All you need to know about Mounjaro
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy: What You Need to Know
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, has announced a significant UK price increase to bring costs in line with the rest of Europe. From 1st September 2025, the monthly price of Mounjaro will rise to between £160–£320 per pen, depending on the dose.
We know price changes can feel worrying, especially when you’ve been making steady progress. At journeyhealth, your long-term wellbeing is our top priority. That’s why we’re here to support you — including helping you make a smooth and safe switch to Wegovy, if that becomes the best option for you.
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Why has the price of Mounjaro increased?
When Mounjaro first launched in the UK, it was introduced at a lower cost to improve access for patients. Over time, prices have now been adjusted to match international standards across Europe.
This change is made by Eli Lilly, not journeyhealth, and it applies to all UK providers. The medication itself remains the same — only the price has changed.
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What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection developed by Novo Nordisk and licensed in the UK. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by:
Helping you feel fuller for longer
Reducing hunger
Making it easier to eat less and lose weight
Although Mounjaro also targets an additional receptor (GIP), Wegovy has shown very similar weight loss results in clinical studies and is considered an excellent alternative.
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Benefits of switching to Wegovy
Many patients choose Wegovy because it offers:
Proven weight loss – Clinical trials show average reductions of 15%–21% of body weight, closely matching Mounjaro.
Exciting future dosing – The upcoming 7.2mg dose has shown results of up to 21%–25% weight loss in some patients.
Fat loss, not muscle loss – Wegovy helps reduce harmful visceral fat while protecting lean muscle and metabolism.
Waistline improvements – Studies show reductions of up to 5.3 inches around the waist.
Heart protection – Wegovy is the only weight loss injection licensed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, lowering risk by up to 20%, even in people who don’t lose weight.
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How switching works
Switching medication can feel like a big step — but you’re not starting from scratch. At journeyhealth, our clinical team will complete a personalised review based on:
How long you’ve been taking Mounjaro
Any side effects you’ve experienced
Your current progress and weight loss goals
Your dosing history
If you’ve tolerated Mounjaro well, we may recommend starting on a higher Wegovy dose. If you’ve had side effects like nausea or bloating, we may introduce Wegovy more gently at a lower dose.
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Do I need a washout period?
In most cases, no long break is needed. Typically, just a 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy injection is enough.
Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP, while Wegovy acts only on GLP-1.
Once Mounjaro is stopped, its GIP effects fade, leaving no conflict with Wegovy.
This short gap helps reduce overlapping side effects like nausea.
When clinically supervised, the transition is safe and effective.
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Finding the right Wegovy dose
The best dose for you depends on:
How well you responded to Mounjaro
Any side effects you had
Your weight and treatment goals
How long you’ve been on therapy
Some people restart on the lowest dose (0.25mg), while others may begin higher. Your prescriber will guide you to the safest and most effective option.
At journeyhealth, we also provide a simple dose guide — but your prescription will always be tailored to your personal journey.
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Ready to switch?
Getting started is simple:
1. Complete our online assessment form.
2. Choose your preferred starting dose.
3. Our clinical team will carefully review your details to confirm it’s safe and effective.
4. Once approved, you can order as normal, with the option to increase your dose over time if needed.
We’ll support you every step of the way to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
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FAQs
Can I restart Wegovy at the lowest dose?
Yes. Many patients begin again at 0.25mg, especially if they had side effects on Mounjaro. Others may safely start higher depending on their treatment history.
Can I switch if my BMI is below 30?
Wegovy is licensed for BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition (e.g. high blood pressure, PCOS, insulin resistance, sleep apnoea). If your BMI has fallen below 30 after using Mounjaro, you may still be eligible to continue under clinical supervision.
Can Wegovy be used for weight maintenance?
Absolutely. Wegovy isn’t just for losing weight — it can also help maintain results and prevent regain once you’ve reached your goal.
How long can I stay on Wegovy?
There’s no official time limit. Studies show Wegovy is safe long-term if you’re monitored and responding well. Weight management is a chronic condition, and some people may benefit from ongoing treatment.
How long does a Wegovy pen last once opened?
Once in use, pens must be stored in the fridge or at room temperature (up to 30°C) and used within 6 weeks. Always check the expiry date and storage instructions.
Do I need a washout between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Not usually. A 7-day gap is recommended, but no extended break is required.
Will I lose as much weight on Wegovy as on Mounjaro?
Results vary, but higher Wegovy doses (like 7.2mg, coming soon to the UK) have shown comparable outcomes to Mounjaro. Your prescriber will help find the optimal dose for your progress.
Can I switch if I had side effects on Mounjaro?
Yes. If you experienced nausea, bloating, or other side effects, starting Wegovy at a lower dose may improve tolerance.
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✨ At journeyhealth, we’re committed to making sure your treatment works for you — with expert guidance, flexible options, and ongoing support.
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