In August 2025, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) announced a UK price increase, significantly impacting private patients who rely on this medication for effective weight management.
While NHS patients will not be affected by the price change, many private patients are now looking for more affordable alternatives to continue their treatment safely and effectively.
This article explains why the price increased, how much it changed, and what options are available to help you manage your treatment moving forward.
In August 2025, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, announced a price increase to bring the cost of the drug in line with other European markets. The company stated that this adjustment was necessary to reflect global pricing consistency and supply-demand pressures in the UK.
Eli Lilly initially proposed a price hike of up to 170% but later revised this to a 100% increase. The final price depends on the dose and pharmacy, as some pharmacies may continue offering discounted rates.
| Mounjaro Dose | Price Before 1 Sept 2025 | Approx. Price From 1 Sept 2025 | Approx. Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | £92 | ~£190–£245 | 106–166% |
| 15 mg | £122 | ~£300–£370 | 145–203% |
| Other doses | £92–£122 | ~£220–£370 | 106–203% |
Yes, the price rise applies only to Mounjaro. Other weight-loss injections, including Wegovy and Ozempic, have not been affected and currently remain stable in price. However, future market changes could impact these costs as well.
If the new Mounjaro cost is no longer affordable, there are several safe and practical options to consider.
Reducing your Mounjaro dose may still support weight loss or weight maintenance, while lowering your monthly costs. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any dosage changes.
If Mounjaro becomes unaffordable, alternative injections such as Wegovy (semaglutide) may offer a cheaper option. You might need to start at a lower initial dose when switching treatments, and then gradually increase (up titrate) under medical supervision to achieve your target dose. Switching to a different GLP-1 medication is generally safe when guided by a healthcare professional.
| Drug | Approx. Monthly Price (Lower Dose) | Approx. Monthly Price (Higher Dose) |
|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | 5mg: £200–£245 | 15mg: £300–£370 |
| Wegovy | 0.25mg: £100–£125 | 2.4mg: £200–£205 |
Wegovy is significantly cheaper than Mounjaro at most dose levels.
Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in the UK. It is only licensed for type 2 diabetes treatment, meaning it cannot be prescribed solely for weight management.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active compound | Tirzepatide (GLP-1 & GIP) | Semaglutide (GLP-1) |
| UK approval | Weight loss & diabetes | Weight loss & diabetes |
| Common side effects | Low blood sugar, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation | Headache, nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness |
| Weight loss | Up to 22.5% of the initial body weight | Up to 17% of the initial body weight |
If continuing treatment is no longer possible, stopping Mounjaro is an option. Always seek medical advice before stopping, as a healthcare provider can recommend safe tapering strategies and weight maintenance plans to help prevent weight regain.
Accessing Mounjaro through the NHS is very limited. Strict eligibility criteria apply, usually involving patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Learn more about how to get Mounjaro for weight loss on the NHS here.
To find the most competitive rates, patients can use price comparison websites such as Monj.co.uk
However, always ensure you buy from regulated providers. Check that the pharmacy or online clinic is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Avoid unregulated sellers, as they may supply unsafe or counterfeit products.
