With Mounjaro prices rising, Wegovy (semaglutide) can be a safe, effective alternative—when it’s right for you.
If recent price increases for Mounjaro have affected you, Wegovy (semaglutide) may be a safe and effective alternative when it is clinically appropriate. This page explains why a switch might make sense, what changes to expect, and how we guide you through it at 24 HR Pharmacy.
Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP-1 treatment for weight management with strong evidence for meaningful weight loss when used alongside diet and activity changes.
It also has evidence for reducing major cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.
If rising costs or availability issues with Mounjaro are a concern, switching to Wegovy may help you continue your progress with a medication that suits your goals, budget, and tolerability.
At 24 HR Pharmacy, we make the switch only after a clinical review to ensure it is safe and suitable for you.
A prescriber reviews your medical history, current medicines, contraception and pregnancy plans, previous GLP-1 experience, goals, and side-effects.
We typically schedule your first Wegovy dose around one week after your last Mounjaro dose, or longer if you still have side-effects; your prescriber will advise the exact timing.
You usually start at 0.25 mg once weekly to reduce gastrointestinal side-effects.
If tolerated, doses are usually increased every four weeks to 0.5 mg, then 1.0 mg, then 1.7 mg, and then 2.4 mg as your maintenance dose, as advised by your prescriber.
We check in regularly, adjust the pace of dose increases if needed, and provide practical tips for managing common side-effects such as nausea or constipation.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist (works on two gut-hormone pathways to reduce appetite and improve blood sugar). | GLP-1 receptor agonist (reduces appetite and slows stomach emptying). |
| UK licence (weight management) | Licensed by MHRA for adults as an adjunct to diet & activity. NICE (TA1026) recommends use in adults meeting specific BMI and comorbidity criteria within NHS services. | Licensed by MHRA for adults (and also adolescents ≥12 years with obesity) as an adjunct to diet & activity. |
| Typical NHS eligibility (headline)* | Adults with BMI ≥35 kg/m² and ≥1 weight-related condition (per NICE commissioning; private criteria may differ). | Adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with a weight-related condition (SmPC); adolescents (≥12) with obesity can be considered under specialist care. |
| Starting dose → target dose | 2.5 mg once weekly → titrate every ≥4 weeks: 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg weekly. | 0.25 mg once weekly → titrate every ≥4 weeks: 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg weekly. |
| Pen formats | Single-dose pens; also an MHRA-approved four-dose KwikPen presentation. | Single-dose FlexTouch pens at each step-up strength. |
| How quickly you step up | Usually every 4 weeks if well-tolerated; slower if side effects. | Usually every 4 weeks if well-tolerated; slower if side effects. |
| Common side effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea/constipation, reduced appetite; can cause dehydration if GI symptoms are severe. | Similar: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea/constipation, reduced appetite. |
| Important cautions | Pancreatitis has been reported; stop and seek urgent care for severe, persistent abdominal pain ± back pain. Use caution in those with past pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. Avoid in pregnancy; contraception advised and stop before trying to conceive. | Pancreatitis warning as above. MHRA also licenses Wegovy to reduce CV risk in certain adults with established cardiovascular disease. Avoid in pregnancy; contraception advised and stop ≥2 months before trying to conceive. |
| Headline clinical results (no diabetes)** | ~20% average weight loss at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head vs semaglutide). In SURMOUNT-1, 15–21% mean loss across higher doses vs 3% placebo. | ~14–15% average weight loss at 68–72 weeks (STEP-1 vs placebo). |
| Cardiovascular outcomes | Dedicated obesity CV-outcome data are emerging; diabetes CVOTs ongoing in program. | Approved (UK) to reduce risk of major CV events in overweight/obese adults with established CVD (based on SELECT). |
| Dosing frequency & route | Once-weekly, subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). | Once-weekly, subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). |
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which targets two receptors (GIP and GLP-1), while Wegovy contains semaglutide, which targets the GLP-1 receptor only. Because they act differently in the body, people can respond differently to each medicine, and doses cannot be converted directly. Some studies show tirzepatide can lead to greater average weight loss than semaglutide, but that does not mean Wegovy will be less effective for you personally; the best choice depends on your goals, medical history, and how you tolerate treatment.
The most common side-effects with GLP-1 medicines are nausea, reflux, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, and they are most likely when the dose is increased. Eating slowly, choosing smaller portions, limiting high-fat foods, staying hydrated, and pausing or delaying dose increases can help. If you have severe or persistent symptoms, contact us. If you develop severe stomach pain, signs of pancreatitis, or symptoms of gallbladder problems, seek urgent medical care.
Many patients start Wegovy about seven days after their last Mounjaro injection, but your prescriber will confirm the timing based on your side-effects and medical history.
Most people start at 0.25 mg once weekly and increase roughly every four weeks if they tolerate the medicine.
Starting higher than 0.25 mg is outside the licensed starting guidance for Wegovy and would only be considered in exceptional situations after a prescriber’s review; most people should start at 0.25 mg.
Wegovy is highly effective for many people, and it also has evidence for reducing major cardiovascular events in certain patients. Some studies show tirzepatide can produce greater average weight loss, but the right medicine for you depends on your goals, side-effect profile, and access.
Nausea, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea are common, especially when doses increase. Severe abdominal pain or symptoms of gallbladder problems require urgent medical attention.
Yes. Wegovy works best when paired with a healthy eating plan, adequate protein, physical activity, and good sleep. Your prescriber can advise on practical steps.
We only switch treatments when it is safe and in your best interests, and we will never pressure you to change medicines for financial reasons alone. Every switch is reviewed by a prescriber, and your plan is tailored to your medical history, preferences, and goals. If Wegovy is not right for you, we will explain why and discuss alternatives.
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“Great medication, it helped me in just a few days! Thank you to pharmacist Sehar Shahid for the consultation.”
Notes notes notes
Notes notes notes
Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to discuss my ongoing issue with acid reflux. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing frequent episodes of heartburn, regurgitation, and a burning sensation in my chest. It has been quite uncomfortable and has affected my daily life. I have tried over-the-counter antacids, but they only provide temporary relief. The symptoms seem to worsen after meals, especially when I consume spicy or greasy foods. I have also noticed that lying down or bending over exacerbates the symptoms. I would greatly appreciate your guidance and advice on how to manage and alleviate these symptoms effectively. If necessary, I am open to scheduling an appointment for further evaluation and possible treatment options. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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