Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Doses, Price and Switching Explained
Wegovy and Mounjaro are two weekly injection medications used for weight management that require prescription only. However, when comparing a Wegovy doses chart with Mounjaro, one should note that this is not a simple calculation since Wegovy is based on semaglutide and its dose increases from 0.25 mg up to 2.4 mg, whereas Mounjaro is made with the help of tirzepatide and comes in doses from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg. Thus, any dose equivalents or switches will require assessment by a doctor and cannot be simply put in the chart. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro affects both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
This guide will help adult people in the UK who are interested in starting one of these treatments, comparing treatment options or switching between medications to learn about the mechanisms of action, doses escalation schemes, costs, eligibility, clinical trials evidence, storage instructions and switching procedures for Wegovy and Mounjaro. It is important since they are both relatively new prescription weight management drugs and each patient requires proper dose, efficacy, price and clinical profile for each medicine, including accessing it via EveryDayMeds.
How Wegovy and Mounjaro Work: Active Ingredients and Mechanisms
Wegovy mimics GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that your gut releases after eating, which helps regulate appetite and slows how quickly food leaves your stomach. Mounjaro and Wegovy are both receptor agonists, but Mounjaro also activates GIP receptors, a dual mechanism that some patients respond to differently than a single-hormone treatment. Neither is inherently "stronger", response varies significantly between individuals, and both medicines support weight loss by reducing appetite, influencing food intake and helping lower calorie intake, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Both medicines are intended to be used alongside long-term lifestyle changes. For more information on healthy diet and weight management, visit the NHS Healthy Eating guidance.
Is 1mg Wegovy Equivalent to a Specific Mounjaro Dose?
There is no simple way to compare Mounjaro and Wegovy doses. Although both medicines are used for weight management, they work differently in the body. This means that a specific dose of Wegovy does not match a specific dose of Mounjaro. Any online charts claiming that one dose is equal to another should be treated with caution.
Both medicines follow a gradual dosing schedule. Treatment starts with a low dose, which is increased over time if appropriate, as advised by your prescriber.
- Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks before the dose is gradually increased, up to a maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week.
- Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks before the dose is gradually increased. Maintenance doses may include 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg, with 15 mg being the maximum dose.
Because these medicines have different dosing schedules and work in different ways, there is no direct dose conversion between them. If you are switching treatment or have questions about your dose, speak to your prescriber, who can advise you based on your individual treatment plan.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Price Comparison
Both are available through EverydayMeds with transparent pricing for each pen that increases through the dose-escalation schedule as strengths go up, this reflects manufacturing cost, not an arbitrary markup. If you are checking Wegovy cost, use the live pricing table above because prices can change, and prices may change over time due to manufacturer pricing and supply.
As a general rule: entry-level doses of both medicines sit in a broadly similar starting price bracket, with cost increasing as you progress toward maintenance strength. For example, Wegovy's starting dose is priced at £99 for 4 weeks, Wegovy 2.4mg pen, and Mounjaro's 15mg dose costs approximately £334 for 4 weeks. Total weight loss treatment cost depends on which maintenance dose you and your prescriber land on, so it's worth thinking about the full journey rather than comparing single pens in isolation.
Which One Is Better For You?
There is no single answer to whether Mounjaro or Wegovy is better. The right treatment depends on your medical history, any medicines you are taking, and whether the treatment is suitable for you. Both medicines are prescription-only and require a healthcare assessment before they can be prescribed.
Both medicines commonly cause digestive side effects, such as nausea, reduced appetite and stomach discomfort. These side effects are often more noticeable when starting treatment or after a dose increase, and they may improve over time. If you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, seek urgent medical attention.
Neither medicine is suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your prescriber will also check whether either treatment is appropriate for you based on your medical history.
The most suitable treatment is the one your prescriber recommends after assessing your individual circumstances.
In the UK, both Mounjaro and Wegovy are licensed for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² or above if they have a weight-related health condition. Wegovy is also licensed for weight management in eligible adolescents.
Both also carry the Black Triangle (▲) symbol indicating additional monitoring for emerging side effects, as required for newer medicines. NICE guidance (TA875) specifically covers Wegovy's use within specialist weight management services. For official MHRA information on semaglutide and tirzepatide, see MHRA Drug Safety Updates.
Switching Between Wegovy and Mounjaro
If you are thinking about switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, or from Wegovy to Mounjaro, speak to your prescriber first. These medicines should only be changed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
There is no direct dose conversion between Mounjaro and Wegovy because they are different medicines. If a switch is appropriate, your prescriber will decide the most suitable starting dose and when to begin the new treatment based on your medical history and current treatment.
Do not stop or switch your medication without medical advice. If you feel your current treatment is not meeting your needs or you are experiencing side effects, speak to your prescriber. They can discuss the most appropriate next steps for your individual circumstances.
Storage and Handling: Wegovy vs Mounjaro Weight Loss Medications
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy come as pre-filled injection pens that are used once a week. Before first use, they should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
Once taken out of the fridge, Wegovy can be kept below 30°C for up to 6 weeks, while Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days.
If you travel regularly or may not always have access to a refrigerator, it is worth discussing this with your prescriber when choosing a treatment. They can help you decide which option is most suitable for your circumstances.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies have shown that both Wegovy and Mounjaro can support weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, the amount of weight people lose varies from person to person, and individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Studies of Wegovy (semaglutide) found that many participants lost weight over the course of treatment when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Longer-term studies also showed that continuing treatment helped people maintain their weight loss. Some people regained weight after stopping treatment, which highlights the importance of long-term weight management and ongoing support where appropriate.
Clinical studies of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) also showed that participants lost weight when treatment was combined with diet and physical activity. As with Wegovy, results varied between individuals.
Although both medicines have been studied in clinical trials, the results cannot be directly compared because the studies included different groups of people and used different study designs. If you are considering either treatment, your prescriber can discuss which option may be suitable for your individual circumstances.
How to Access Wegovy and Mounjaro Treatments Through UK Online Pharmacies
Both options are accessed the same way through EverydayMeds as medically supervised weight loss medication and weight loss injections: a short online clinical assessment covering your medical history and goals, review by a UK-licensed prescriber (GPhC #9012878), and where available, next-day cold-chain delivery. The aim is not only to lose weight, but to work toward a healthy weight and your target weight over a longer weight loss journey. Your prescriber will confirm during assessment whether Wegovy, Mounjaro, or neither is appropriate for you, can advise on weight loss tablets where suitable, and can provide ongoing clinical support throughout treatment with your Wegovy treatment as you progress through your dose schedule or if you are considering switching later, including review of alternative weight loss treatments if neither option is right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Although both medicines are used for weight management, they work in different ways in the body.
Can I choose between Wegovy and Mounjaro myself?
No. Both medicines are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment. A UK-registered prescriber will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your medical history and individual circumstances.
Do Wegovy and Mounjaro have different side effects?
Both medicines can cause similar side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach discomfort. Side effects are often more noticeable when starting treatment or after a dose increase. Always read the patient information leaflet and speak to your prescriber if you have concerns.
Do I need to make lifestyle changes while taking these medicines?
Yes. Wegovy and Mounjaro are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity as part of a weight management plan.
How can I get Wegovy or Mounjaro in the UK?
Both medicines are available through regulated UK pharmacies following a clinical assessment. A UK-registered prescriber will decide whether treatment is suitable for you.
Is there an equivalent Mounjaro dose for 1 mg Wegovy?
No. There is no direct dose conversion between Wegovy and Mounjaro because they are different medicines and follow different dosing schedules.
Is Wegovy or Mounjaro easier to store?
Both medicines should be stored in the refrigerator before first use. Once removed, Wegovy can be kept below 30°C for up to 6 weeks, while Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days. Always follow the storage instructions provided with your medicine.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
It may be possible to switch, but only under the guidance of your prescriber. They will advise if switching is appropriate and recommend the most suitable starting dose for your new treatment.
Where does 1 mg Wegovy fit in the treatment schedule?
The 1 mg dose is one of the planned dose increases during Wegovy treatment. Your prescriber will advise when to increase your dose based on the recommended dosing schedule and how you are responding to treatment.
For official UK government information on these medications, see the MHRA Drug Safety Updates and the NHS obesity and weight management pages.
