Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, has significantly increased the wholesale price of the medication across the UK. This change affects all healthcare providers and may impact how each chooses to price treatment moving forward. For many, it raises concerns about long-term affordability and access to treatment.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) remains a clinically proven, effective weight loss treatment. However, rising costs are prompting many to explore alternatives particularly Wegovy (semaglutide), which is now more cost-effective.
What's changed with Mounjaro pricing?
The cost of Mounjaro has increased across the UK, affecting all providers. Each provider may respond differently, with some adjusting prices for everyone, others making changes more selectively.
While the medication itself has not changed, the cost has. Mounjaro remains a safe, clinically effective treatment for weight loss.
It’s important to note that:
- The increase affects everyone: Pharmacies, private clinics like Voy, and all digital providers must follow the new pricing.
- There are no clinical changes: The formulation, strength, and safety profile of Mounjaro remain the same.
- This decision comes from the manufacturer: The price rise originates with Eli Lilly, not providers.
What’s driving the price increase?
Eli Lilly says it will increase the UK list price for Mounjaro from 1st September so it is more in line with other developed countries. When Mounjaro launched in the UK, the price was set lower to help patients get access quickly. Lilly now says newer evidence and market changes support bringing the UK price into line. Clinics and pharmacies buy the medicine from wholesalers, so when the list price changes, the price patients pay can change too.
What this means for patients
This price change affects all UK providers and therefore, every UK patient prescribed Mounjaro, whether through a pharmacy, private clinic, or digital provider like Voy.
At Voy, we understand how disruptive sudden price increases can be. We’re actively reviewing our pricing, to ensure we offer the best possible value, and will always give at least 7 days’ notice before making any changes to existing subscriptions. While we’ll do our best to keep Mounjaro as accessible as possible, Wegovy is now likely to be the more affordable option for most patients.
Why Wegovy is now the go-to alternative
We know an unexpected cost increase can make continued treatment difficult. That’s why many patients are now switching to Wegovy, a clinically proven alternative that is currently more affordable for most UK patients. But it’s not just about cost, Wegovy has several compelling advantages:
- Comparable Weight Loss Results: Wegovy 7.2mg (expected in the UK later this year) demonstrated an average weight loss of 20.7% in the STEP-UP trial. One in three participants lost 25% or more of their body weight. These are results that narrow the gap with higher-dose Mounjaro.
- Cardiovascular benefits: 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, based on the results from the SELECT CVOT trial. While recent trial results suggest that Mounjaro offers similar cardiovascular protection, it is not yet approved for this indication in the UK.
- Affordability: With Eli Lilly’s price increase, Wegovy has become the more accessible option for many. At Voy, our longer, more affordable plans are designed to support consistent treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Want a side-by-side view of results, dosing and side effects? Read our Mounjaro vs Wegovy comparison.
How switching works at Voy
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy isn’t about starting over, it’s about continuing your progress safely and confidently. At Voy, we’ll recommend the most appropriate starting dose for you, guided by the best available clinical data and your individual treatment history.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’ve had side effects (like nausea, bloating, or digestive discomfort), we may recommend a more gradual starting dose when switching. This helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of symptoms coming back.
- If you’ve tolerated Mounjaro well, we may suggest a higher starting dose of Wegovy. This helps maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary plateaus or regressions.
- You’ll still increase your dose every 4 weeks, just as with Mounjaro, until you reach your optimal dose which is the one that consistently manages appetite and supports weight loss.
- 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, not just a standard protocol.
Beginning Wegovy at a slightly higher dose is considered “off-label,” as the standard guidance is to always start from the lowest dose. For people switching from Mounjaro however, we recognise this may not be the most clinically appropriate approach. At Voy, we take your individual treatment history and the best available evidence into account to recommend the dose that will help you continue your progress safely and effectively.
Considering a switch?
We don’t just switch your medication, we support your entire transition. Here’s what makes the Voy switch process different:
- Comprehensive treatment review - We look at your full Mounjaro journey, including your dose, tolerance, and weight loss progress, to make sure you don’t lose momentum during the switch.
- Flexible dose options - Whether you need a slower start or a higher dose of Wegovy to maintain progress, our clinicians recommend the safest, most effective starting point based on your personal data.
- Clinician-approved plans - Every switch is reviewed by a qualified clinician. You'll complete a short medical questionnaire and can speak to a clinician directly via our hotline or live chat within minutes.
- In-app tools and tracking - Stay on track with injection reminders, weight and appetite logging, and direct messaging with our team—plus access to expert-led videos, tips, and support.
- Ongoing personalised coaching - Beyond the prescription, we offer 1-to-1 support on nutrition, behaviour change, and lifestyle to help you get the best results long term.
If you decide to switch, you can rely on us to make the process smooth, safe, and fully supported from start to finish.
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