Mounjaro price rise: your questions answered

Switching from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to Wegovy (semaglutide) is a safe and effective option for many people. Both medications are once-weekly injections that work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite, making you feel fuller for longer.

The key difference is that Mounjaro mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), while Wegovy mimics one (GLP-1). This difference is why a clinician’s guidance is essential to ensure a smooth transition. You will need to take a break between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose. This break is crucial for your safety and to prevent serious side effects. Your clinician will let you know how long the break between medications should be.

Your prescriber will also determine the appropriate starting dose of Wegovy based on your Mounjaro dosage. While you might start on a dose that is not the lowest, it will be at a level that is safe for your body to adjust to.

Yes, it does. Wegovy has been clinically proven to be highly effective for weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that patients on Wegovy, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can achieve significant weight loss. While some studies suggest Mounjaro may lead to a greater average weight loss, Wegovy has demonstrated excellent results, with people losing an average of 16.9% of their body weight.

The effectiveness of any medication can vary from person to person. What works best for one individual may not be the same for another. If you have any concerns, you can discuss them with our clinicians.

This is a personal decision that you should make in consultation with a clinician. Here are some factors to consider:

• Cost: The price increase for Mounjaro is a major factor for many. Wegovy may be a more affordable long-term option.
• Effectiveness: If you have been seeing excellent results with Mounjaro and feel it is the right medication for you, you may wish to continue if it is financially viable. However, if you are considering a change, Wegovy is a highly effective alternative.
• Side effects: While both medications have similar side effects (primarily gastrointestinal issues like nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea), some people find one medication is better tolerated than the other. Switching may help you find a medication that is more comfortable for you.

Our team of clinicians is here to help you navigate this choice. We can review your medical history and treatment to recommend the best way forward.

To be eligible for Wegovy in the UK, you generally need to meet one of the following criteria:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
• A BMI of 27 or higher if you also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or pre-diabetes.

These BMI thresholds may be slightly lower for people of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin due to different health risks. Also, our clinicians may be able to start you on Wegovy at a lower BMI if you are already on a weight loss journey with another treatment such as Mounjaro.

During your online consultation, our clinicians will assess your BMI and medical history to ensure that Wegovy is a safe and suitable treatment for you.

It's completely normal to be concerned about regaining weight, especially if you have to switch medications. We want to reassure you that switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, when done correctly, is designed to support your continued progress. You are not starting from scratch.

• Minimal withdrawal symptoms: You should only experience minimal symptoms when switching.
• Continued appetite control: While the initial dose of Wegovy may be lower than your current Mounjaro dose, both drugs are designed to produce an appetite-suppressing effect, that will continue to support your weight management journey.
• Support is here for you: We provide ongoing support and resources to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our clinical team can offer advice on diet and exercise to complement your medication.

Remember, this is a journey, and we are here with you every step of the way. If you have any further questions, get in touch with our customer support team or book a consultation with one of our clinicians. Your health and wellbeing are our top priority.