Switching from Mounjaro to the Wegovy tablets

The Wegovy pill is now approved in the UK. If you're on Mounjaro and want to switch to an oral GLP-1, switching from Mounjaro to the Wegovy pill is now an option. Unlike switching between Wegovy injections and the pill, this isn't a change in how you take the same medication. Mounjaro and the Wegovy pill contain different active ingredients entirely, so you're starting a new treatment, and the doses don't convert like for like.

Below, we cover who might want to switch, how it works, what dose you'll start on, and what to expect.

If you're looking to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy injections rather than the pill, read our guide to switching between Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Can you switch from Mounjaro to the Wegovy pill?

Yes. Switching from Mounjaro to the Wegovy pill is possible in the UK, and it's something we support at Voy. You'd be moving from tirzepatide (Mounjaro's active ingredient) to oral semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy). The dose you start on will depend on your current Mounjaro dose, when you took your last dose and how well you've been tolerating it.

Wegovy pill vs Mounjaro injection

Both medications reduce appetite and support weight loss, but they work differently.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works on two hormone pathways: GLP-1 and GIP. The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) works on one: GLP-1 only. That dual action is thought to be why Mounjaro tends to produce slightly higher average weight loss in trials: 22.5% at the highest dose over 72 weeks, compared to 16.6% for the Wegovy pill at 25mg over 64 weeks.

One thing to be aware of before switching: because Mounjaro has shown greater average weight loss in trials, your rate of weight loss may slow down after switching to the Wegovy pill. If maximising weight loss is your main goal, it's worth discussing this with your clinical team first.

What dose of the Wegovy pill will you start on?

There's no direct dose match between Mounjaro and the Wegovy pill, so your prescriber will recommend a starting dose based on your current Mounjaro dose, how recently you took it, and how your treatment has been going.

The table below shows the maximum starting dose under Voy's switching guidelines, if you're up to date with treatment (no more than one Mounjaro dose missed):

If you've missed more than one dose, or had side effects recently, your prescriber may recommend starting lower. You can also choose a lower dose if you'd prefer to ease in. Starting on any dose above the lowest Wegovy pill dose (1.5mg) is classed as off-label prescribing.

How do dose increases work after switching?

Dose increases on the Wegovy pill follow the same monthly rhythm you'll know from Mounjaro: increasing one step at a time, usually every 30 days, giving your body time to adjust at each dose.

The Wegovy pill comes in four strengths: 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg and 25mg.

Do you have to increase your dose?

No. If the dose you're on is controlling your appetite well, there's no pressure to increase. If side effects are making things difficult, it's also fine to stay put until they settle. You can manage your dose in the Voy app, or contact the clinical team at any point. They can review your symptoms, tweak your plan, and prescribe treatment to help with side effects if needed.

How to switch from Mounjaro to the Wegovy pill

Step 1: Answer a few questions before you switch

Before any prescription is approved, you’ll need to complete a short questionnaire. It covers any recent changes to your health, confirms you're eligible to switch, and helps your prescriber recommend the right starting dose.

Already a Voy patient? Go to the Plan page in the Voy app and select "Treatment Options."

Switching from another provider? Complete our eligibility questionnaire to get started.

Step 2: Take your final Mounjaro dose as normal

No need to reduce your dose or taper down. Just take your last Mounjaro injection as you normally would.

Step 3: Wait one week

Leave at least 7 days between your last Mounjaro injection and your first Wegovy pill. Ideally, take your first tablet on the day your next Mounjaro injection would have been due and then continue taking the tablet daily going forward. This keeps your routine consistent and gives Mounjaro time to clear your system before the tablet takes effect.

Don't use Mounjaro and the Wegovy pill at the same time, and don't combine the pill with any other GLP-1 medication, such as Wegovy injections, Ozempic or Rybelsus.

Step 4: Start your daily tablet routine

From that point, one Wegovy pill every morning on an empty stomach. No injections, no pen to prime, no needle disposal.

How do you take the Wegovy pill?

The Wegovy pill only works properly if you take it the right way. Following these steps helps your body absorb the medicine properly.

• Take one tablet every morning on an empty stomach after a recommended fasting period of 8 hours.
• Swallow it whole with up to 120ml of plain water (not juice, coffee, tea or anything else)
• Don't split, crush, chew or dissolve the tablet
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking other oral medications
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next tablet the following morning. Don't take two tablets in one day to catch up

Going from a weekly jab to a daily tablet is a change of habit. Most people find it sticks once it's part of their morning routine.

What to expect after switching from Mounjaro to the Wegovy pill

The first few weeks

In the first week or two after switching to the Wegovy pill, your appetite may feel a little stronger than usual. This is normal and temporary. Mounjaro suppresses appetite through two pathways (GLP-1 and GIP), while the Wegovy pill works through one (GLP-1). Appetite suppression returns as oral semaglutide builds up in your system, and you may need to increase your dose over the following months to reach the level that keeps your appetite steady.

Side effects are similar to what you may have noticed when you first started or increased Mounjaro. Mild nausea, loose stools or constipation are the most common, and they usually settle within a few weeks. One thing you'll notice straight away is no more injection site reactions.

Longer term

As you settle on the dose that works for you, your longer-term results depend on where you are in your journey. If you're still actively losing, the Wegovy pill can keep that going. If you've reached your goal and are maintaining, it's a practical way to keep the weight off without a weekly injection. In trials, people on the 25mg tablet lost an average of 16.6% of their starting weight over 64 weeks.

When to contact the clinical team

It's worth getting in touch if your appetite doesn't come back under control after the first few weeks, you’re gaining weight despite sticking to your usual habits, or if side effects are getting in the way of normal life. The team can look at what's going on, adjust your dose or plan, and prescribe something to ease side effects if you need it.

Should you switch from Mounjaro to the Wegovy pill?

The Wegovy pill may be a good fit if you:

• Want to stop injecting
• Have had injection site reactions on Mounjaro
• Travel a lot and find managing a pen and sharps inconvenient
• Have hit your target weight and want a maintenance option

It may be less suitable if you:

• Have unpredictable mornings or do shift work that makes a fasted morning routine difficult
• Take essential medications first thing that can't be moved
• Are focused on getting the maximum possible weight loss, as Mounjaro has the edge in trials

Not sure? Our clinical team can help you work out what fits your situation.

Can you switch back to Mounjaro from the Wegovy pill?

Yes. If the Wegovy pill doesn't suit you, switching back to Mounjaro is straightforward. Because the daily tablet clears your system quickly, there's no need for a week-long gap: you can start Mounjaro the day after your last pill and then continue with once weekly dosing. Your prescriber will confirm the right dose to return to based on where you got to on the tablet.

Ready to switch?

Already on Mounjaro or Wegovy injections? You can move to the Wegovy pill whenever you're ready.

If you haven't started treatment at all yet, there are a few routes in: the Wegovy pill, Wegovy or Mounjaro injections, or Orlos (orlistat) capsules, all backed by our clinical team.

Not sure where to begin? Take our quiz and we'll point you to the right option.