Who Can Take Mounjaro? Eligibility Requirements in NZ

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Understanding the eligibility requirements and contraindications will help you determine if this medication might be appropriate for your weight loss journey.

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Eligibility Criteria

In New Zealand, Mounjaro is approved for adults who meet specific BMI criteria:

You May Be Eligible If You Have:

• BMI of 30 or greater (classified as obesity), regardless of other health conditions, OR
• BMI of 27 or greater (classified as overweight) PLUS at least one weight-related health condition such as:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Fatty liver disease

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Calculating Your BMI

BMI is calculated using your weight and height: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²

For example, if you weigh 90kg and are 1.7m tall: BMI = 90 ÷ (1.7 × 1.7) = 31.1

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Who Should NOT Take Mounjaro

Mounjaro is contraindicated (should not be used) in certain situations:

Absolute Contraindications

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC): A type of thyroid cancer. Mounjaro carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2): A genetic condition that increases thyroid cancer risk.
• Known hypersensitivity to tirzepatide: If you've had an allergic reaction to the medication or its components.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.
• Breastfeeding: It's not known whether tirzepatide passes into breast milk. Discuss with your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
• Planning pregnancy: Stop Mounjaro at least 2 months before planned conception.

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Conditions Requiring Caution

Mounjaro can be used with careful monitoring in people with certain conditions:

History of Pancreatitis

If you've had pancreatitis before, your risk may be increased. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against risks and monitor you closely.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Rapid improvements in blood sugar control can temporarily worsen diabetic eye disease. If you have diabetic retinopathy, you may need more frequent eye monitoring.

Kidney Disease

Dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects can worsen kidney function. If you have kidney problems, staying well hydrated is especially important.

Taking Insulin or Sulfonylureas

If you take these diabetes medications, your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is increased. Your doctor may need to reduce your diabetes medication doses.

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Age Considerations

• Adults (18+): Mounjaro is approved for adults 18 years and older
• Children and adolescents: Not approved for use in people under 18
• Older adults: No dose adjustment needed, but may require more careful monitoring

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Contraception and Mounjaro

An important consideration for women: Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (the pill). This is because it slows stomach emptying, which can affect how medications are absorbed.

If you're taking oral contraceptives, your doctor may recommend:

• Using additional barrier contraception (condoms)
• Switching to a non-oral contraceptive method
• Being especially careful during dose escalation periods

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Medical Assessment Before Starting

Before prescribing Mounjaro, your doctor will typically:

• Review your medical history
• Check your BMI and weight-related health conditions
• Ask about family history of thyroid cancer
• Review your current medications
• Discuss potential benefits and risks
• May order blood tests to establish baseline measurements

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Check Your Eligibility

At Well Revolution, we offer free initial consultations to assess whether weight loss medication is appropriate for you. Our doctors will review your health history, discuss your goals, and help you understand your options.

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References

• Medsafe - Mounjaro Data Sheet