How to Buy Mounjaro at Lower Cost in the Netherlands: Good News for People with Obesity

🔍 How to Buy Mounjaro Cheaply in the Netherlands?

Mounjaro® is one of the most effective weight loss treatments available. On average, patients lose 20.9% of their body weight in 36 weeks and 25.3% in 88 weeks.

💡 Important Prerequisite: A Prescription Is Required

In the Netherlands, Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine (Voorschriftplichtig geneesmiddel). This means you must obtain a prescription from a general practitioner (Huisarts) or a specialist after a diagnosis to purchase it legally. Sourcing the medication through unofficial channels is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous to your health. All cost-saving strategies should be based on having a legitimate prescription.

Method 1: Reimbursement Through Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering) — The Cheapest Option

The Dutch health insurance system may partially reimburse the cost of Mounjaro, but this is subject to strict conditions.

1. Eligibility for Reimbursement:

   • Mounjaro is currently primarily approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and other treatment options have proven ineffective, you may qualify for reimbursement.
   • Your doctor will need to apply for prior authorization (Voorafgaande toestemming) from your insurance company, demonstrating that the drug is medically necessary for your treatment.
   • You must have basic health insurance in the Netherlands, and the insurance company will decide on reimbursement based on the terms of your policy.

2. Out-of-Pocket Costs:

   • If reimbursement is approved, you will only need to pay your annual deductible (Eigen risico) (approximately €385 in 2024). Once you have met your deductible, subsequent medications may be require only a small co-payment.
   • If you have supplementary insurance (Aanvullend pakket), it may cover additional costs.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, be sure to discuss the possibility of insurance reimbursement with your doctor. This is the best way to access affordable Mounjaro.

Method 2: Private Prescription (Full Price Purchase)

If you are using Mounjaro for weight management (weight loss) rather than diabetes treatment, it is generally not covered by insurance. A doctor can issue a private prescription, but you will need to pay the full price.

The price of a private prescription varies between pharmacies, with a single box (containing 4 pens) typically costing between €300 and €400. Here are some tips to reduce costs:

1. Compare Pharmacy Prices (Prijzen vergelijken):

   • Different pharmacies have different pricing. Large chain pharmacies (such as Etos, DA, or Benu) may offer lower prices than independent pharmacies.
   • Use price comparison websites (e.g., Medicijnkosten.nl) or call multiple pharmacies directly to inquire about prices.

2. Ask About Discounts:

   • Some pharmacies offer discounts for purchasing multiple boxes (Kortingen voor meerdere dozen). If you require long-term use, ask if there is a discount for buying in bulk.

3. Consider Generic Alternatives:

   • Currently, there is no generic version of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) available. However, you can ask your doctor if there are other cheaper alternatives (such as other GLP-1 receptor agonists).

Method 3: Explore Tax Deductions for Medical Expenses

If you pay for Mounjaro out of pocket, you may be eligible to claim a tax deduction for medical expenses (Medische aftrek):

• If your out-of-pocket medical expenses (including prescription drugs) exceed a certain threshold of your annual income (approximately 1.65% in 2024), the excess amount can be deducted from your taxable income.
• It is advisable to keep all receipts for medication purchases and consult a tax advisor.

🛒 "Cheap" Options to Be Wary Of

1. Purchasing from Overseas Online Pharmacies: Buying prescription medication online from outside the Netherlands is illegal and risky. These drugs may not be approved by the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG) and could be counterfeit or substandard, with no guarantee of efficacy or safety.
2. Compounded Medications (Samengestelde medicatie): Some compounding pharmacies may offer cheaper Tirzepatide, but these drugs are not approved by the CBG. Their use involves unknown risks and is strongly discouraged.

Reference Price List for Common Mounjaro Dosages in the Netherlands

Below is a reference price list for common dosages of Mounjaro in the Dutch market. Please note: prices may vary depending on the pharmacy, region, and supply availability. It is recommended to consult multiple pharmacies for specific prices before purchasing. (Currency: Euro)

✅ Who is Mounjaro® suitable for?

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is an injectable weight loss drug for people with a BMI over 30. For individuals with weight related health concerns, they may be eligible with a BMI over 27. These related concerns include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and raised cholesterol.

📊 BMI Calculator

Check your body mass index (BMI) to see where you fall on the health scale.

📈 BMI Classification

💡 BMI = weight(kg) / (height(m) × height(m))

Final Recommendation: Have an open discussion with your general practitioner (Huisarts):

1. Discuss your treatment goals and financial situation.
2. Inquire about the possibility of insurance reimbursement.
3. Explore all alternative treatment options (such as other GLP-1 medications).

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information and educational content only. It does not provide prescriptions or sell medicines. If you have any health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.