A lot of patients currently taking Mounjaro are now considering a switch to Wegovy. Wegovy is the second most used weight loss injection in the UK, and it has become more widely available as costs for weight loss medications have changed.
Both medications are proven to be highly effective for weight loss, but they aren’t identical. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide – two different active ingredients that work in slightly different ways.
Before making any changes to your weight loss treatment or medication, always check with your prescriber. They can assess your circumstances and make sure any transition is conducted safely and effectively.
| Features | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Wegovy (Semaglutide) |
| Type of Medication | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Effective Weight Loss | Clinical trials: average weight loss up to ~22% of body weight | Clinical trials: average weight loss up to ~15% of body weight |
| Dosing Schedule | Weekly injection. Dose gradually increased (2.5 mg up to 15 mg) | Weekly injection. Dose gradually increased (0.25 mg up to 2.4 mg) |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, reduced appetite | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, reduced appetite |
| Who is it suitable for? | Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30), or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health issues. May also suit people with type 2 diabetes needing weight loss support. | Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30), or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health issues. Commonly chosen for those focusing only on weight management. |
| Do I need a prescription? | Yes | Yes |
| Reviews | Mounjaro Reviews from Real Users | Wegovy Reviews from Real Users |
There are a few key reasons why patients are looking to switch medications from Mounjaro to Wegovy right now.
Eli Lilly announced that the cost of Mounjaro will increase on the 1st of September. This has caught many patients off guard, especially those who were managing well on their current treatment plan but now face higher monthly costs.
The price jump is substantial enough that many people are reconsidering their options. If you’re already budgeting carefully for your weight loss medication, this increase might push Mounjaro out of reach. Wegovy’s pricing structure may work out better for your budget, particularly if you plan to stay on treatment long-term.
Wegovy isn’t just about the number on the scales. The medication has proven cardiovascular benefits that Mounjaro doesn’t currently have approval for. Clinical trials showed that Wegovy reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 20% in people with existing heart disease.
If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors, these extra benefits could make Wegovy worth considering. It’s essentially treating two health concerns with one medication – your weight and your heart health.
While both medications work on similar pathways, Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Wegovy only targets GLP-1 receptors. Some people respond better to the single-target approach of Wegovy, particularly if they found Mounjaro’s dual action too strong or experienced specific side effects related to GIP receptor activation.
The Wegovy BMI requirements are the same as Mounjaro’s. If your BMI is between 27 and 30, you can still qualify for Wegovy as long as you have at least one weight-related health condition:
If your BMI has dropped below 27 since starting Mounjaro, you technically wouldn’t meet the standard eligibility criteria for Wegovy. However, this situation isn’t black and white.
Many doctors will consider continuing weight loss medication if you’ve achieved significant results, and stopping treatment might lead to weight regain. The key is having a conversation with your prescribing doctor about your circumstances.
Some factors that might support continuing treatment include:
If your BMI is between 27-30, you meet the Wegovy eligibility criteria as long as you have at least one weight-related health condition. Since you’re already on Mounjaro, you likely originally qualified with one of these conditions.
The main question is whether you still have that qualifying condition. Some conditions, like type 2 diabetes, remain present even when well-controlled, so you’d still qualify. Others, like high blood pressure, might improve enough that your doctor needs to reassess your eligibility.
If your qualifying condition has completely resolved and your BMI is below 30, your doctor will need to evaluate whether continuing treatment is appropriate for maintaining your weight loss results.
You need to take a one-week break between stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy. This washout period is the standard recommendation from most healthcare providers.
The one-week gap allows the tirzepatide from Mounjaro to clear your system before you start injecting semaglutide. This prevents the two medications from overlapping side effects like nausea or vomiting.
The timing works simply: take your last Mounjaro injection, wait exactly one week, then start your first Wegovy injection. For example, if you take your final Mounjaro dose on a Sunday, you’d start Wegovy the following Sunday.
This one-week washout period applies regardless of what dose of Mounjaro you’re currently taking. Your doctor will confirm this timing when planning your switch, but the seven-day break is now the established standard for safely transitioning between these medications.
Making the switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy involves several important steps that need to be done in the right order. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
Complete an online consultation with your healthcare provider. This involves answering questions about your current health, your experience with Mounjaro, and your reasons for wanting to switch.
The clinical team will assess if you can safely switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy. They’ll review your medical history, current dose, and any side effects you’ve experienced.
If you are eligible, your doctor will issue your Wegovy prescription. They’ll determine your starting dose, depending on what Mounjaro dosage you were taking.
You must then stop taking Mounjaro completely. Take your last dose of Mounjaro as scheduled, then safely dispose of any remaining medication according to your pharmacist’s instructions.
Your prescription will be delivered discreetly to your door. Make sure you keep it in the fridge as soon as it arrives, as Wegovy needs to be stored at the correct temperature.
Wait at least seven days for the medication to wash out of your system. This washout period is crucial for your safety – don’t skip it or rush it, even if you’re eager to start your new medication.
Start using Wegovy and continue your weight loss journey. Take your first injection exactly seven days after your last Mounjaro dose, then follow the standard titration schedule.
When switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you won’t start at the very beginning of the Wegovy titration schedule. Instead, your starting Wegovy dosage depends on what dose of Mounjaro you were taking.
Here’s the recommended dosing conversion when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy:
Your doctor will confirm the appropriate starting dose and how well you tolerated your current Mounjaro dose. From your starting Wegovy dose, you’ll then follow the standard titration schedule, increasing your dose every four weeks if tolerated well.
Note: even if you were on the highest dose of Mounjaro (Mounjaro maintenance dose 12.5mg-15mg), you’ll still need to start at a moderate dose rather than jumping straight to the maximum strength. This cautious approach helps minimise side effects during the transition.
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is generally well-tolerated, but there are some things you should be prepared for during the transition period.
The first thing to understand is that while both medications work on similar pathways, your body might respond differently to Wegovy. Some people find the switch seamless, while others notice changes in how they feel or how their body responds to the medication.
Side effects during the switch are possible, even if you tolerated Mounjaro well. The most common side effects when starting Wegovy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and constipation.
The good news is that most side effects are temporary and typically improve within the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the new medication. If side effects are severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider.
During your seven-day break between medications, you might also notice your appetite returning. This is completely normal and expected. The appetite suppression effects of Mounjaro will gradually wear off during this week, and you might experience some mild withdrawal-like symptoms such as increased cravings or slightly lower energy levels.
Some people do experience a small weight increase during the washout week, typically 1-3 pounds, due to the temporary return of appetite and possibly some water retention.
This small gain usually reverses quickly once you start Wegovy and the appetite suppression kicks in again. The key is not to panic if you see the scale go up slightly during the transition week – this is normal and temporary.
To minimise any weight gain during the washout period, focus on maintaining your healthy eating habits and staying active. Remember that the habits you’ve built while on Mounjaro are just as important as the medication itself.
Most people start feeling the appetite suppression effects of Wegovy within the first few days of their first injection. However, it can take 2-4 weeks to reach steady levels in your system and for you to experience the full effects.
When you take your first Wegovy injection, your body is essentially meeting a new medication. Even though you’ve been on a similar drug, semaglutide works slightly differently from tirzepatide, so there’s an adjustment period.
The adjustment period typically takes 2-4 weeks. During this time, your body is getting used to semaglutide instead of tirzepatide, and you might notice differences in how the medication affects your appetite, energy levels, or digestion.
Some people adjust quickly and feel settled on Wegovy within the first week. Others might take the full month to feel completely comfortable with their new medication. This variation is normal and doesn’t indicate that the switch isn’t working.
Ready to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy? Click2Pharmacy makes the transition simple, whether you’re already our patient or looking for a new provider.
Current Click2Pharmacy patients can request a medication switch through our online consultation. Our clinical team already knows your history and can assess your eligibility quickly.
New patients benefit from our approach to weight loss support. We don’t just prescribe medication – we guide you through the entire switching process with expert clinical oversight.
Buying weight loss injections from Click2Pharmacy means we handle the timing, coordinate your prescriptions, and make sure your Wegovy arrives before your washout period ends.
Complete our online consultation today, and let our experienced team help you make a smooth transition to Wegovy.
You can switch back to Mounjaro from Wegovy if it isn’t working well for you. Just like switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you’ll need to follow the same process: stop Wegovy, wait for a seven-day washout period, then you start at an appropriate dose based on your doctor’s recommendation.
The decision to switch back might be due to side effects, effectiveness, or cost considerations. However, many patients find it beneficial to stay on Wegovy for at least 8-12 weeks to give it a proper trial before deciding to switch back.
No, you don’t start on the very lowest Wegovy dose (0.25mg) when switching from Mounjaro. Your starting Wegovy dose depends on your current Mounjaro dose, with most people starting on either 0.25, 0.5mg or 1mg Wegovy.
During the seven-day washout period, you might experience some mild symptoms as the medication leaves your system. These can include increased appetite, mild cravings, or slightly lower energy levels. These aren’t withdrawal symptoms but rather your body adjusting to the absence of appetite suppression.
Yes, it’s generally safe to switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy when done under medical supervision. Both medications work on similar pathways, and thousands of patients have made these switches successfully.
The key is to follow the proper washout period and start at the appropriate dose for your situation. Your doctor will assess your individual circumstances to ensure that the switch is safe for you.
While you might experience a small temporary weight gain during the washout week (typically 1-3 pounds), this usually reverses quickly once you start your new medication. This is similar to what happens when you skip a week of Mounjaro – you might see a temporary increase that corrects itself when you resume treatment.
The important thing is maintaining your healthy habits during the transition. The lifestyle changes you’ve made while on your current medication are just as important as the medication itself for long-term success.
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