GLP-1 medications mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. This means that they regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying and enhance insulin secretion. They are prescribed medications used to manage type 2 diabetes and to support weight loss.  Some of the brand names for these medications include Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Within Wales, GLP-1 medications can only be prescribed for patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.  We are therefore unable to prescribe these to anyone else.  We are aware that in England, they have started to prescribe these to patients who meet very specific and multiple health condition criteria, but this is not currently the case in Wales. 

There are many private providers of the medication, and they will support you through the initiation, dosage increases and clinical advice and support.  Before commencing there is a thorough medical history questionnaire that needs to be completed and this will be screened by a clinical team prior to dispensing the medication.  If you are unsure whether you can take the medication, please do not contact the practice, but instead liaise with your private provider for advice and guidance.  Similarly, if you experience any side effects or need any advice, please speak to your provider. 

We can refer you to Weight Management Services to be considered for weight loss injections, but please be aware that there is currently a 4-5 year waiting time for an appointment due to very high demand. 

Please find a link below to the Keeping Me Well website which has some helpful information and guidance that can help with your weight loss journey as well as useful links to other pages: 

Keeping Me Well website for weight management

• Tirzepatide Users (Mounjaro) must use a barrier method (e.g. condoms) alongside your contraceptive pill for four weeks after starting the medication and after any dose increases
• Other GLP-1 Agonists (e.g. semaglutide and liraglutide) have no known affect on oral contraceptive effectiveness
• Diarrhoea or Vomiting is a potential side effect of GLP-1 agonists and this may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.  If you vomit within 3 hours of taking your pill or have severe diarrhoea lasting over 24 hours, follow your usual missed pill guidance and consider backup contraception
• Non-Oral Contraceptive Methods such as the coil (IUD), implants, injections, patches or rings are not affected by GLP-1 agonists and therefore no extra precautions are required

• If you are using oral HRT (e.g. Utrogestan, Norethisterone, Medroxyprogesterone), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may reduce the effectiveness of oral progesterone's and not adequately protect your endometrium (womb-lining). We would recommend that you contact us to book an HRT review to discuss potential alternatives 
• If your HRT is non-oral (e.g. patch, gel or Mirena coil), there is no evidence that the effectiveness will be impacted