Brazil Expands Use of Mounjaro: Dentists Cleared to Prescribe as Vilhena Rolls Out Free Treatment

Overview

• Anvisa in October authorized Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for treating obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients following a request from Eli Lilly.
• The Federal Dental Council on November 11 said trained dentists may prescribe the drug for sleep apnea when qualified to diagnose and treat the condition.
• Anvisa stated it does not define who can prescribe medicines, noting that professional councils and each profession’s laws set those rules.
• Vilhena, in Rondônia, will start a municipal program on December 15 to provide Mounjaro free to about 80 patients, with multidisciplinary follow-up and eligibility focused on severe obesity or comorbidities.
• Officials and experts emphasize cautious use due to gastrointestinal side effects and cost barriers, with one reported 2.5 mg dose priced around R$ 1,907.29 outside public programs.