in diet alone has not been enough to weight loss.
In recent weeks, we have regularly heard about the anti-obesity drug, Wegovy (semaglutide), marketed in France since last October. The initial use of this glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist, the price of which was freely set by the Danish pharmaceutical laboratory Novo Nordisk and is not covered by Health Insurance, is diverted to aesthetic purposes. In fact, people for whom this treatment is not indicated, that is to say not being obese or overweight and who do not have weight-related health problems, use it. to lose a few pounds. Issue : “These misuses can lead to sometimes serious side effects.“, recalled the National Medicines Agency (ANSM) in a press release published on November 13.
Like Wegovy, Mounjaro is, for the moment, not reimbursed by Health Insurance
At the same time, she announced that a new drug was now authorized for sale in France. This is the treatment Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which was initially developed against diabetes. “Marketed since November 2024”this “GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) agonist is indicated in the treatment of obesity.” Just like Wegovy, its price is set by the American laboratory Eli Lilly. Thus, he can “varies from one pharmacy to another”but the company, questioned by The Parisianadvised to sell it “around 275 euros for one month of treatment for dosages of 2.5 mg and 5 mg.” Currently, the drug is not reimbursed. However, the High Authority of Health has recommended its coverage under specific conditions and is currently waiting to negotiate with the laboratory to set a final price.
Obesity: Mounjaro must be prescribed as second intention and only by certain specialists
Mounjaro is subject to the same prescription and delivery conditions as other aGLP-1s. Only doctors specializing in endocrinology-diabetology-nutrition or competent in nutrition (i.e. holders of a DESC, an FST or a VAE in nutrition) can prescribe it to a person, aged under 65, with an initial body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2. This medication should only be used as a second line, in the event of failure of nutritional support and in combination with a low-calorie diet and physical activity. “Renewals can be carried out by any doctor. (…) These recommendations will be re-evaluated in light of the evolution of the situation”concluded the HAS.
