Compare Cost and Stock of Mounjaro and Wegovy in the UK

Mounjaro and Wegovy are both GLP-1 receptor agonists approved for weight management in the UK. Both have been shown to support weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.

However, they have different active ingredients and dosing schedules. While they have similar side effects, they can differ from person to person. So choosing between Mounjaro and Wegovy depends on several factors. This includes medical suitability, side effect tolerance and dosing schedule.

For some, cost or availability also plays a big role in this decision. Mounjaro may be harder to get at certain doses – and prices can vary.

So this guide explains NHS and private costs, current supply for Wegovy vs Mounjaro. As well as what to do if your first choice isn’t in stock and how to plan long-term.

Cost of Mounjaro vs Wegovy in the UK

Understanding the cost differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy is important. It could be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing between the two medications. Especially if you’re considering long-term treatment.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for each.

Mounjaro

From 1 September 2025, Eli Lilly raised the UK list price of Mounjaro. The manufacturer increased the list price (wholesale price) for a month’s supply of the highest-strength pen by around 170%.

As a result, all private providers in the UK have raised their prices.

However, what you pay for Mounjaro will vary by provider. The below table shows the average monthly price of Mounjaro across nine leading providers. It compares it to the average monthly cost before the UK price increase.

2.5mg	5mg	7.5mg	10mg	12.5mg	15mg	Average Journey Total
£188.44	£220.85	£271.97	£304.06	£320.10	£334.24	£1,649.99
Pre-Price Increase
£170.13	£175.71	£194.56	£203.13	£228.84	£228.84	£1201.21

Providers used: Simple Online Pharmacy, MedExpress, Asda Online Doctor, Superdrug, Numan, Boots, Oxford Online Pharmacy, Juniper, Voy.
Last Updated: 15/10/2025
Average Journey Total assumes patients will titrate from 2.5mg up to 15mg maintenance over 6 months.

Wegovy

Wegovy prices also vary by dose and provider. At Simple, the cost of the Wegovy starting dose is £119 for a monthly supply (four doses of weekly injections). This rises for higher strength doses.

Your average monthly costs will depend on which dose you take. Dose increases are gradual and guided by a clinician, based on how well you tolerate it. Costs will also depend on which dose helps maintain your weight.

Many providers, including Simple, will also have bundles available to help you save money.

NHS vs Private Costs

You can get both Mounjaro and Wegovy through the NHS. The NHS approved these medicines for use in overweight and obese patients following large clinical trials.

If you get your treatment from the NHS, you won’t pay private prices. But you will need to pay prescription charges if you are in England (£9.90). Eli Lilly’s decision to increase the cost of Mounjaro hasn’t impacted this cost.

Whether you can get these medicines depends on specific NHS criteria, like higher BMI thresholds, and medical history. Waiting lists can be long, and availability can change depending on where you live.

If you access treatment privately, you pay the provider’s price.

You will usually get the treatment quicker than waiting for NHS treatment (if you’re eligible and there’s stock). But the long-term cost is your responsibility.

Whichever route you take, you will have regular reviews to monitor progress and risk of side effects.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

Higher doses of Mounjaro and Wegovy cost more than the lower doses. So your average monthly cost of treatment depends on your selected dose and how long you stay on treatment.

So there are a few things you need to consider before starting a treatment. Here are the main factors:

• Your Likely Maintenance Dose: Costs rise as you gradually titrate your dose. If you maintain at a higher step on Mounjaro, private costs can be much higher than Wegovy month-to-month after the September change.
• Average Over a Year: Try and work out the average monthly cost across 12 months. Since early months are cheaper and later months can be pricier depending on the dose. This can help you budget.
• Bundles and Support: Some providers offer multi-month bundles or programme extras (coaching, tracking apps). These can lower weekly cost or add value, but compare like-for-like.

If you plan to use the higher Mounjaro doses for long-term weight management, private costs build up. Wegovy will be the cheaper option for many private patients.

Stock Availability in the UK

GLP-1 medicines (including semaglutide and tirzepatide) have seen global demand spikes. This has led to shortages and rationing at times. Shortages can happen for the following reasons:

• High Global Demand: Global demand for GLP-1s can sometimes exceed the production rate.
• Logistics and Allocations: Manufacturers may allocate stock to avoid hoarding or to prioritise existing patients.
• Policy and Systems: The Department of Health and Social Care has been reviewing how to improve resilience and information on medicine shortages in the UK.

Wegovy Supply Issues

Since its launch, Wegovy stock has gone up and down, based on global demand. Higher demand did see some Wegovy shortages last year. But this issue has since been resolved.

Availability often varies by dose. Starter pens are sometimes easier to find than higher doses. But this can change week to week.

Many providers share dose-by-dose stock updates, so check before you order. If your dose isn’t available, ask your clinician about staying on your current dose. Or consider a temporary lower dose. You could also switch treatments too if that suits your journey.

​​Recent Mounjaro Shortages

Like Wegovy, there have also been supply issues for Mounjaro this year. Particularly for the higher-strength doses (12.5 mg and 15 mg). This is largely down to increased demand.

In late August 2025, the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, temporarily paused UK shipments of Mounjaro ahead of the price change. This was to manage stock and prevent hoarding. It scheduled orders to resume in early September.

There were some short-term shortages around that time. Some pharmacies, including Simple, also prioritised existing patients for a brief period. We have since resumed taking orders from new patients.

“Good Stock” Post-Mounjaro Price Increase

Even after September 2025, many providers report good stock most of the time. But spikes in demand or batch changes can still cause short gaps.

Abdal Alvi, Chief Clinical Officer at Simple Online Pharmacy, says: “The good news is we have good stock of both Mounjaro and Wegovy. And, although we were prioritising our existing patients, we have now re-opened to new patients as well. This includes those joining us from other providers.

“Above all, we know this kind of change can feel unsettling. Our priority is to keep your journey safe, supported, and affordable, and to make sure you have clear choices.”

What to Do if Your Medication Is Unavailable

If your dose isn’t available, don’t worry. Here are few a things you can do:

• Ask About Dose Flexibility: Your provider may have stock in a different dose that still fits your plan. Never make changes without clinical advice.
• Consider Switching Medications: If Mounjaro is out of stock, Wegovy could be an option, or vice versa. If you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you need a seven-day gap between the two. Don’t overlap. See our switching guide for simple steps.
• Discuss a Holding Plan: Some people temporarily hold at a lower dose to ride out a short shortage. Then they step back up when stock returns (only do this with advice from a clinician).
• Use Lifestyle Support While You Wait: Keep up with your healthy eating, exercise and restful sleep. If you’re on the NHS pathway, ask about group or digital programmes in the meantime.
• Avoid Unsafe Workarounds: Don’t try hacks to extract extra doses from pens or buy unapproved products online. Regulators warn against this, and the risk of wrong dose or contamination is real. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist or prescriber.

Key Takeaways

• Mounjaro vs Wegovy Cost UK: Higher strengths of Mounjaro now cost more than before. Wegovy is the cheaper weight loss treatment. Prices for both vary by provider.
• NHS vs Private is a Different Picture: On the NHS, access depends on criteria, like starting body weight. The NHS has a higher BMI threshold. And long waiting lists are likely. Private care is faster, but you pay the full price each month.
• Stock Has Been Tight At Times: There was a short pause in Mounjaro shipments in late August 2025. This was to manage the price change, with orders resuming in early September. Wegovy supply improves and dips at times based on demand and dose mix.
• If One Isn’t Available, You Have Options: Ask a clinician about dose plans, consider switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy. Or vice versa. Maintain healthy eating and exercise while you wait. Don’t use unsafe hacks or unapproved sources.
• Plan for the Long Haul: Think about your maintenance dose and 12-month cost. Compare providers, bundles and the value of support programmes. If costs rise, review options with your clinician rather than stopping abruptly.

References

Bowie, K., 2025. Mounjaro: UK price set to rise by up to 170% after Trump complaint—will patients have to pay? BMJ [online]. 390, p.r1776. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj.r1776 (Accessed: 11 September 2025).

Department of Health and Social Care, no date. Managing a robust and resilient supply of medicines [online]. GOV.UK. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-a-robust-and-resilient-supply-of-medicines/managing-a-robust-and-resilient-supply-of-medicines (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Diabetes UK, 2025. Our response to serious supply issues of drugs for people with type 2 diabetes [online]. 28 August. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/our-response-serious-supply-issues-drugs-people-living-type-2-diabetes (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 2025. GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know [online]. GOV.UK. Updated 20 August 2025. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

NICE, 2023. Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity: Recommendations (Technology appraisal guidance, TA875) [online]. Published 08 March 2023; last updated 04 September 2023. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875/chapter/1-Recommendations (Accessed: 18 September 2025).

NICE, 2024. Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity: Recommendations (Technology appraisal guidance, TA1026) [online]. Published 23 December 2024; last updated 01 September 2025. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026/chapter/1-Recommendations (Accessed: 18 September 2025).

Reuters, 2025. Eli Lilly temporarily halts UK shipments of weight-loss drug Mounjaro [online]. 27 August. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/eli-lilly-temporarily-halts-uk-shipments-weight-loss-drug-mounjaro-2025-08-27/ (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Authorship