Everything you need to know 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. 

As Wegovy tablets for weight loss are not yet available, it isn’t possible to confirm exactly who will be eligible. Final criteria will depend on the official guidance issued once they’re approved. 

Based on current prescribing guidelines for injections, 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. 

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.