Boots have turned me down for Mounjaro

[Illegally18]

Hallo, I have finally bitten the bullet and applied to Boots Online Doctors for Mounjaro weight loss jabs. I filled in an extensive questionnaire, and one section was about Eating Disorders. ('have you had or do you suffer from'). I ticked 'yes'' to all three, Anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. I clearly specified that it was all over now. I was refused by Boots because of the Eating Disorders. I wrote back and asked them to reconsider their decision, since these disorders happened in my teens, (and therefore 50 years ago) and that I am now 65. Second refusal. Why? Would anyone on MN have any idea as to why? I am puzzled.

Meant to post this on Weight Loss!

Apply somewhere else and don’t say you’ve suffered from eating disorders.

It will be standard to anyone who ticks that box. I cant believe you did, what did you think they where going to do

I'm not sure why you're puzzled? The drugs cause fairly rapid weight loss in most people. The effects of that are likely to be particularly triggering to anyone with a history of eating disorders. Eating disorders are amongst the most dangerous of mental health conditions.

I appreciate it's a long time ago but the dopamine hit from weight loss is powerful. There's also an increased possibility that you'll be tempted to misuse the drugs (eg dose too high) No company would prescribe when there's that level of risk.

Is this a serious question?

I think previous eating disorders are an automatic strike out unless you're under the care and supervision of your GP, because the injections may be triggering when it comes to disordered eating.

This is not responsible advice. Anyone who has had an eating disorder, even a long time ago, should only be prescribed WLI by their doctor and under ongoing supervision.

I’m surprised you are puzzled, OP! You have a history of not just one but three eating disorders and are trying to order weight loss medication. Surely you can see why this would be a red flag to the pharmacy?

You need a specialist prescriber, not a High St online form one, and they will probably want to liaise with your GP etc before considering it.

Hi, Op. Prepare to be roasted for having any opinion on WLI on AIBU.

When applying for WLI, the pharmacy will check your medical record and certain conditions will be a red flag, including eating disorders. You can request a consultation to discuss these diagnoses and their validity as it stands now. You can't lie, as a previous poster suggested, because the pharmacy should be checking before prescribing.

I initially applied via Chemist4u and they checked my medical record and said absolutely not, due to diagnoses from 25+ years ago of eating disorders.
I applied via another pharmacy and ended up having a long call about my history, recovery and the subsequent bearing of the diagnosis on my current health, many years later. Once we'd discussed it, they were comfortable with prescribing Mounjaro.

This is a sensible reaction from Boots. I've suffered with anorexia and bulimia and wouldn't dream of weight loss injections because I know it'll trigger me.

Have a serious think about whether or not this is a right option for you.

Really OP? What did you think would happen? You gave a history of ED - it doesn’t matter when they were - and you expect the provider to ignore it?

Jesus christ. Just lie next time, like a normal person.

So there were good clinical reasons for them not to prescribe weight loss medication and they didn't. Thanks OP.

They are very keen to reduce numbers right now for a variety of reasons so unless you tick the exact boxes you’ll be out of luck. A lot of people are being refused right now

Please can you explain this further? Who is trying to reduce numbers and why?

“Would anyone on MN have any idea as to why? I am puzzled.”

“I ticked 'yes'' to all three, Anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.”

You answered your own question.

You mean lie to use up a resource that is regulated for good reason? Yeah that’s a good idea. Perhaps we could lie about past addiction to get access to opioids too..

As frustrating as it is for you, Boots will have a blanket policy on this for the reasons others have stated.

If you go to your GP, you will get a more personalised approach and support.

I mean it's fairly obvious isn't it? You've a history of eating disorders, anyone with a history of eating disorders (no matter how long ago) shouldn't be undergoing medical weight loss without medical supervision and a prescription from a doctor who has met with them in person and confirmed their eligibility. It'd be a legal minefield as well as tremendously irresponsible for them to knowingly prescribe a weight loss drug to an anorexia survivor.

Ironically it's cured my binge eating disorder when nothing else would. I take it under prescription from the nhs.

Oh dear 😳 this may have been your biggest mistake 💕.

Absolutely serious question. Whatever triggered me as a teenager in the 70s, is completely gone now.

They won#t prescibe to anyone with that history as it could trigger a relapse

They've done you a favour as they are so expensive. Have a look at monj.co.uk and try elsewhere.

Try your local pharmacies, I am taking this under the supervision of our local pharmacist, monthly in person appointments - weight checked, previous month discussed, and plans and prescription for next month agreed.
It’s also a lot cheaper than many of the online suppliers.