Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy: A Smarter Choice Amid UK Price Rises

In 2025, private patients in the UK are facing mounting challenges with weight-loss injections. Rising medication costs, ongoing supply shortages, and uncertainty about long-term availability have left many people questioning how to continue their weight-management journey without disruption.

Cleckheaton Pharmacy offers secure, affordable, and clinically guided weight-loss injection services tailored to your needs. Whether you are currently on Mounjaro and struggling with costs or supply, or you’re considering making the transition to Wegovy, our experienced team will help you make an informed choice.

Mounjaro price hike UK 2025

From 1 September 2025, Eli Lilly announced a staggering private price increase for Mounjaro, which is up to 170%, raising the cost of the highest-dose pack from approximately £122 to £330 per month. Pharmacies across the UK experienced shortages ahead of the hike, with wholesalers pausing orders to manage demand. Some online providers have frozen prices temporarily to ease the transition.

What is Monjaro Alternative UK?

Given the Mounjaro steep price hike and supply instability, Wegovy UK has emerged as a practical Mounjaro alternative in the UK private market. It is more widely available and considerably more affordable, providing continuity of care without compromising safety.

Wegovy (semaglutide) offers a more cost-effective alternative, typically ranging between £85 and £239 per month, depending on dosage and provider. Since its launch in September 2023, Wegovy has become a prominent GLP-1 agonist option for weight-loss therapy in private settings alongside Mounjaro. 

How to Switch Safely from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are once-weekly weight loss injections in the UK, available privately and, in certain cases, through NHS frameworks. Due to the rising demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists, many patients are now considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Here are the key steps commonly recommended by UK providers:

1. Clinical assessment

Before making any changes, a clinical review is essential. Your healthcare provider will consider your current Mounjaro dose, tolerance, medical history, and overall weight-management goals. This ensures the transition plan is tailored to your needs and reduces the risk of side effects.

2. Wash-out period

A short wash-out period, which is a one-week gap between stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy, is supported by UK clinical guidance and pharmacy advice, though not directly cited from Eli Lilly. 

While some clinics report that Eli Lilly suggested a 30-day interval to reduce overlapping side effects, the 7-day break is more commonly followed in practice.

3. Starting the right Wegovy dose

Patients usually begin Wegovy at a lower starting dose than the equivalent potency of Mounjaro. For example, even if you were on a higher dose of Mounjaro, your provider may initiate Wegovy at 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg weekly to allow your body to adjust. This cautious approach helps improve tolerability.

4. Titration and follow-up

Wegovy is then increased gradually over several weeks until the target dose is reached. Regular follow-up appointments allow your pharmacist or prescriber to monitor your progress, side effects, and overall response. Adjustments can be made depending on your weight-loss outcomes and tolerance.

5. Ongoing support beyond injections

Weight loss injections in the UK are most effective when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes. At Cleckheaton Pharmacy, we provide nutritional advice, exercise guidance, and routine check-ins alongside your prescription. This ensures your treatment remains effective in the long term.

Conclusion

At Cleckheaton Pharmacy, we understand the uncertainty that recent changes can create for those managing their weight with GLP-1 medications. As costs rise and supplies tighten, switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy can be a safer and more affordable option when done under professional supervision.

Our private weight-loss injection service offers personalised consultations, safe transition planning, and continuous support tailored to your needs. Let us help guide you through this shift, ensuring your health, safety, and goals remain firmly on track.

FAQs

Why should I consider switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy in the UK 2025?

With Mounjaro’s price rising from £220 to £330 monthly and supply issues emerging, Wegovy offers a more affordable and widely available GLP-1 alternative.

Can I switch directly from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

A wash-out interval of approximately one week after your last Mounjaro dose is advised before starting Wegovy to help minimise side effects and ensure a safer transition.

How do Mounjaro and Wegovy compare for weight loss?

Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (21%) vs Wegovy (15%). However, both are effective, and individual results and tolerability ultimately guide the best choice.

Is Wegovy available on the NHS in the UK?

Not currently for direct prescription; Wegovy is available only via specialist weight-management services, whereas Mounjaro has begun rolling out via GPs and specialist referral pathways under NHS criteria.

Do I need to restart at the lowest dose when switching to Wegovy?

Not necessarily. Depending on your prior Mounjaro dosage, your clinician may start Wegovy at a moderate dose and then titrate up gradually, based on tolerance and response.

What should I expect when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Expect a short wash-out, followed by gradual dosing adjustments with monitoring for side effects like nausea or fatigue. Wegovy may offer steadier access and more affordable pricing over time.

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