As you may already be aware, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, has recently announced a significant price increase to align UK pricing with the rest of Europe. From 1st September 2025, the monthly cost of Mounjaro will rise to between £160–£320 per pen, depending on the dose.
We understand how challenging and uncertain price changes can feel, especially when you’ve been making consistent progress on your treatment. At Oushk, our priority is your long-term health and wellbeing. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through your options, including a safe, supported switch to Wegovy if that becomes the more suitable route for you.
Why has the price of Mounjaro increased?
When Mounjaro was first introduced to the UK, it was priced lower to ensure initial access for patients. However, as time has passed and new international pricing standards have emerged, Eli Lilly has now adjusted UK prices to match other countries across Europe.
This isn’t a decision made by Oushk, and unfortunately, it affects all UK providers who source directly from the manufacturer. The product remains the same and what’s changed is simply the cost.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection developed by Novo Nordisk and licensed in the UK. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics your body’s natural hormones to help you feel fuller for longer, reduce hunger, and improve your ability to eat less — ultimately supporting long-term weight loss.
Although it’s not identical to Mounjaro (which also targets the GIP receptor), Wegovy is considered a strong alternative and has shown comparable outcomes in many studies.
What are the benefits of switching to Wegovy?
Here’s why some of our patients are choosing to switch to Wegovy:
- Proven weight loss: In clinical trials, Wegovy has helped patients lose up to 15%- 21% of their body weight, closely matching Mounjaro’s results.
- Strong STEP-UP study results: The upcoming 7.2mg dose of Wegovy showed similar weight loss effects to Mounjaro in trials, with up to 21%- 25% body weight loss in some patients.
- Fat loss over muscle loss: Studies confirm that Wegovy promotes loss of unhealthy visceral fat while preserving lean muscle, protecting your metabolism.
- Improved waist circumference: People taking Wegovy saw waist reductions of up to 5.3 inches, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
- Heart protection: Uniquely, Wegovy is licensed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with heart disease — even if they don’t lose weight. It can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 20%.
What does switching involve?
At Oushk, we understand switching medication can feel like a big step — but you’re not starting over. Our clinical team will carry out a personalised review to help you safely transition from Mounjaro to Wegovy based on:
- How long you’ve been on Mounjaro
- Any side effects you’ve experienced
- Your current weight loss progress
- Your dosing history and goals
We may be able to start on a higher dose of Wegovy if your body has already adapted to GLP-1 therapy and you’ve tolerated Mounjaro well. If you’ve experienced issues such as nausea or bloating, we may choose a gentler introduction with a lower dose.
Will I need a “washout” period?
In most cases, you won’t need a long washout period when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy.
Here’s why:
- Wegovy works only on the GLP-1 receptor, while Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP.
- Once you stop Mounjaro, the effect on the GIP receptor fades — and Wegovy doesn’t act on it.
- A 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy injection is usually enough to reduce overlapping side effects like nausea or bloating.
- There’s no receptor conflict, and both drugs have long half-lives — so switching, when done correctly and clinically supervised, is considered safe and effective.
How will I know which Wegovy dose is right for me?
Your ideal dose will depend on:
- How well you responded to Mounjaro
- Side effects experienced
- Your current weight
- How long you’ve been on treatment
Your prescriber will assess your journey so far and can recommend a dose that keeps you progressing without restarting from the lowest dose unless necessary.
We’ve also developed a dose guide to help patients get started and make informed choices — but your prescription will always be tailored to your needs, with ongoing support from our clinical team.
Ready to switch?
To begin your switch to Wegovy, simply complete the assessment form before selecting your preferred dose. This helps us understand your medical background and treatment journey so far.
Once submitted, our clinical team will carefully review your answers to ensure the dose you’ve chosen is both safe and effective for you. After approval, you’ll be able to proceed as normal — and if needed, increase your dose with future orders based on your response and progress.
We're here every step of the way to make sure your transition is smooth and supported.
FAQs:
Can I stop Mounjaro and restart at the lowest strength of Wegovy?
Yes, you can. Many patients choose to restart their journey with the lowest dose of Wegovy (0.25mg), especially if they experienced side effects on Mounjaro or want to ease into the transition. However, your starting dose will depend on your clinical history and how well you previously tolerated treatment. Our prescribers will guide you on what’s best for you.
Can I switch to Wegovy if my BMI is below 30?
Wegovy is licensed for people with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above if you have a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, PCOS, insulin resistance, or sleep apnoea. If you’re switching from Mounjaro and your BMI has now dropped below 30, we may still be able to continue treatment safely.
Can I switch to Wegovy for maintenance?
Absolutely. Weight maintenance is just as important as weight loss, and Wegovy can be a safe, effective option to support long-term results. If you’ve already reached your goal weight or are close, our clinical team will help you stabilise on a maintenance dose to help prevent weight regain.
How long can I stay on Wegovy?
There is no official time limit for using Wegovy. Studies have shown it can be used safely long-term, as long as you're responding well and being monitored regularly. Weight management is a chronic condition, and for some people, ongoing treatment is needed to sustain results and protect long-term health.
How long does Wegovy last once opened?
Once in use, Wegovy pens should be stored in the fridge or at room temperature (up to 30°C) and must be used within 6 weeks. Always check the expiry date and follow storage instructions provided.
Do I need a washout period between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Not usually. A 7-day gap is generally recommended between your last Mounjaro dose and first Wegovy injection. This avoids side effects and allows a smooth transition, but no extended "break" is required.
Will I lose the same amount of weight on Wegovy as Mounjaro?
Everyone responds differently, but recent trials show comparable results – especially with higher Wegovy doses like 7.2mg (coming soon to the UK). If Wegovy is right for you, our team will work with you to find your optimal dose and support your progress.
Can I switch if I’ve had side effects on Mounjaro?
Yes. If you've experienced nausea, bloating, or other symptoms on Mounjaro, starting Wegovy at a lower dose can often help you tolerate it better. Your prescriber will adjust accordingly.
References:
Wegovy® STEP trial data — Novo Nordisk
UK MHRA guidance on GLP-1 prescribing
STEP-UP press release, 2025 – Novo Nordisk