Mounjaro Price Surge Sparks Mass Move to Ozempic in UK Weight Loss Market

The UK market for prescription weight loss injections has witnessed dramatic upheaval, prompted by a sharp price increase for Mounjaro, currently the nation’s most widely used weight loss jab. From 1 September, Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly will nearly double the price for UK pharmacies, raising steep cost concerns among patients who have relied on the medication for its effectiveness.

The rise in cost is significant. A medium-sized 5mg dose of Mounjaro, previously listed at £92, will now cost £180 to pharmacies. The highest strength, 15mg, sees a spike from £122 to £330. The move comes as Eli Lilly seeks to align UK prices with those in other international markets, following calls from policymakers in the United States for pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs for American patients and end what they describe as unfair pricing disparities.

The reaction from patients has been swift. Private providers such as CheqUp report a surge in demand from customers anxious to switch to alternative weight loss medications. Ozempic—also sold in the UK as Wegovy—has seen sales soar by more than 500 percent in the immediate aftermath of the price hike announcement. CheqUp’s chief executive, Toby Nicol, confirmed that patients are moving in significant numbers to Wegovy, attracted by its similar effectiveness and considerably lower cost.

With sales of Ozempic up 400 percent in just 24 hours, and hitting 600 percent within 48 hours, the reshuffling of the UK weight loss medication market is well under way. Industry analysts now expect Ozempic to overtake Mounjaro as the preferred choice for those seeking medical intervention for weight management, particularly as cost-of-living concerns continue to dominate consumer decision-making.

Those contemplating a change are being urged to seek guidance from qualified pharmacists or clinicians, as transitioning from one treatment to another requires due diligence. Stopping one injection and beginning another without professional oversight may lead to complications, including serious repercussions for health and wellbeing.

The latest developments foreshadow a new era of pricing battles in the UK pharmaceutical sector, with broader implications for patients, providers, and manufacturers alike. Changes in global policy and manufacturer pricing strategies are set to influence the accessibility and affordability of obesity treatments in the months ahead.