{"id":16838,"date":"2025-09-19T15:07:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T15:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk\/health-advice\/?p=16838"},"modified":"2025-09-24T14:11:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T14:11:23","slug":"options-cant-afford-mounjaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk\/health-advice\/weight-loss\/options-cant-afford-mounjaro\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are My Options if I Can\u2019t Afford Mounjaro?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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

Your main options are to switch to Wegovy<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide walks you through each option and how you can get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Mounjaro More Expensive Now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

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

“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\u2026to make them lower in the US.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t be affected by these price rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do if You Can\u2019t Afford Mounjaro?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

“Both are highly effective treatments, and whichever you choose, our clinical team is here to support you,” he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t 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\u2019t one “right” choice, and you can change your mind later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re not going it alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are the main routes people take when Mounjaro is too expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switch to Wegovy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wegovy<\/a> is a once-a-week injection pen and is typically cheaper than Mounjaro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re constantly fighting hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t get sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Many providers will guide you to a suitable Wegovy starting dose. They should base this on your current Mounjaro dose and how you\u2019ve felt on the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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Stay on Mounjaro at a Lower Dose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We advise you to get support from your clinician. They\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider Other Weight Care Treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If Wegovy does not suit you, there are other licensed options. Two common ones are Saxenda and Orlistat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n