Thinking about switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy? Here’s what you need to know
Ed Milner | Last update: 18th August 2025
With Mounjaro prices rising by up to 170% in the UK many of us are asking whether Wegovy might be a more affordable alternative. The answer is: yes, it’s possible but switching isn’t as simple as it sounds
TL;DR
- Mounjaro’s price has jumped by as much as 170% in the UK
- Wegovy is currently cheaper and has not announced any price increases
- You can switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy. Medical guidance is essential
- Dosage and transition plans vary. This is not a straight swap
- Wegovy may be slightly less effective than Mounjaro for some users
Mounjaro price hike sparks interest in switching
Following the announcement that Mounjaro prices are increasing by up to 170% across UK pharmacies lots of us are thinking about switching.
Read more: Why Mounjaro prices have soared
Pharmacies report rising pressure as demand shifts
What our SlimrChat community is saying
Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, is currently less expensive and widely available, and importantly, there is no announced price increases.
It was reassuring to see the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, announce to 50% consumer price decrease in the USA this week which indicates a desire to keep global prices at the current levels. The Independent story on this is here.
Yes, you can switch but do it the right way
Switching from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to Wegovy (semaglutide) can be done without a break, according to major UK online pharmacies. You must speak to your doctor or healthcare provider first.
The two drugs work differently:
- Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- Wegovy acts only on GLP-1
This means their dosage and strength aren’t interchangeable.
Check your pharmacy’s website on how they will manage your transition. Here’s some guidance on what they may do:
- Weight loss – they will want to see how your weight loss journey has been progressing.
- Side effects – if you’ve been suffering side effects using Mounjaro like nausea, tiredness and stomach issues you will probably need to start gradually with low starting doses. If you’ve been side effect free you may be able to start at a higher dose level.
- Treatment schedule – you will still jab every week as you’ve been doing with Mounjaro.
- Monitoring – they will probably want to monitor you more closely whilst you make the transition from treatment to treatment.
As we’ve always recommended make sure you keep your doctor, or healthcare provider, updated on your treatment.
Is Wegovy as effective?
Clinical trials show Mounjaro delivers greater average weight loss than Wegovy. It’s still a powerful tool for many people.
Compare: Mounjaro vs Wegovy which is right for you?
See our infographic below for the key differences in how each drug works:
SlimrChat’s take
If cost is a factor Wegovy could be a smart alternative, but the switch should never be done casually or without medical guidance. Weight loss drugs are not one-size-fits-all.