Mounjaro price rise leaves UK patients facing big bills

What is Mounjaro and who uses it?

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a medicine that mimics hormones in your body to help control blood sugar and reduce appetite. It’s given by weekly injection and is licensed for type 2 diabetes and for weight loss and weight management in adults aged 18 and over.

Mounjaro is authorised for adult patients with a BMI of 30 or more (obesity), as well as those with a BMI between 27-30 (overweight) who also have weight-related health problems such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart problems.

At the moment, more than 1.5 million people in the UK use weight-loss medicines. Mounjaro is the most popular. Around 9 out of 10 people getting it do so privately, often through online providers or high-street pharmacies.

From September, the manufacturer Eli Lilly is putting up the price. The highest dose, which is one of the most commonly used, will increase from around £122 to £330 per month - a rise of around 170%. Lower doses will also cost more, but the increases will be smaller.

These changes only apply to people buying the drug privately and not those getting the medicine on the NHS. NHS prices are agreed in separate deals and will stay the same.

Eli Lilly says the current private price in the UK was always temporary. The company initially set it low to help people access the drug earlier. Now that more research is available, and the drug has been launched in more countries, they say the UK price needs to match what other countries pay.

The manufacturer also said the price change was partly influenced by the global debate around medicine costs. In the US, President Donald Trump has suggested linking medicine prices to what’s paid in other countries. Eli Lilly says it supports fair pricing, but does not think that approach works in practice.

Wegovy is a different injectable weight-loss medicine, made by Novo Nordisk. It works in a similar way and is also available on private prescription in the UK. Some people may find it easier to access or afford than Mounjaro, depending on the dose and provider.

Other options include tablets such as orlistat, as well as lifestyle support services offered by the NHS or local councils. Not all treatments work in the same way, and they’re not right for everyone, so it’s important to get proper advice.

If you’re using Mounjaro and worried about the cost, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you review your treatment and talk through other options.

Do not stop your injections suddenly without getting medical advice. A sudden stop can cause your blood sugar or appetite to change quickly, which might affect your health.

You can also ask about getting treatment through the NHS. Weight-loss medicines are only offered on the NHS in certain situations, but your doctor can explain whether you might qualify.