In response to pressures from President Donald Trump, the manufacturer of weight loss injection Mounjaro, has announced that they will be increasing the cost of the drug by +170% from the 1st September.
In response to the news, the UK saw a +5,500% search increase in ‘can I swap from Mounjaro to Wegovy’ on Google Trends highlighting that people in the UK and Northern Ireland are searching for a more cost-effective treatment to continue their weight loss journey
To support weight loss injection patients in making informed decisions about whether switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is right for them, the specialist weight loss team at Chemist4U have shared exactly how you can make the transition, and what to expect from it.
Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U said, “With Mounjaro’s price rise looming, it’s not surprising that patients are exploring alternatives. Wegovy offers a safe, less expensive and almost equally effective weight loss solution and is a very good option to consider if Mounjaro becomes unaffordable. ”
“However, switching should always be as part of a conversation with your pharmacist or GP. Our role is to guide patients through the process, tailoring advice to their health history, so they can continue their weight loss journey with confidence.”
Both medications are part of a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists
Wegovy and Mounjaro are both weekly injections originally designed for type 2 diabetes but are powerful weight-loss drugs. Wegovy (the brand name for semaglutide) works by mimicking a gut hormone (GLP-1) that curbs appetite and slows digestion. Mounjaro goes a step further by also targeting a second hormone, GIP.
If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you are likely to be approved for Wegovy
If you’ve never taken a weight loss injection before, Wegovy has the same eligibility criteria as Mounjaro. This means you’re likely to be approved for Wegovy if you have: a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if you also have a pre-existing medical condition that is affected by your weight (e.g., cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure).
If you’ve already lost weight while taking Mounjaro, or are using it to maintain your weight, and are now below the eligibility criteria, you may still be able to switch to Wegovy; a clinical team will review your medical history and decide if it’s safe and suitable.
A short wash out period is required before switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy
Since Mounjaro and Wegovy act in very similar ways, with similar ingredients and half-lives (the time it takes for half of a medicine to leave your body), switching between them is considered safe and effective, as long as it’s done under the supervision of a medical professional.
Most people find that a seven-day gap between their final dose of Mounjaro and their first dose of Wegovy is enough to reduce the risk of overlapping side effects, such as bloating and nausea. When switching, it’s important to not stop Mounjaro until your prescriber confirms the switch to Wegovy is possible.
Jason Murphy, Clinical Lead and Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U cautioned: “Please note that the manufacturer recommends leaving 30 days from your last dose of Mounjaro and your first dose of Wegovy, to further reduce the risk of side effects, however we understand this could result in stalling your weight loss journey or potential weight gain.”
It’s important a pharmacist reviews your health and experience with Mounjaro before setting your Wegovy starting dose, says Jason Murphy, Clinical Lead and Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U
Any Wegovy starting dose will be dependent on what the dose was when using Mounjaro. Jason said, “When
moving from Mounjaro to Wegovy, it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Your starting Wegovy dose should always reflect the Mounjaro dose you were previously on, alongside your overall health, and how well you tolerated treatment. That’s why a pharmacist’s review is essential; it ensures the transition is safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs.”
|
Final Mounjaro dose |
Starting Wegovy dose |
| 2.5mg | 0.5mg |
| 5mg | 0.5mg |
| 7.5mg | 0.5mg |
| 10mg | 1mg |
| 12.5mg | 1mg |
| 15mg |
1mg |
*The above table shows how final Mounjaro doses can translate to a starting Wegovy dose
Switching to Wegovy might also provide benefits outside of being more cost-effective
People respond to medications in different ways, and even though Mounjaro and Wegovy share similar ingredients, some people may tolerate one better than another. If your current treatment is causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, or vomiting, and these become difficult to manage, it may be worth considering a switch, as the other medication could be easier to live with.
During a weight loss journey, it’s also not uncommon for progress to slow. This is known as a weight loss plateau, and it’s a normal part of the process as your body adjusts to changes in diet and medication. If it continues to slow over a longer period, making a change could help.
Recent clinical trials for Wegovy have shown promising results, with patients losing up to 20.7% of their body weight. In fact, three patients in the study lost 25% or more. These outcomes are much closer to the results typically seen with Mounjaro, helping to close the gap between the effectiveness of these treatments.
Right now, Wegovy is also the only weight loss injection proven and licensed to be used to reduce the risk of cardiac health problems, such as strokes and heart attacks, in people with obesity and heart disease. This has been demonstrated in clinical trials.
Jason Murphy, Clinical Lead and Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U, answered commonly asked questions:
Q: Will I experience withdrawal when I stop taking Mounjaro?
A: “There are no ‘withdrawal’ symptoms in the usual sense. Some people notice their appetite increases as the medicine wears off, and any side effects usually settle after stopping. If you feel unwell or are unsure what to expect, speak to your prescriber.”
Q: If I switch to Wegovy, do I need to start from the lowest dose?
A: “If you’re switching to Wegovy from a higher dose or Mounjaro, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to start from the lowest dose. Your starting dose of Wegovy will depend on what dose of Mounjaro you were on, and what your prescriber thinks is safe and suitable for you.”
Q: Will I gain weight while switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
A: “It’s unlikely you’ll gain weight when switching, as the effects of Mounjaro will continue during the seven days after your final dose. You will then immediately start taking Wegovy, which will continue to work in the same way. This means you can continue losing weight while switching, especially if you’re sticking to your diet and exercise plan.”
