Which Peptides Can UK GPs Prescribe? Complete List

There is a common misconception that peptides exist entirely outside mainstream medicine. In reality, dozens of peptide-based medications are licensed, approved, and regularly prescribed by UK GPs. The disconnect is that most people do not realise these familiar medications are peptides.

What makes a peptide prescribable in the UK: - It must hold a Marketing Authorisation (MA) from the MHRA - It must be listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) - The prescriber must have the clinical justification and competence to prescribe it - For NHS prescriptions, it may also need NICE approval or local formulary listing

The three categories of prescribable peptides:

1. Licensed peptide medications on the NHS formulary — available through any GP for approved indications 2. Licensed peptide medications prescribed off-label — the medication is licensed but used for an indication not in its licence. GPs can do this but carry additional responsibility 3. Unlicensed peptide medications on a named-patient basis — rarely used by GPs, requires specialist recommendation

Important distinction: Research peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, and CJC-1295 are NOT licensed medicines in the UK and cannot be prescribed by GPs. They have no Marketing Authorisation and are not in the BNF. However, the peptide-based medications listed in the following sections cover a wide range of conditions and may address the health goals that lead people to explore research peptides.

This guide focuses on what your GP CAN prescribe — which is more extensive than most people realise.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are the peptide medications generating the most public interest, and several are prescribable by UK GPs.

Semaglutide: - Ozempic (injectable, for type 2 diabetes): 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg weekly - Wegovy (injectable, for weight management): Up to 2.4mg weekly - Rybelsus (oral, for type 2 diabetes): 3mg, 7mg, 14mg daily - GP prescribing: GPs can prescribe Ozempic and Rybelsus directly for diabetes. Wegovy typically requires specialist initiation but GP continuation is increasingly common

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): - Licensed for type 2 diabetes in the UK - GPs can prescribe for diabetes; weight management prescribing is expanding - Doses from 2.5mg to 15mg weekly

Liraglutide: - Victoza (for type 2 diabetes): Up to 1.8mg daily - Saxenda (for weight management): Up to 3mg daily - GP prescribing: GPs can prescribe Victoza directly. Saxenda typically through specialist services

Dulaglutide (Trulicity): - For type 2 diabetes: 0.75mg, 1.5mg, 3mg, 4.5mg weekly - Commonly prescribed by GPs for diabetes

Exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon): - For type 2 diabetes: Twice daily (Byetta) or once weekly (Bydureon) - Well-established in primary care

Lixisenatide (Lyxumia): - For type 2 diabetes: Once daily - Less commonly prescribed but available

To discuss with your GP: If you have type 2 diabetes or a BMI over 30 with comorbidities, your GP can prescribe these medications. Bring evidence of your weight history and any previous weight management attempts to your appointment.

Insulin is perhaps the most prescribed peptide in the world, and several other hormonal peptides are routinely available through UK GPs.

Insulin (various forms): - Rapid-acting: Insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (NovoRapid), insulin glulisine (Apidra) - Short-acting: Soluble insulin (Actrapid, Humulin S) - Intermediate-acting: Isophane insulin (Humulin I, Insulatard) - Long-acting: Insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo), insulin detemir (Levemir), insulin degludec (Tresiba) - All are peptide hormones and routinely prescribed by GPs for diabetes

Desmopressin (DDAVP): - A synthetic analogue of the peptide hormone vasopressin - Prescribed for: Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), diabetes insipidus, nocturia - Available as tablets, nasal spray, and injection - Commonly prescribed by GPs

Oxytocin (Syntocinon): - Peptide hormone used to induce or augment labour - Hospital-only prescribing but worth noting as a therapeutic peptide

Teriparatide (Forsteo/Movymia): - A fragment of parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34) - Prescribed for severe osteoporosis - Usually initiated by a specialist but GP continuation prescribing is common - Daily subcutaneous injection for up to 24 months

Calcitonin (Miacalcin): - Peptide hormone used for Paget's disease of bone and occasionally for osteoporosis - Less commonly prescribed now due to safety concerns but still available

Octreotide and lanreotide: - Somatostatin analogues (peptide-based) - Used for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours - Specialist-initiated but may appear on GP records for ongoing prescribing

Beyond diabetes and weight management, peptide-based medications are prescribed for a surprising range of conditions.

Fertility and reproductive health: - Gonadorelin (GnRH analogues): Buserelin, goserelin (Zoladex), leuprorelin (Prostap) — used for endometriosis, prostate cancer, fertility treatment, gender-affirming care - Cetrorelix and ganirelix: GnRH antagonists used in IVF cycles - Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Follitropin alfa (Gonal-F) — peptide hormone for fertility - Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Used in fertility treatment

Pain and migraine: - Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibodies: Erenumab (Aimovig), fremanezumab (Ajovy), galcanezumab (Emgality) — for migraine prevention. Technically monoclonal antibodies targeting peptide pathways

Gastrointestinal: - Teduglutide (Revestive): A GLP-2 analogue for short bowel syndrome - Linaclotide (Constella): A guanylate cyclase C agonist (peptide) for IBS-C

Immune and inflammatory: - Collagen peptide supplements: Available over the counter, but GPs may recommend them for osteoarthritis - Various immunomodulatory peptides in clinical trials for autoimmune conditions

Skin and wound healing: - GHK-Cu (copper peptide): Available in cosmetic products over the counter - Prescription retinoid peptide combinations for dermatological conditions

The key insight: Many of the health goals that lead people to explore research peptides — joint health, recovery, gut health, hormonal balance — already have peptide-based licensed medications available. The first step should always be discussing your health goals with your GP, who may be able to prescribe a licensed, regulated, and monitored alternative.

Off-label prescribing is when a licensed medication is used for a condition or in a way not covered by its marketing authorisation. This is legal and common in the UK, but comes with specific responsibilities.

How off-label prescribing works: - The medication itself is licensed (it has an MHRA Marketing Authorisation) - But the prescriber uses it for a different indication, dose, age group, or route than specified in the licence - The prescriber takes personal responsibility for this decision - The GMC permits off-label prescribing when it is backed by evidence or established practice

Common off-label peptide prescriptions:

1. Semaglutide for weight loss in patients who do not meet NICE criteria: Some GPs prescribe lower doses for patients with a BMI of 27–30 who have metabolic risk factors 2. Tirzepatide for weight management: Licensed for diabetes but increasingly prescribed off-label for obesity pending NICE obesity approval 3. Low-dose naltrexone: Not a peptide itself, but affects endogenous peptide systems and is prescribed off-label for chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and fibromyalgia 4. Desmopressin for nocturia in older adults: Off-label use in populations beyond the strict licence

What you need to know: - Your GP is not obligated to prescribe off-label — it is a clinical judgment call - Off-label prescriptions may not be covered by the NHS (you might need a private prescription) - The pharmacist may query off-label prescriptions, which can cause delays - Side effects from off-label use are still reportable through the Yellow Card scheme

How to discuss off-label options with your GP: - Be honest about why you are interested (do not claim symptoms you do not have) - Bring published evidence supporting the off-label use - Acknowledge that it is the GP's clinical decision - Ask about monitoring requirements - Discuss whether NHS or private prescription is more appropriate

Many patients feel uncomfortable discussing peptides with their GP, fearing judgment or dismissal. Here are practical strategies for a productive conversation.

Preparation: 1. Know what you want to achieve: Are you seeking weight loss, joint pain relief, better recovery, or something else? Frame the conversation around your health goal, not a specific peptide 2. Research licensed options: If a licensed peptide medication exists for your condition, mention it specifically 3. Be honest: If you have already used research peptides, consider telling your GP. They need accurate information to provide safe care 4. Book an appropriate appointment: Weight management or chronic conditions warrant a longer appointment (double slot). Request this when booking

During the appointment: - Start with your symptom or goal, not with the medication name - "I have been struggling with my weight and have read about GLP-1 medications" is better than "I want Mounjaro" - Ask what the GP recommends first — they may suggest the peptide medication without you needing to request it - If they are unfamiliar with a specific medication, ask if they can review the evidence and follow up - Accept that some requests may not be appropriate — GPs have clinical responsibilities

If your GP says no: - Ask why — understanding their reasoning helps - Ask what alternatives they recommend - Request a referral to a specialist if appropriate - Consider a different GP in the practice who may have more experience with the condition - A private consultation is always an option if NHS pathways are exhausted

Common reasons GPs decline peptide prescriptions: - The patient does not meet NICE criteria for NHS prescribing - The GP lacks confidence or experience with the specific medication - There are contraindications based on the patient's medical history - The practice has a policy restricting certain prescriptions to specialists

*This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your healthcare professional's guidance regarding medications.*