What happens when you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Mounjaro and Wegovy are weekly injectable weight loss drugs. They belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. To understand the switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, it helps to know how each medication works.

• Wegovy (semaglutide): Mimics the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone, which is naturally released after you eat. This helps to reduce your appetite, slow down stomach emptying to make you feel fuller for longer, and improve blood sugar control.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Is a dual agonist. It mimics both GLP-1 and another hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual action may lead to slightly greater average weight loss in some people compared to Wegovy.

Even though they have a slightly different mechanism, they are both highly effective at helping you achieve and maintain weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

The process of switching is straightforward and is designed to ensure your safety and continued progress.

1. Consultation with a clinician: Your PrivateDoc clinician will first have you complete a medical consultation. This is to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for Wegovy and that it's a suitable and safe option for you.
2. A short break: You cannot take both medications at the same time. You'll need to have a short break after your last Mounjaro dose before starting Wegovy. This is typically one week. This is a standard safety measure to prevent an unsafe overlap of the medications in your system.
3. Adjusting your dose: You may not need to start at the lowest possible dose of Wegovy (0.25mg). Your clinician will determine a starting dose based on the Mounjaro dose you were on and your history with side effects. This is done to help your body adjust smoothly and to keep your weight loss journey on track.
4. No withdrawal symptoms: A common concern is withdrawal from Mounjaro. There are no classic withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Mounjaro. However, some people may notice a slight increase in appetite as the medication leaves their system.
5. Side effects: Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have similar side effect profiles, most commonly gastrointestinal issues like nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea. When you switch, you may experience some of these side effects as your body adjusts to the new medication. They are usually mild and improve over time.