Mounjaro Is About to Get More Expensive in the UK: Here Are Cheaper Alternatives Available Right Now

The US government has been pressing pharmaceutical companies to reduce domestic drug prices, which has led some firms to raise prices in markets abroad. Eli Lilly stated the Mounjaro price hike is intended to 'align' the UK price with other European markets.

Eli Lilly will raise the UK price of its weight-loss drug Mounjaro by 170% starting in September 2025, bringing new financial pressure for those paying privately. The monthly cost of the highest dose will jump from £122 (approximately $156) to £330 (approximately $422). The change comes amid broader pricing shifts driven by US government policy.

However, the price increase will not affect prescriptions through the NHS. Mounjaro is covered under separate pricing agreements in the public system. However, those buying the drug through private healthcare or online services will pay the higher list price.

How Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and is also used for weight management. It works by mimicking two gut hormones — GLP-1 and GIP — which help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.

It is taken once a week and comes in doses ranging from 2.5mg to 15mg. In clinical trials, users on the highest dose lost an average of 22.5% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives?

Semaglutide, found in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, is a comparable treatment. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone and is widely used for both diabetes and weight loss.

Compounded semaglutide is often a more budget-friendly alternative, especially at lower doses. At Asda Online Doctor, Wegovy prices range from £118.98 (approximately $152) to £188.98 (approximately $241), depending on the dose.

Mounjaro vs Semaglutide: Cost and Effectiveness

Mounjaro's new price of £330 per month makes it one of the more expensive options at its highest dose. In comparison, the top dose of Wegovy costs £188.98 per maintenance dose, making it cheaper for those seeking long-term weight loss treatment.

Both drugs are injected weekly and require gradual dose increases. While semaglutide users lose up to 17% of their starting weight after 68 weeks, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) users have seen losses of up to 22.5% after 72 weeks.

Other Treatment Options

There are several other alternatives depending on the condition being treated. Zepbound, which contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, is approved for weight loss and certain sleep-related conditions. Rybelsus offers semaglutide in tablet form, avoiding injections.

Traditional diabetes drugs like metformin and Januvia (sitagliptin) are also available but may not offer the same weight loss benefits. Metformin is often prescribed first for type 2 diabetes and is typically less expensive than GLP-1-based treatments.

NHS Access and Private Availability

For those in the UK, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Nevolat (formerly Saxenda) can be prescribed through the NHS under specific criteria. Usually, patients must be referred to a specialist weight management service by their GP.

Online services like Asda Online Doctor also provide access to these treatments with eligibility checks. Patients must be over 18 with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, or at least 27 with a weight-related health condition.

What Should You Do Next?

Anyone considering treatment with Mounjaro or semaglutide should consult their GP or a licensed provider. Factors such as medical history, tolerance to side effects, and long-term costs all affect the choice of medication.

With the upcoming price rise, semaglutide-based treatments may become a more appealing option for those paying privately. However, doctors still say that treatment decisions should ultimately be based on clinical advice and personal health needs.