Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy: what you need to know

Reviewed by Dr Neel Patel

You might be considering switching your weight loss injection treatment from Mounjaro to Wegovy. But if this is the case, how do you get started and what important information do you need to know before safely switching treatments?

This article contains information on:

• The latest information on Mounjaro pricing
• How you can switch treatments from Mounjaro to Wegovy (if eligible)
• What you need to know before switching treatments – recommended Wegovy dosages, pricing, consultations, etc.
• What to expect when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy
• How long to wait after your last dose of Mounjaro
• Alternative weight loss treatments

For more information on weight loss, visit our hub page.

Information about Mounjaro's price increase

Eli Lilly, our supplier for Mounjaro, has announced that Mounjaro will be more expensive for all providers.

This will not affect any other weight loss treatment options.

For more information on this, visit our FAQ page.

Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

It is possible to switch your weight loss treatment from Mounjaro to Wegovy. However, you should bear in mind:

• You would need to consult your healthcare provider before you made any changes to treatment
• If you are an existing patient, you will need to complete a new consultation
• You would need to start your Wegovy treatment from the most appropriate dose

Do not take Mounjaro and Wegovy at the same time. Doing so increases the risk of you suffering from side effects.

If you have considered the above and would like to switch treatments from Mounjaro to Wegovy, start your consultation now.

Am I eligible to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy treatment?

Make sure you’re not allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients in Wegovy (listed in section 6 of its patient information leaflet) before you start treatment.

It is not recommended that you use Wegovy if you’re pregnant or are breast-feeding, as there has been no research into the treatment’s effects on unborn children or breast milk.

If you need more information on Wegovy, read through its patient information leaflet (linked above).

If you decide to switch treatment from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you will be asked to complete a new consultation.

What to consider before switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Despite both being weekly injections for weight loss, Mounjaro and Wegovy are different treatments that can’t be swapped between on a whim. If you’re considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you should consider the following:

• Whether you have had side effects while taking Mounjaro
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Wegovy
• Your weight loss progress on your current weight loss treatment
• Your current Mounjaro dosage

“As with any treatment, it’s important that you consult your healthcare provider before you consider switching weight loss injections. This helps to choose the right treatment for you and your circumstances.” - Dr Neel Patel

How to switch safely from Mounjaro to Wegovy

To switch treatments, please complete our quick and easy online consultation form.

If you have completed this already and have been approved to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, it’s important that you do the following to switch over safely:

• Wait at least one week after your last Mounjaro injection
• Store your new Wegovy pen in the fridge immediately upon delivery (like you would do with Mounjaro)
• Be aware of Wegovy's potential side effects before starting treatment

For more help getting started on Wegovy, read its patient information leaflet.

Mounjaro to Wegovy dose conversion

It’s important that you start Wegovy on the most appropriate dose. For patients who have titrated to the higher doses of Mounjaro, this may change the dose you start on for Wegovy.

Your clinician will review your full medical history to determine the most appropriate dose for you. This includes any side effects you may have experienced while taking Mounjaro. Based on this review, your starting dose of Wegovy may be adjusted.

Please find a Mounjaro to Wegovy dose conversion chart to get an understanding of what Wegovy dose you may start at:

Could you change to Wegovy from Mounjaro on a higher dosage?

Yes, you can change to Wegovy from Mounjaro if you are on a higher dosage. Though as the table shows, the Mounjaro dosage you are on can affect your starting Wegovy dose.

If you’re an existing patient, you will need to state the current dosage of Mounjaro you are on during your consultation. This will allow us to recommend an appropriate Wegovy starting dosage for you.

What to expect during the transition from Mounjaro to Wegovy

As mentioned above, you will need to take a one-week break between your last dose of Mounjaro and starting Wegovy. It is unlikely to see any major changes in this short break – if you’re a Mounjaro patient a week-long break between injections shouldn’t be anything unusual.

There are some very common side effects from Wegovy that patients may get when starting treatment, though some of these are mild and will go away over time. These include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Tiredness

Read our guide on Wegovy side effects for more information. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any side effects, no matter how significant.

Do you get withdrawal symptoms if you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

As you wait a week before starting a new treatment, this is the normal gap for Mounjaro, so you would not expect anything unusual. It’s important that you stick to any healthy life changes you have made while starting Mounjaro, such as eating a low-calorie diet and participating in regular exercise, to help maintain your weight loss at this time.

Alternative weight loss treatments

If you want to move on from Mounjaro and Wegovy, we offer other weight loss options and information, including:

• Weight loss tablets like Xenical and Orlistat
• Nutrition coaching
• Healthy lifestyle advice, reviewed by our experienced clinicians

Overall it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise if you’re trying to lose weight. Consider portion control and get on your feet – and be sure to complete a consultation if you’re interested in support from weight loss treatments.

References

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf