Mounjaro Price Increase: What It Means for Patients

Eli Lilly have announced a substantial price increase in the wholesale price of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. The increase is by up to170% in the UK and comes into effect onStarting 1 September 2025.This change will affect all healthcare providers: pharmacies, private clinics and all digital providers supporting patients with weight management in the private sector must follow this price increase.

This is a manufacturer decision, not a decision from the private providers. The price increase affects everyone paying privately, from pharmacies to private clinics. All online providers will be affected.

Whilst Mounjaro still remains a highly effective medication, this understandably will raise concerns for patients about the long-term affordability of Mounjaro.

Why the increase in price?

Ely Lily, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, is the only supplier. This means that the price rises announced by them will affect all providers who purchase Mounjaro.

In a statement, Ely Lily said: “The UK was one of the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited availability.” At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability.” With changes in the environment and new clinical evidence supporting the value of Mounjaro, we are now aligning the list price more consistently to ensure fair global contributions to the cost of innovation.”

What this means for patients

Patients will likely see a price rise in Mounjaro at every provider from September 2025. This is the only thing changing- the formulation and efficacy remain.

We understand that patients will be very concerned about this disruptive and sudden price increase. This affects all private providers and we are currently reviewing the situation to ensure that we provide the best possible value to our patients. Mounjaro remains highly clinically effective and will likely continue to be the best choice of medication for many patients.

What are my options?

Mounjaro remains a highly clinically effective medication, which has helped thousands of individuals to reach their weight and health-related goals. For many, this will continue to be their preferred option, balancing the effectiveness with the increased cost.

For many others, the price changes may mean that you consider switching to a different treatment, such as Wegovy. Wegovy may be more cost effective with comparable clinical results.

This is a decision that is personal to the patient. Here at Pillsorted, we will provide you with all the information you need so that we can come to the best decision for you.

The differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy 

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy work in similar ways, targeting the GLP-1 receptor (“GLP-1 agonists”). Both of these medications mimic the GLP hormone that naturally occurs in the body. GLP regulates glucose, appetite and slows digestion, helping you to feel fuller, longer.  
 

Mounjaro, in addition, also mimics another hormone called GIP. This dual action may account for the stronger effect and results seen in clinical trials.  

Nevertheless, Wegovy is still highly effective and the recent price changes for Mounjaro may lead some patients to consider switching.  

Considering switching to Wegovy?

Wegovy is highly clinically effective: 

• Excellent weight loss results: Wegovy is a clinically proven, highly effective alternative to Mounjaro, demonstrating excellent weight loss results. We already offer it here at Pillsorted. Wegovy is a well-studied medication with a number of studies demonstrating its effectiveness. A landmark study (STEP-1 trial) in 2021 showed a ~15% reduction in bodyweight by week 68. Across STEP 1 (and similar trials like STEP 3, 4, and 8), average weight loss ranged from 14.9% to 17.4% at 68 weeks.  
   

• Cardiometabolic benefits: the evidence shows that patients taking Wegovy have clinically significant improvements in other aspects of their physical health including reductions in waist circumference, blood pressure, HbA1c and lipid levels. Indeed, Wegovy is currently the only GLP-1 medication licensed in the UK to reduce the risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke, in people with obesity and established heart disease 

• Cost: Wegovy is likely to be more cost-effective than Mounjaro 

Note that Wegovy is only licensed to be taken for two years whereas Mounjaro does not have this limitation.

How do I switch to Wegovy?

A switch is your choice but has to be approved by one of our prescribers.

You can switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy after waiting at least seven days from the last dose of Mounjaro to the first dose of Wegovy. This allows a “washout” period, minimising side effects.

Which dose will I start on?

Wegovy is available in several doses: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg. Standard guidance and the license dictates that a patient shouldstart at the lowest dose and increase dosing every four weeks as tolerated (just as is the case with Mounjaro); starting at a higher dose is considered “off-label”.  

Mounjaro stays in your body for around 4-5 weeks and so even if you start at a lower dose, you should have some residual appetite suppression from a higher Mounjaro dose to help with the transition. This also gives your body time to adjust and prevent severe side effects.  

We do appreciate that for those who have been taking-and tolerating- Mounjaro, it may be clinically appropriate to start at a dose higher than 0.25mg. It is important to ensure that the dose prescribed is right for you and this can be done on discussion with our clinical team., recognising that this may be “off-label”  
 
You’ll still increase your dose every 4 weeks, just as with Mounjaro, until you reach your optimal dose. Your starting dose is tailored to you. We look at your clinical history, how long you’ve been on treatment, your last dose, side effect history, and how you’ve responded. 

Am I eligible for Wegovy?

Wegovy has the same eligibility criteria as Mounjaro:

• BMI of 30 or higher
• BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related medical condition or risk factor such as high blood pressure

If you have already lost weight on Mounjaro and are now below the eligibility criteria, you may still be able to switch if a pharmacist approves this.