Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro?

Who can prescribe Mounjaro in Australia?

Mounjaro, like semaglutide and liraglutide, is a prescription-only medicine in Australia, the TGA says.¹

We found no Australian rule that limits it to specialists, such as endocrinologists. Mounjaro isn't on the PBS, so there is no PBS authority step either; that step applies to PBS Ozempic and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.^2,3 Your GP visit can attract a Medicare rebate, and bulk-billed visits cost you nothing.⁴

What will the GP look at?

The Australian label covers weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition. It also covers type 2 diabetes, and moderate to severe sleep apnoea with obesity.⁵

Australian guidance for GPs, the Obesity Management Algorithm, sets a weight-loss target of 10 to 15% for people with a BMI of 30 to 40. It suggests specialist care for a BMI over 40 with complications.⁶

Tell the GP if you use the contraceptive pill. The label advises switching to a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method, for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose rise.⁵

Does an online consultation count?

Only a real-time one: the Medical Board does not support prescribing without a real-time consultation, in person, by video or by phone.⁷

That includes scripts based only on a health questionnaire, when the doctor has never spoken with you.⁷ Ahpra says an online chat doesn't count as real time.⁸ It suggests patients check that they'll get a real-time interaction with the practitioner and a full assessment.⁹ How the options compare is in Guide 7.