Pharmaceutical giant Lilly’s recent announcement to more than double the price of Mounjaro in the UK has caused considerable concern among those using the drug for weight loss. Effective from September 1st, the wholesale cost of a month’s supply of the highest dose has risen sharply from £122 to £330.
Lilly justified the increase by stating that the initial UK price was “significantly below the European average” to facilitate timely NHS availability. The company now claims the price adjustment is necessary “to ensure fair global contributions to the cost of innovation”.
While the NHS price remains unaffected due to pre-negotiated discounts, the change significantly impacts the estimated 1.5 million individuals in the UK using weight loss medications, with over half relying on Mounjaro, and a significant proportion funding their treatment privately.
The news has triggered widespread anxiety on social media platforms, with users expressing fears about discontinuing a medication they consider “life-changing”. Many are worried about the financial implications and the potential for weight regain.
Mounjaro Price Hikes: A Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the price changes across different dosages:
- 2.5mg: Old Price – £92, New Price – £133
- 5mg: Old Price – £92, New Price – £180
- 7.5mg: Old Price – £107, New Price – £255
- 10mg: Old Price – £107, New Price – £255
- 12.5mg: Old Price – £122, New Price – £330
- 15mg: Old Price – £122, New Price – £330
The primary worry among those affected is the likelihood of regaining weight after stopping Mounjaro. Evidence suggests that only a small percentage (2-10%) of individuals manage to maintain their weight loss after ceasing these types of medications, known as GLP-1s.
So, what options are available for those seeking to continue their weight loss journey without breaking the bank? Let’s explore some potential solutions.
Can You Switch to NHS-Prescribed Mounjaro?
Accessing Mounjaro through the NHS is subject to specific criteria based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and related health conditions. Currently, patients must have a BMI of 40 or higher (classified as severely obese) and also present with four obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, heart disease, osteoarthritis, or diabetes.
Future changes are planned: next year, individuals with a BMI over 35 and four obesity-related conditions will become eligible. By September 2026, the criteria will further ease to include those with a BMI over 40 and three related conditions.
Private clinics, however, have more flexible criteria, often prescribing Mounjaro to patients with a BMI over 30, or even 27 if they have at least one weight-related health issue.
Steps to Obtain Mounjaro on the NHS (If Eligible)
- GP Appointment: Schedule an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP), likely requiring a face-to-face consultation to prevent potential misuse.
- Medical Assessment: The GP will thoroughly review your medical history and may contact other healthcare providers involved in your care to determine your suitability for the medication.
- Regular Monitoring: If approved, expect monthly face-to-face appointments with a trained healthcare professional (e.g., a nurse) for monitoring potential side effects.
- Ongoing Review: The GP will regularly assess your progress, considering factors like BMI, co-existing conditions, side effects, and mental health, particularly during the first year of treatment.
Alternatives if You Can’t Afford Mounjaro Privately
For those unable to afford the increased price of Mounjaro, switching to a different weight loss medication is a viable option. Experts recommend consulting with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate alternative.
Wegovy, another injectable medication, is emerging as a more affordable and clinically proven option.
It’s crucial to avoid purchasing medications from unregulated sources, as these may be unsafe or ineffective.
The Dangers of “Microdosing” Mounjaro
Attempting to stretch out existing Mounjaro pens by “microdosing” (i.e., administering less than the prescribed dose) is strongly discouraged. This practice can involve counting clicks on the pen or even attempting to open it, which carries significant risks.
These risks include:
- Overdose: Inaccurate dosing can lead to potentially dangerous side effects.
- Infection: Tampering with the pen increases the risk of contamination and life-threatening infections.
- Reduced Effectiveness: Inconsistent dosing can compromise the medication’s efficacy.
Switching to Wegovy: What You Need to Know
Wegovy, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Mounjaro is more effective, resulting in an average weight loss of 20% over 72 weeks, compared to Wegovy’s 14%. This difference is attributed to Mounjaro mimicking two hormones that regulate appetite, while Wegovy mimics only one.
Safe Switching Strategies
Switching medications requires careful consideration due to potential differences in how the body reacts.
- Side Effects: Be prepared for potential side effects, which may differ between medications. Wegovy, for instance, may cause more gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or vomiting compared to Mounjaro. Common side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headaches.
- Timing: One approach is to administer your first Wegovy dose one week after your last Mounjaro injection to prevent a “hunger rebound”.
- Dosage: There is no direct dose conversion between tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy). It’s advisable to start with a low dose of semaglutide and gradually increase it as needed.
Should You Stop Mounjaro Completely Before Switching?
Experts advise against abruptly stopping weight loss injections due to potential side effects and the risk of weight regain. However, patients must discontinue Mounjaro completely before starting Wegovy or other similar medications.
This is because combining GLP-1 medications can significantly increase the risk of side effects and potential long-term health issues. A period of abstinence from Mounjaro for several weeks may be necessary before commencing an alternative medication. Consult your pharmacist for specific guidance on switching medications. A typical timeframe involves waiting seven days between the last Mounjaro dose and the first Wegovy dose, but this may vary depending on individual tolerability and side effects.