What Are My Options if I Can’t Afford Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a weekly injection that is helping many patients in the UK manage their weight. But Mounjaro prices in the UK have increased, so many people are now looking for affordable alternatives. So what can you do instead?

Your main options are to switch to Wegovy or stay on Mounjaro at a lower dose to cut costs. You could also try to get treatment and support through the NHS. Or lose weight or maintain your success using lifestyle changes, if you feel ready.

This guide walks you through each option and how you can get started.

Why Is Mounjaro More Expensive Now?

On 1 September 2025, the UK list price of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) increased across all doses. This change came from the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, and affected all private providers in the UK.

Eli Lilly explained the increase by saying: “In recent months, we have intensified efforts to better align medicine prices across developed countries, particularly in Europe.

“This rebalancing may be difficult, but it means the prices for medicines paid by governments and health systems need to increase in other developed markets like Europe…to make them lower in the US.”

Reports ahead of the rise suggested that this could have pushed Mounjaro prices up in the UK by around 170%. However, the average monthly cost of treatment, across nine leading providers, has risen by between 13% and 55%.

If you pay privately, you have probably seen this at checkout. If you get care through the NHS, costs are handled differently. So it won’t be affected by these price rises.

What to Do if You Can’t Afford Mounjaro?

If you want to continue using weight loss injections, “you essentially have two choices,” Abdal Alvi, Chief Clinical Officer at Simple Online Pharmacy, says. “You can continue on Mounjaro, or you can switch to Wegovy.”

“Both are highly effective treatments, and whichever you choose, our clinical team is here to support you,” he adds.

If you can’t afford Mounjaro, you can also think about decreasing your dose. You can also come off the medications or use other weight care treatments. Think about what fits in with your health, budget and day-to-day life. There isn’t one “right” choice, and you can change your mind later.

Before you change anything, have a quick chat with your provider or a healthcare professional. They can check your other medicines, suggest a safe starting dose and set up a follow-up so you’re not going it alone.

Below are the main routes people take when Mounjaro is too expensive.

Switch to Wegovy

Wegovy is a once-a-week injection pen and is typically cheaper than Mounjaro.

The active ingredient is semaglutide which, like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). In doing so, it slows how quickly your stomach empties. This helps you feel full sooner, and reduces hunger and cravings. Many people eat less without feeling like they’re constantly fighting hunger.

You inject it on the same day each week, at any time of day. It goes under the skin of your tummy, thigh or upper arm (you might need someone to do this for you). You should rotate spots so the skin doesn’t get sore.

If you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, leave a one-week (seven-day) gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose.

Many providers will guide you to a suitable Wegovy starting dose. They should base this on your current Mounjaro dose and how you’ve felt on the treatment.

Stay on Mounjaro at a Lower Dose

Higher doses of Mounjaro cost more. So stepping down to the lowest dose, or a lower dose, can cut your monthly spend while still giving some benefit. It also can be a good short-term solution while you think about switching or wait for NHS care.

We advise you to get support from your clinician. They’ll check your symptoms, weight and side effects, and make sure the new dose fits your plan. If hunger or weight creeps back, they will help you adjust your dose or provide diet and lifestyle support.

Consider Other Weight Care Treatments

If Wegovy does not suit you, there are other licensed options. Two common ones are Saxenda and Orlistat.

• Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection that reduces appetite. It’s typically the cheapest GLP-1 weight loss treatment in the UK. On the NHS, specialist weight-management services usually prescribe it when lifestyle changes alone have not worked.

• Orlistat is a capsule that blocks your body from absorbing some fat. It works best with regular activity. You need a prescription for orlistat. But you can get a lower-strength version (Alli) over the counter in pharmacies.

Get Mounjaro and Support Through the NHS

Is Mounjaro available on the NHS? Yes, and the NHS can be a good route if costs are tight.

Access to weight loss medicines and services depends on what’s available in your local area. And there are strict criteria. Usually this means having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more.

This may be lower for people with minority ethnic backgrounds. For example Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean patients. It may also be lower for patients with other health conditions. For example obstructive sleep apnoea, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

So, if you’re wondering how to get Mounjaro for free, it’s possible to get treatment on the NHS. But you may have to wait.

Wegovy is also available on the NHS. Although only through specialist weight-management services for people who meet set criteria. You usually need a GP referral.

Even without an injection, specialist clinics and local programmes can help with nutrition, activity and behaviour change. These are the basics that matter most for long-term success. Weight management medications work best when paired with a healthy diet, physical activity and mindset changes.

Maintain Using Lifestyle Changes

If you are in a good place and feel ready to stop taking your weight loss medication, you can try to maintain your progress with habits alone. For example by:

• Eating regular, balanced meals with enough protein and fibre.
• Keeping active in ways you enjoy (walking, cycling, swimming, classes).
• Sleeping well and cutting back on alcohol.
• Tracking simple markers like steps, mood and weekly weight.

Some degree of weight regain is normal. But if you’re worried about weight returning, you can always check back in with your clinician.

“When you stop taking the medication, it’s a good idea to give yourself some time to see how things go,” says Richard Wood, a pharmacist at Simple.

“However, if you’re finding it difficult, please reach out to us within the first three months. That way, we can offer you the best possible support and guidance.”

What Is the Best Alternative to Mounjaro?

There isn’t a single “best” choice for everyone. Your health history, weight-loss goals, side-effect tolerance and budget all matter.

• Wegovy is a strong alternative if you want weekly weight loss injections and a lower price at higher doses. Clinical trials have shown people lose 17% of their starting body weight, on average.
• Saxenda suits people who are okay with daily injections.
• Orlistat suits people who prefer tablets.
• Staying on Mounjaro at a lower dose can reduce monthly costs while keeping some benefit.

Whichever way you lean, a clinician can help you choose a safe starting point and the right pace.

How to Choose

Think about how you prefer to take treatment (tablet vs injection) and how often (daily vs weekly). Also take into consideration your medical history, side-effect tolerance and the cost.

Your clinician can help you weigh up these factors. Always make changes with a clinical provider. They will check your other medicines, help prevent side effects and make sure you get a genuine, regulated product. UK regulators also warn against buying weight-loss medicines without a prescription or from unverified sellers.

We’re here to help you through your journey. So please contact us for support if you’re worried about what happens next.

Key Takeaways

• Costs Have Changed: In the UK, Mounjaro prices rose from 1 September 2025, with higher doses seeing the biggest increase.

• You Have Options: You can switch to Wegovy or stay on Mounjaro at a lower dose. You can also look at Saxenda or Orlistat or try for NHS support if you meet criteria.
  
• NHS Access Is Possible But Limited: Wegovy and Mounjaro are available only for eligible adults through specialist services. Waiting lists can be long.

• Many Patients Are Switching to Wegovy: You take Wegovy weekly, like Mounjaro. If you switch, leave a seven-day gap between the two and don’t overlap them.

• Lifestyle Support Counts: Weight loss medications work best alongside food, movement, sleep and behaviour support. If you’re ready, some people maintain progress without medication.

• Talk to a Clinician: No two weight loss journeys are the same. Get safe dosing, proper monitoring and a plan that fits your goals and budget. UK regulators advise against buying weight-loss drugs without a prescription.

References

Eli Lilly and Company, 2025. Statement: America’s leading role in biopharmaceutical innovation [online]. Press release, 14 August. Available from: https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/statement-americas-leading-role-biopharmaceutical-innovation (Accessed: 11 September 2025).

NHS England, 2025. Weight management injections [online]. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/ (Accessed: 10 September 2025).

NHS, 2023. Obesity [online]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/ (Accessed: 10 September 2025).

NHS Inform, 2025. Orlistat [online]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/orlistat/ (Accessed: 10 September 2025).

NICE, 2024. Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (Technology appraisal guidance, TA1026) [online]. Published 23 December 2024; last updated 01 September 2025. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026 (Accessed: 10 September 2025).

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