Can a dentist prescribe Mongaro? See what the updated rules say | Companies

The medication, taken by weekly injections, helps control blood sugar levels in adults. The active ingredient, tiraspatide, delays gastric emptying and prolongs the feeling of satiety. The compound also works to reduce hunger signals sent by the brain, which leads to suppressing appetite.

In Brazil, the drug has been on sale since May of this year, and can be found in pharmacies for $100. value Generally more than R$1,000, which requires a prescription.

In October 2025, Anvisa responded to a request from drugmaker Eli Lilly, which holds the patent on the drug, and authorized Mounjaro to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese patients.

The condition is a respiratory disorder characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, caused by excessive relaxation of the throat muscles, which impedes the passage of air, according to the portal of the Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Pulmonary Pathology.

Given this permission granted by Anvisa, the CFO, on November 11 of this year, published a statement stating that a dentist can prescribe Mounjaro when he is able to diagnose and treat OSA. According to the council, a professional is qualified to work in this field, as long as he is properly trained and declares that the prescription remains within the legal and ethical boundaries of dentistry.

The Council also highlights that the possibility of statute of limitations is also supported by Law No. 5081/66 regulating the practice of dentistry. The standard guarantees the independence of the dentist in prescribing medicines recognized and indicated for use in dentistry.

Use of terzepatide requires caution

Despite the licence, the CFO stresses that the use of terzepatide requires caution. The council states that the drug is intended exclusively for obese patients and has side effects – especially in the digestive system – that can even affect oral health.

Furthermore, people with obesity often have comorbidities that already require the concomitant use of other medications, according to the council.

“The use of Mounjauro in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea should be carefully evaluated by the dentist, and preferably jointly monitored by the entire multidisciplinary team caring for the patient,” the CFO stated.

Required by value To comment on this CFO license, Anvisa stated that it does not have the authority to determine which professionals can prescribe medications. According to the agency, this function rests with professional councils and “the legislation specific to each profession.”