Introduction
If you’ve been taking Mounjaro and recently heard about the price increase in the UK (even with the discounts), you must be wondering if it’s safe to switch to Wegovy. This is a common concern right now, and many people in your shoes are asking the same question.
Switching weight-loss medications can feel like a big step and risky, too. You’ve probably worked hard to build new routines, and the last thing you want is to lose momentum.
The good news? For most people, Mounjaro to Wegovy can be an effective and safe switch when done under proper medical guidance.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: why prices changed, whether Wegovy is a good alternative, what the switch involves, what results you can expect, and how to protect the progress you’ve already made. We will also bust some common myths so that you get clarity on what to expect.
Why Has the Price of Mounjaro Changed?
In early 2025, Eli Lilly – the company that makes Mounjaro – raised prices of the medication across all dose strengths in the UK to match what people in mainland Europe pay. While this was a business decision, it has had a huge impact on patients, with reports suggesting a rush for panic buying. [1]
Understandably, the steep price rise has left patients frustrated. Change in healthcare, especially when it affects your wallet, can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you do have options like Wegovy for a safe switch to ensure your weight-loss journey is not interrupted.
Wegovy prescriptions typically start at around £99 per month, making it significantly cheaper than continuing with Mounjaro at its new price.
What Does This Mean for My Weight Loss Treatment?
If you want to stay on Mounjaro, you can. There’s no rule forcing you to stop your current medication. If the new cost works for your budget, you can continue your same dose and schedule.
However, if the price is no longer manageable, switching to Wegovy can be a realistic alternative.
Clinical studies show that people taking Wegovy lose about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This outcome is far better than what most people are able to achieve through diet, exercise, or older medications alone.
Is It Safe to Switch Between Medications?
Absolutely. Doctors switch patients from one medication to another all the time. It is common to change medication not just for weight management, but for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
The reasons vary:
- A medicine becomes too expensive
- A patient develops side effects
- A better alternative becomes available
If you’re worried that changing medication means your plan has “failed,” rest assured: this is a normal and common part of medical care.
Why Are Doctors Recommending Wegovy as an Alternative?
The recommendation isn’t about replacing Mounjaro entirely. If you’re thriving on Mounjaro and the new cost is doable, most doctors would encourage you to stay on it.
But if the price increase makes continuing difficult, Wegovy is a strong option to change medication safely because:
- It’s clinically proven to support weight loss
- It’s more cost-effective in the UK right now
- It has added benefits, like supporting heart health
- It’s widely available, which lowers the risk of supply shortages
In short: the switch is about giving you a safe, effective, and sustainable alternative.
Will My Body Respond Differently to Wegovy?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy work in similar ways. They’re part of the GLP-1 medication family, which helps regulate appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar control. So, it is unlikely for your body to respond differently after switching to Wegovy.
That said, every person’s body is different, and responses to medication can vary. You might notice slight differences in how your body feels or how quickly the weight comes off.
You can discuss your concerns and explore Mounjaro alternatives during a doctor consultation to ensure a safe switch. Your clinician will design a new treatment plan that matches your previous Mounjaro dose as closely as possible, so that you don’t lose ground.
Will My Weight Loss Pace Slow on Wegovy?
Most people notice that their weight loss is slower on Wegovy compared to Mounjaro, especially in the first few months. But by the six-month mark, most people on Wegovy begin to see meaningful results. On average, people lose around 10% of their body weight in six months, which is more than most can achieve through diet and exercise alone.
Wegovy also brings an extra bonus: it has proven heart health benefits, lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems in people with obesity.
Is Wegovy as Effective as Mounjaro in the Long Term?
Right now, Mounjaro is considered the most effective medication for weight loss available in the UK. In trials, patients on Mounjaro lost an average of 20 to 22% of their body weight, compared with 15% on Wegovy at its highest approved dose.
But Wegovy is still highly effective. And later in 2025, a higher-strength Wegovy dose (7.2 mg) is expected to launch. In clinical studies, patients on this dose lost up to 21% of their body weight, putting results almost on par with Mounjaro.
So, while Mounjaro currently has a slight edge, Wegovy remains a strong, long-term choice, especially given its lower price.
What Should I Expect When Switching?
When transitioning from Mounjaro to Wegovy, here’s what usually happens:
Timing the Switch
Doctors typically recommend waiting at least 7 days after your last Mounjaro injection before starting Wegovy to ensure a safe switch. Also, there’s no need for a long “washout period” unless you’ve had ongoing side effects that need time to settle.
Starting the new medication
Wegovy is injected once weekly, just like Mounjaro. It comes in a pre-filled pen you can use at home.
Adjusting the dose
Your doctor consultation will involve choosing an optimum starting dose of Wegovy based on your Mounjaro history. Your dose is then gradually increased until you reach the right level for long-term treatment to ensure medication safety.
That way, your transition will feel smoother, and you’ll be less likely to experience setbacks.
Side effects
Wegovy’s side effects are similar to those of Mounjaro. Some common side effects of these weight loss medications include nausea, bloating, constipation, or fatigue.
However, these side effects are usually noted for a few weeks after starting the treatment. So, if you have already used Mounjaro, the chances of having side effects after switching to Wegovy are much less, as both medications have similar actions.
Also, medication safety usually improves further after the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the new drug.
Common Myths About Switching
There are a lot of myths circulating online about switching medications. Let’s clear up a few:
Myth 1: You need weeks off between stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy.
Fact: Most people can safely start Wegovy just 7 days after their last Mounjaro dose.
Myth 2: Wegovy has worse side effects.
Fact: Side effects are similar. What matters most is starting at the right dose and giving your body time to adjust.
Myth 3: Wegovy won’t work if you’ve already been on Mounjaro.
Fact: Wegovy is effective, even for those switching from Mounjaro. Progress may be slower at first, but results are still significant.
Myth 4: People only switch to save money.
Fact: Cost is a factor. However, many people switch because Wegovy is more widely available and has proven heart health benefits.
Myth 5: Switching means starting over.
Fact: You don’t lose the progress you’ve made. Your habits, routines, and weight-loss momentum all carry forward.
Conclusion
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is safe for most people when guided by a healthcare professional. While Mounjaro currently shows slightly better weight loss results, Wegovy remains a highly effective, cost-friendly option, especially in the UK, where it is more accessible.
Here’s what to remember:
- Book a doctor consultation before switching
- Start Wegovy at least 7 days after your last Mounjaro injection
- Expect a short adjustment period as your body adapts
- Stay consistent with weekly injections and healthy habits
Both medications are powerful weight loss tools – but the real key to lasting weight loss is the lifestyle you build around them and following your doctor’s advice for the safe switch.
References:
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/28/weight-loss-drug-mounjaro-uk-price-rise-eli-lilly-pauses-shipments
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK602627/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8085572/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10861994/
