There are three medications that have been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to aid in the treatment of obesity and weight management. Two of these medications are GLP-1 therapies (glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists) and the third medication is a ‘dual agent’ medication known as GLP-1 combined with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists (GIP RA).
Liraglutide (Saxenda®). The medication is a GLP-1 therapy. It has been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. There is a global shortage of this medication therefore NHS Borders is not allowed to start anyone on this medication.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®). This medication is a GLP-1 therapy. It has been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium, however it is not on NHS Borders prescription list.
Tirzepatide (Monjaro®). This medication is the dual agent. It has recently been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium, however it is not on NHS Borders prescription list.
Unfortunately, at present we are not accepting any referrals for these medications as they are not available in NHS Borders. We will update our website with any further changes.