A guide to switching weight-loss medication treatments

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A guide to switching weight-loss medication treatments

There are several reasons why you might want or need to explore switching from one weight loss medication to another, including price, type of medicine, side effectsmaintenance dosing, or simply a preference to try a different option. You may be able to do so in consultation with your clinician who will determine if it’s appropriate.

It makes sense that you’d also have questions about the process, how it will impact your weight loss journey, and what to expect as you transition. This guide answers common questions about switching treatments and what you may expect to support an informed discussion with your clinician.

What are your weight-loss switching options? 

If you’re on a weight-loss treatment, it’s sensible to review your current treatment plan regularly with your clinician. You may be happy to continue with your current plan, explore alternatives, or simply get some advice from our clinical team. 

Start a consultation

Start a consultation

Our clinical team will assess whether your treatment plan remains suitable for your health needs and answer any switching questions you may have during a consultation. One of the outcomes of this is that they might suggest that it’s best for you to stay on the weight-loss treatment you’re already on.
Explore weight loss-treatment options

Explore weight loss-treatment options

If you are considering switching to or from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections, Foundayo (orforglipron), or Wegovy (semaglutide), our clinicians can provide guidance on suitable options tailored to your medical history and needs. A consultation is always required to determine if a change in treatment is appropriate for you. 

Weight-loss treatments: a side-by-side view

Take a look at our up-to-date dose and price tables for Foundayo tablets, Wegovy tablets, Wegovy injections, and Mounjaro injections. 

Up to 12.4%* weight loss
Image

Foundayo daily tablets 0.8mg to 17.2mg

Active ingredient: Orforglipron
0.8mg
£99.99
2.5mg
£118.99
5.5mg
£138.99
9mg
£158.99
14.5mg
£178.99
17.2mg
£198.99
Up to 16.6%* weight loss
Image

Wegovy daily tablets 1.5mg to 25mg

Active ingredient: Semaglutide
1.5mg
£99.99
4mg
£119.99
9mg
£159.99
25mg
£199.98
Up to 20.7% weight loss*
A green and white injection pen labeled "Wegovy" on a purple background, used for medical purposes.

Wegovy 0.25mg-7.2mg

Active ingredient: Semaglutide
0.25mg
£99.99
0.5mg
£114.99
1mg
£144.99
1.75mg
£169.99
2.4mg
£189.99
7.2mg
£269.99
Up to 22.5% weight loss*
Gray injection pen with a purple cap and label, set against a purple background.

Mounjaro 2.5mg-15mg

Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
2.5mg
£169.99
5mg
£189.99
7.5mg
£244.99
10mg
£279.99
12.5mg
£289.99
15mg
£299.99

*Data sourced from clinical trials (e.g. STEP UP trial 3b for Wegovy 7.2mg, SURMOUNT for Mounjaro, OASIS 4 for Wegovy 25mg tablet, ATTAIN-1 for Foundayo). In ATTAIN-1, participants without diabetes taking the highest Foundayo dose who remained on treatment lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared with 0.9% for placebo. The treatment-regimen estimate was 11.1%, compared with 2.1% for placebo. Participants also received diet and physical-activity support. Weight loss varies by individual, and treatments carry risks, including gastrointestinal side effects. A clinician will assess suitability. Dose increases are subject to clinician advice, suitability and tolerability. Some patients may remain on a dose for longer than shown. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any weight loss medication and follow the advice given by your clinician.

How a clinician may approach switching weight-loss treatments

From your current Mounjaro dose...

Thinking about switching from Mounjaro injections? If you're considering switching treatment, you must have a consultation with a clinician before making any changes.

There is no direct or standard dose-for-dose conversion between different weight-loss medicines. The table below shows doses that may be considered by a clinician as part of an individual clinical assessment. It is not a dosing recommendation and should not be used to choose or change your treatment or dose yourself.

Your clinician will decide whether switching is appropriate and, if so, which treatment, starting dose and timing are suitable for you. They will take account of factors including your current treatment and dose, how long you have been taking it, your response to treatment, side effects, medical history, other medicines and any interruption in treatment.

For information only - this is not a dose-conversion table and does not tell you which dose you should take. The dose recommended for you may be different from the examples shown below.

Current Mounjaro treatment doseWegovy injection dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentWegovy tablet dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentFoundayo tablet dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessment
2.5mgUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.8mg following clinical assessment
5mgUp to 0.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 4mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.8mg following clinical assessment
7.5mgUp to 1mg following clinical assessmentUp to 9mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.8mg following clinical assessment
10mgUp to 1.7 mg following clinical assessmentUp to 25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability
12.5mgUp to 2.4mg following clinical assessmentUp to 25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability
15mgUp to 7.2mg following clinical assessmentUp to 25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability

This table is provided to explain how switching may be assessed by a clinician. It does not provide a dose-for-dose conversion and does not mean that any treatment or dose shown will be prescribed to you.

Your clinician will determine whether a switch is suitable, when the new treatment should start and the appropriate starting dose following an individual clinical assessment.

Do not stop, start, change, combine or switch weight-loss medicines unless instructed to do so by your clinician. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet.

From your current Wegovy injection dose...

Thinking about switching from Wegovy injections? If you're considering switching treatment, you must have a consultation with a clinician before making any changes.

There is no direct or standard dose-for-dose conversion between different weight loss medicines. The table below shows doses that may be considered by a clinician as part of an individual clinical assessment. It is not a dosing recommendation and should not be used to choose or change your treatment or dose yourself.

Your clinician will decide whether switching is appropriate and, if so, which treatment, starting dose and timing are suitable for you. They will take account of factors including your current treatment and dose, how long you have been taking it, your response to treatment, side effects, medical history, other medicines and any interruption in treatment.

For information only - this is not a dose-conversion table and does not tell you which dose you should take. The dose recommended for you may be different from the examples shown below.

Your current Wegovy injection treatment doseWegovy tablet dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentMounjaro dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentFoundayo tablet dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessment
0.25mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment0.8mg following clinical assessment
0.5mg Up to 4mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment 0.8mg following clinical assessment
1mgUp to 9mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment0.8mg following clinical assessment
1.7mgUUp to 9mg following clinical assessmentUp to 5mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerabilityUp to 9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability
2.4mgUp to 25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 7.5mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerabilityUp to 9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability
7.2mgUp to 25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 7.5mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerabilityUp to 9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability

This table is provided to explain how switching may be assessed by a clinician. It does not provide a dose-for-dose conversion and does not mean that any treatment or dose shown will be prescribed to you.

Your clinician will determine whether a switch is suitable, when the new treatment should start and the appropriate starting dose following an individual clinical assessment.

Do not stop, start, change, combine or switch weight-loss medicines unless instructed to do so by your clinician. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Your current Wegovy tablet dose...


Thinking about switching from Wegovy tablets? If you're considering switching treatment, you must have a consultation with a clinician before making any changes.

There is no direct or standard dose-for-dose conversion between different weight loss medicines. The table below shows doses that may be considered by a clinician as part of an individual clinical assessment. It is not a dosing recommendation and should not be used to choose or change your treatment or dose yourself.

Your clinician will decide whether switching is appropriate and, if so, which treatment, starting dose and timing are suitable for you. They will take account of factors including your current treatment and dose, how long you have been taking it, your response to treatment, side effects, medical history, other medicines and any interruption in treatment.

For information only - this is not a dose-conversion table and does not tell you which dose you should take. The dose recommended for you may be different from the examples shown below.

Current Wegovy tablet treatment doseMounjaro injection dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentWegovy injection dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentFoundayo tablet dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessment
1.5mgUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.8mg following clinical assessment
4mgUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.8mg following clinical assessment
9mgUp to 5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 1mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.8mg following clinical assessment
25mgUp to 7.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.4mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability9mg but dose will depend on clinical assessment, including previous tolerability

This table is provided to explain how switching may be assessed by a clinician. It does not provide a dose-for-dose conversion and does not mean that any treatment or dose shown will be prescribed to you.

Your clinician will determine whether a switch is suitable, when the new treatment should start and the appropriate starting dose following an individual clinical assessment.

Do not stop, start, change, combine or switch weight-loss medicines unless instructed to do so by your clinician. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Your current Foundayo dose...


Thinking about switching from Foundayo? If you're considering switching treatment, you must have a consultation with a clinician before making any changes.

There is no direct or standard dose-for-dose conversion between different weight loss medicines. The table below shows doses that may be considered by a clinician as part of an individual clinical assessment. It is not a dosing recommendation and should not be used to choose or change your treatment or dose yourself.

Your clinician will decide whether switching is appropriate and, if so, which treatment, starting dose and timing are suitable for you. They will take account of factors including your current treatment and dose, how long you have been taking it, your response to treatment, side effects, medical history, other medicines and any interruption in treatment.

For information only - this is not a dose-conversion table and does not tell you which dose you should take. The dose recommended for you may be different from the examples shown below.

Current Foundayo treatment doseWegovy tablet dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentWegovy injection dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessmentMounjaro dose(s) that may be considered following clinical assessment
0.8mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment
2.5mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment
5.5mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment
9mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment
14.5mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment
17.2mgUp to 1.5mg following clinical assessmentUp to 0.25mg following clinical assessmentUp to 2.5mg following clinical assessment

This table is provided to explain how switching may be assessed by a clinician. It does not provide a dose-for-dose conversion and does not mean that any treatment or dose shown will be prescribed to you.

Your clinician will determine whether a switch is suitable, when the new treatment should start and the appropriate starting dose following an individual clinical assessment.

Do not stop, start, change, combine or switch weight-loss medicines unless instructed to do so by your clinician. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If a switch is clinically appropriate, your clinician will decide whether a new treatment is suitable and, if prescribed, the appropriate starting dose based on a review of your medical history, including any side effects experienced while using your previous treatment. This evaluation may result in adjustments to the starting dose to better meet your individual needs. 

Frequently asked questions about switching weight-loss medications

Whether you’ve decided that you’d like to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, from Wegovy to Mounjaro, or from injections to tablets, you’ll want to know what happens next. You should schedule a consultation to speak with one of our doctors, who will guide you through the process, review your medical history, and ensure that changing your weight loss medication is the right decision for you. If they agree that it is, they will put together a transition plan for you.  

If you’re currently using Wegovy or Mounjaro injections, Wegovy tablets may appeal for several reasons, such as if you’d prefer the convenience of a daily pill over a weekly injection, or if you’re transitioning to a maintenance dose.

Eligibility typically includes a BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition, or a BMI of 30 or above without. However, this is only part of the assessment; clinicians will also carry out a full review of your medical history before recommending any treatment. 

You can find out more about Wegovy tablets here and read on for more information about the transition process. 

Do not switch, stop or change dose without advice from a healthcare professional.

If switching to Mounjaro or Wegovy tablets, it is important that you wait at least one week after your last Wegovy injection and that you do not take more than one medicine at a time. It may be unsafe for you to take more than one medicine at a time.

If you've had approval from your Online Doctor consultation to switch your weight loss treatment to Wegovy tablets, your treatment plan will begin after the appropriate treatment-free period as determined by your clinician. You should take Wegovy tablets exactly as directed by your clinician and follow the dosing schedule agreed during your consultation.

If you’ve had the green light from your Online Doctor consultant to change your weight loss treatment to Wegovy injections, they will arrange for your new treatment plan to start at the end of the 7-day tapering off period. You’ll then simply need to choose your required injection day, which should be the same every week, and follow the dosing schedule agreed upon with your doctor.

If you’ve had approval from your Online Doctor consultation to switch your weight loss treatment to Mounjaro, your new treatment plan will begin after at least one week free from Wegovy injections or tablets. You’ll then choose your preferred injection day (the same day each week) and follow the dosing schedule agreed upon with your clinician

If switching to Wegovy injections or Wegovy tablets from Mounjaro, it is important that you wait at least one week after your last Mounjaro injection and that you do not take more than one medicine at a time.   

There are no withdrawal symptoms typically associated with stopping weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. However, if you have diabetes, it can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking your Mounjaro medication without making a plan with your doctor first, as it may impact your blood sugar levels. You may still experience appetite suppression during the 7-day or 5-week transition periods. 

Yes, it is generally safe to switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy, but it needs to be done under medical supervision. Each medication has its own eligibility criteria, works slightly differently and have their own dosing schedule. Your clinician will advise which is the most suitable option for your individual needs, to ensure a safe transition. 

Switching from Wegovy injections to Wegovy tablets is possible, but you need a full consultation with a clinician first who will take into account your medical history, weight loss journey to date, how you’ve responded to treatment, and any side effects you’ve experienced. 

You will also need a short treatment‑free period between stopping the injections and starting tablets. It’s also important to note that dosing isn’t equivalent, Wegovy tablets start at a lower dose and are built up gradually in agreement with a clinician, rather than matching your injection dose, to help reduce side effects and ensure the treatment works effectively. 

Switching from Mounjaro injections to Wegovy tablets is also possible, but you will need a full clinical consultation to make sure it’s suitable based on your medical history, treatment response, and any side effects. 

Again, it’s also important to consider that there’s no direct dose equivalence between the two medications, as they work slightly differently and Wegovy tablets start at a low dose and increase gradually rather than matching your current injection dose. A short treatment‑free period will be recommended to avoid overlapping effects, with the timing tailored to your individual situation and previous dosing.  

Wegovy tablets can be an effective weight loss tool, but current evidence suggests they may lead to slightly less weight loss on average compared to injections. In clinical trials, Wegovy tablets achieved up to 16.6% weight loss (OASIS 4), while injectable Wegovy reached up to 20.7% (STEP UP trial 3b). However, results can vary from person to person depending on factors like adherence, lifestyle, dosing, and how well the treatment is tolerated, so some individuals may experience similar outcomes with either option.  

Wegovy tablets may be a suitable option for people who prefer to avoid injections, particularly those with needle aversion or discomfort with self‑injecting. Some people may also find taking a daily oral tablet more convenient than a weekly injection, although adherence to specific dosing instructions is important with tablets. Wegovy tablets can also be an effective method of maintenance dose, if agreed with your clinician. 
 
Suitability should always be confirmed through a clinician assessment, which will consider factors such as BMI, medical history, previous treatment response, and whether tablets are appropriate. 

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy can cause similar digestive side effects, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, especially when starting treatment and during dosage increases. When comparing Mounjaro to Wegovy, people often find they can tolerate one better than the other.  

If you had side effects with Mounjaro, that doesn't mean you'll experience side effects with Wegovy, as they are different medications and everyone responds differently. 

No two people will experience the same transition period. Initially, you may notice mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or bloating; you might feel fuller quicker, or you might not experience anything at all. Appetite changes may also occur, and some side effects can persist for the first few weeks, but everything usually settles after three weeks, if not sooner. 

Most people who switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy do not gain weight during the 7-day transition period, and it’s the same for switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro and the 5-week transition period. It's possible to notice small fluctuations, but by maintaining a well-balanced diet, keeping activity levels up, and ensuring adequate hydration, you can keep your progress on track during this short adjustment phase. 

You should take it for as long as your doctor recommends. Each person is different, and everyone’s experience of weight loss medication will be unique to them. 

Not always. When switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, or vice-versa, your clinician will determine the appropriate starting dose based on your medical history, how you previously responded to Mounjaro or Wegovy, and any side effects that you experienced. This approach helps maintain your progress while reducing any potential future side effects. 

If you experience prolonged or severe side effects during the transition, consult your clinician for support and guidance during this phase of your weight loss journey. 

No, you don't need a new diet when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, or vice-versa. These medications give better results when combined with a balanced diet and an exercise plan. 

Terms and conditions


*Data sourced from clinical trials (e.g. STEP UP trial 3b for Wegovy 7.2mg, SURMOUNT for Mounjaro, OASIS 4 for Wegovy 25mg tablet, ATTAIN-1 for Foundayo). In ATTAIN-1, participants without diabetes taking the highest Foundayo dose who remained on treatment lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared with 0.9% for placebo. The treatment-regimen estimate was 11.1%, compared with 2.1% for placebo. Participants also received diet and physical-activity support. Weight loss varies by individual, and treatments carry risks, including gastrointestinal side effects. A clinician will assess suitability. Individual results may vary.

**Foundayo may be prescribed through Pharmacy2U’s Online Doctor service following a clinical consultation where a prescriber determines that it is suitable for you. However, dispatch of any prescribed Foundayo tablets won't occur until stock is available.

These medicines are subject to additional monitoring. You can help identify new safety information by reporting suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.