Mounjaro Price Increase in the UK

Mounjaro UK Price Hike | Switch to Wegovy?

Mounjaro prices rise in the UK. Learn why costs increased, how it impacts patients, and whether Wegovy is a better, more affordable option.

Why Are Mounjaro Prices Increasing in September 2025?

Starting from September 1st 2025, the manufacturers of Mounjaro have announced a 45%-170% rise in their prices, depending on the dosage. This means that the highest-dose price is rising from around £122 to £330 per month, which is a 170% increase.

Some reasons for this include factors such as aligning with international pricing, as Mounjaro was priced well below European levels to ensure rapid NHS access, however, the manufacturers want UK prices to match those in other developed markets.

Manufacturers also have to ensure that costs cover R&D and new clinical evidence, respond to the US political pressure and reduce the risk of black-market distribution.

What this means for long-term affordability

The recent adjustment in Mounjaro prices may influence how private patients manage their treatment plans over time. Some may explore transitioning to NHS prescriptions, which will increase pressure on the public system. Even though NHS patients are unaffected by the price change, access through the NHS is limited and based on strict eligibility criteria. 

The pricing shift is also driving interest in alternatives like Wegovy, which currently has more stable pricing. Some providers are already offering switching support to help patients maintain access to GLP-1 treatments in a cost-conscious way.

In the longer run, these developments highlight ongoing discussions around affordability and access, ensuring that effective weight loss and diabetes treatments remain available to as many patients as possible. 

Cost Comparison: Wegovy Is Now More Affordable

When comparing the two medications after Mounjaro's new price rise, Wegovy is proving to be a much cheaper option at £150 per pen which lasts four weeks.
For patients prioritising long-term affordability, Wegovy offers a more cost-effective option without compromising on clinically proven results.

Choosing a more affordable, stable option like Wegovy helps ensure that patients can stick to their plan and see sustained results, both medically and financially. Wegovy offers clinically proven results at a lower cost. Talk to your provider today about switching safely.

Is Wegovy as Effective as Mounjaro?

Clinical trials have shown that both Mounjaro and Wegovy are highly effective for weight loss, though they differ in speed and maximum results. 

The SURMOUNT-1 trial evaluated Mounjaro in overweight adults without diabetes over 72 weeks. It found that weight loss varied by dose: approximately 15% at 5 mg, up to 21.4% at 10 mg, and as much as 22.5% at the highest 15 mg dose.

 In comparison, the STEP trials studied Wegovy over 68 weeks. Participants without diabetes lost an average of 14.9% at the standard 2.4 mg dose, while those with type 2 diabetes saw a lower average loss of 9.6%. However, more recent data from the STEP-UP trial, which tested a higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy, showed improved outcomes, participants lost around 20.7% of their body weight.

Despite the trial differences, real-world data shows Wegovy can deliver powerful results. Users have reportedly  lost an average of 20.3% of their body weight over 12 months, based on patient-reported outcomes. This shows that with consistent use, Wegovy can be highly effective, even approaching results seen in Mounjaro trials.

In summary, both Mounjaro and Wegovy offer effective weight loss solutions, with Mounjaro showing faster results at higher doses and Wegovy demonstrating strong, steady outcomes, especially with newer dosing options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs, treatment goals, and medical advice.

Additional Advantages of Wegovy

In addition to aiding in weight loss and type 2 diabetes, Wegovy reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by about 20%. It is recommended for heart patients as it offers heart health benefits and is a strong option for users with obesity and heart concerns.

Another advantage is that there are fewer injection site reactions compared to other medications. Complications such as redness, swelling and irritation are minimal with the use of Wegovy, making it comfortable for long-term use. Reduced reactions help patients maintain consistency without the added discomfort that can sometimes lead to missed doses.

Wegovy is safe for women using oral contraceptives like birth control, as both medications can be used simultaneously without reducing contraceptive reliability. This eliminates concerns about unplanned pregnancy due to potential drug interactions, making Wegovy a practical and safer weight management option for women of reproductive age who rely on hormonal birth control.

Switching Safely from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Changing between Mounjaro and Wegovy is a common and manageable process if done with the assistance of proper healthcare professionals. Here's how to do it safely, with the right dose and support. 

If you're already using Mounjaro, you may not need to start Wegovy from scratch. Instead, there's a dose-matching process to help you transition smoothly. This ensures that you continue receiving a comparable therapeutic effect, reducing the chance of side effects or weight regain during the switch.

The dose matching process means that your healthcare provider or dose comparison tool will look at your current Mounjaro dose and recommend a comparable starting dose of Wegovy that matches your level of treatment. This approach avoids unnecessarily low dosing or overly high dosing, keeping your weight loss journey on track.

Our clinical team at Weightless provides personalised support throughout your switch, ensuring you're on the right dose, managing side effects, and staying on track with your weight loss goals. With proper assistance, you can make a safe, smooth switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy in just a few clicks. If you’re considering switching, reach out to our clinical team for safe, personalised guidance.

Is Wegovy easier to use than Mounjaro?

Wegovy is generally considered easier to use compared to Mounjaro. Wegovy uses a single-use, pre-filled injection pen. This means each pen contains just one weekly dose, and once you inject it, you simply throw it away. For many patients, this makes the Wegovy injection instructions very straightforward, with no need to track multiple doses within the same pen.

Mounjaro, on the other hand, comes in a multi-use injection pen. While still convenient, it requires patients to follow Mounjaro injection instructions carefully each week, as the same pen delivers several doses before disposal. For new users, this can feel slightly less intuitive compared to Wegovy’s one-pen-per-dose design.

FAQs

Why has the price of Mounjaro changed

Mounjaro's UK price rose to match global markets and efforts to limit unregulated exports.

Can I switch to Wegovy if I can’t afford Mounjaro?

Yes, and our clinician will ensure a smooth transition takes place between the medications.

Is Wegovy as effective as Mounjaro long-term?

Clinical trials show that Mounjaro may lead to greater weight loss over time. However, it varies from individual to individual, and Wegovy does have advantages such as fewer injection site reactions, cardiovascular benefits, and its kwikpen is easier to use.

Will I have the same side effects on Wegovy?

Both medications have similar side effects such as nausea, bloating and other digestive issues. The severity of the side effects depends on the tolerance of each individual. 

Do I need to start at the lowest dose again?

When switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you’ll need to begin at Wegovy’s lowest dose and increase gradually, regardless of your current Mounjaro dose.

Key Takeaways: Making the Right Choice for Your Weight Loss Journey

  • Mounjaro price hike (Sept 2025): Costs will rise by 45–170%, with the highest dose jumping from ~£122 to £330/month, mainly to align with international pricing.
  • Impact on patients: Patients may face financial strain, risking treatment discontinuation or unsafe black-market alternatives.
  • Affordability gap: Long-term use of Mounjaro could cost up to £2,700/year privately, making Wegovy a more sustainable option with prices starting from £150 per month.
  • Effectiveness comparison: Mounjaro shows faster and slightly higher weight loss in trials, but Wegovy delivers strong, steady results with proven cardiovascular benefits.
  • Wegovy advantages: Lower cost, fewer injection site issues, cardiovascular protection, and compatibility with contraceptives make it a strong alternative.
  • Switching guidance: Transitioning from Mounjaro to Wegovy is safe with medical supervision, using dose-matching to avoid setbacks or side effects
  •  If rising costs make Mounjaro unsustainable, Wegovy offers an affordable, clinically proven, and safe alternative, with professional guidance ensuring a smooth switch.

Sources:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05646706

https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lilly-hike-uk-price-mounjaro-weight-loss-drug-by-170-2025-08-14/

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/why-your-cardiologist-may-prescribe-semaglutide-wegovy

Disclaimer: At Weightless, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date health information that is carefully reviewed by medical professionals. However, the content on this blog is intended for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. Information here should not be used to make decisions about your personal care without professional guidance.

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