Mounjaro weight loss injections

The prescription-only injectable medicines approved in the UK as a weight management aid are known by brand names like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). 

Weight loss injections can aid with weight loss because they contain medicines that regulate appetite and help people feel fuller for longer. They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones that play a role in appetite regulation. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) mimics two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. It slows the rate at which food moves through the gut, which can prolong feelings of fullness and reduce the urge to eat as much or as often, reducing calorie intake and encouraging weight loss.

Private treatment costs vary depending on the medicine, dose and service pathway. Prices are shown on the relevant treatment information page. Treatment is subject to clinical assessment and is not guaranteed. 

To get an idea of costs for the prescription Mounjaro weight loss injections within the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor range and learn more about the treatment, you can visit the Mounjaro information page. 

Some weight loss injections are available on the NHS as a weight management option for certain patients, and in these instances, the cost will be the standardised NHS prescription fee (currently £9.90 per item) unless you are exempt from paying for your NHS prescriptions.   

Whether you’re seeking treatment through the NHS or a private healthcare provider, each patient will be clinically assessed on an individual basis to determine their eligibility for weight loss injections as a treatment option. 

No, Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine. This requires that you have a consultation with a clinician who will go through your medical history, weight, BMI and other factors to determine if you are eligible.

There is no single ‘best’ injection, or treatment of any kind, for weight loss. The most suitable weight loss treatment for you depends on your individual health profile, your BMI, and your clinician’s assessment of your consultation form.

To find the right type of weight loss support for you from Pharmacy2U, you first need to complete an online consultation at a time that suits you to let us know about you and your health profile. This will be reviewed by our expert clinicians who will consider your treatment preferences and advise which next step, if any, may be suitable. 

You should store Mounjaro in the refrigerator at 2 to 8°C and never freeze it, as a frozen pen must not be used. Once opened, the Mounjaro KwikPen can be kept unrefrigerated at temperatures up to 30°C for a maximum of 30 days, after which it should be discarded. You should always check and adhere to the expiry date on the box. 

The Mounjaro KwikPen contains 4 fixed doses to be taken once weekly. They are colour-coded by strength: grey for 2.5 mg, purple for 5 mg, green for 7.5 mg, pink for 10 mg, blue for 12.5 mg, and orange for 15 mg. 

Please note that some solution may remain in the pen once the fourth and final dose has been taken. This is to ensure the patient is receiving the correct dose and is there to prime the pen. It must not be extracted and used as it is not a complete dose, and the pen is designed not to give it. 

This will be completely individual to you. The clinician will consider your treatment plan, your medical history, your individual details including current and target BMI, and your own feedback on your experience so far, before making their recommendations as to what dose will be the safest and most effective dose for you. The clinician will have the final say, but this is always in consultation and collaboration with the patient. 

If you stop weight loss treatment, the effects on appetite and fullness may reduce over time. Some people may find their appetite increases again, and weight regain can happen, particularly if lifestyle changes are difficult to maintain. Do not stop treatment without speaking to a clinician. 

Stopping your weight loss injection may make it more likely that you regain some of the weight you've lost. This is common, and your healthcare team can discuss ways to help you maintain your weight after treatment. 

One study from 2022 found that after 68 weeks of weight loss treatment, the average patient saw a drop of 15% in their body weight, but within one year from the end of their treatment, patients saw an average of two thirds of their prior weight loss returned.

If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, take it within 4 days or 96 hours of the missed dose. If it’s been more than 4 days, it is best to wait until your next scheduled dose.  

Do not double dose or take Mounjaro within 3 days of each other, as it does not increase effectiveness but can increase the likelihood of you getting side effects. 

Some of the common and very common side effects of Mounjaro weight loss injections include: 

• Feeling sick (nausea) 

• Being sick (vomiting) 

• Diarrhoea 

• Constipation 

• Indigestion, heartburn, and reflux 

• Stomach pain 

• Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes 

• Rash, itching, and eczema 

• Dizziness and tiredness 

• Bloating, burping, and excess gas 

• Hair loss 

• Injection site reactions such as itching and redness 

• Fast pulse 

• Low blood pressure 

• Gallstones 

These side effects are usually not severe. They are most common when first starting the medication but decrease over time in most patients. If you are experiencing prolonged side effects, speak to a clinician. Reducing fatty foods, eating bland food, eating smaller portions, and staying hydrated may help manage some of the side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with weight loss medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

The other, potentially more serious Mounjaro side effects include:  

• Serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis - If you experience this, stop taking the medication and seek urgent medical advice by either calling 999 or going to A&E for immediate help 

• Pancreatitis - If you experience severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, you need to seek urgent medical advice by either calling 999 or going to A&E for immediate help 

If you experience any of the serious side effects, stop using the medicine and seek urgent medical advice by either calling 999 or going to A&E for immediate help 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with weight loss medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

Dehydration is a serious possible side effect of weight loss medication such as Mounjaro because common gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can cause significant fluid loss, which in some cases may lead to severe dehydration requiring hospitalisation. The MHRA advises patients to stay well hydrated and seek medical advice if these side effects are severe or persistent, as dehydration can result in serious complications. 

Women taking weight loss medication should use effective contraception and not rely on oral contraceptive pills alone, as their effectiveness may be reduced. A non-oral method (or condoms in addition to the pill) is recommended, particularly for the first 4 weeks after starting treatment and for 4 weeks after any dose increase, and Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding. 

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your clinician, pharmacist, or nurse. Reporting a suspected side effect does not replace seeking medical advice or emergency help. 

Mounjaro weight loss injection is a prescription-only medicine that has been assessed by regulators for safety, quality, and effectiveness. It is not suitable for everyone and should only be used under clinical supervision. 

The safety of the medication depends on several factors, including having a consultation to ensure you're a suitable candidate, following the correct dosage schedule, and regular monitoring by a clinician. This gives you professional guidance and support should you need it, such as managing side effects or issues with your medication.  

However, the popularity of GLP-1 medications has increased, which has coincided with the increase of illegal and falsified versions of the medicine. These may be falsely advertised online and on social media. Taking unauthorised GLP-1 medication can cause serious or unexpected side effects and may interact dangerously with any other medication you’re taking.  

GLP-1 injections are only available on prescription and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Never buy them without a prescription or from unverified sources. .  

You can take the maintenance dose agreed with your clinician for as long as it’s helping, as long as you’re not experiencing any side effects (or if any common side effects are being managed), and as long as it’s clinically safe. While using the medicine, it’s important that you keep in touch with your clinician or provider to stay on top of your progress or any issues you are having. 

If you experience an increase in weight, you should include this on your next consultation with a clinician for your repeat treatment so that they can review your dosage. If you wish to discuss stopping your maintenance dose, you should speak to your clinician, who will advise whether this is clinically appropriate for you. If so, they can work with you to develop a structured plan for stopping treatment and support you in maintaining your weight loss through longer-term lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity.  

If you wish to restart treatment, you need to submit a consultation form. A clinician will review your full treatment and medical history to determine whether restarting medication is safe and appropriate. All prescriptions must align with current UK prescribing guidelines, which require a clinical need based on your present eligibility (e.g., BMI and health risks). Your clinician will ensure any decision prioritises your safety and long-term weight management goals. 

Clinical trials have reported weight-loss results in specific study populations. Individual results vary. Adults with a BMI of 30+ lost up to 22.5%* (SURMOUNT trial) of their body weight over 16.5 months with Mounjaro injections, coupled with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. 

There is no specific requirement to avoid alcohol while using Mounjaro, but alcohol may worsen side effects such as nausea, vomiting or dehydration. Alcohol can also affect blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes. If you are unsure, speak to a clinician.

It is advised to eat balanced meals that cater to your lifestyle, protein source, complex carbohydrates with fruit and vegetables. It is advised to avoid high sugar and high fat foods in the early stages, as these can increase the Mounjaro side effects of nausea and vomiting. Many people can find bland and light foods easier in the early stages as they get used to the treatment.

Mounjaro can take time to work, and everyone’s experience will vary slightly depending on their individual health profile and circumstances.  If you are concerned about your progress so far, you should request a clinical review so that your clinician can check in. 

However, there are things you can do to encourage a healthy rate of weight loss and support Mounjaro’s effectiveness, such as...

• Maintaining a calorie deficit can be beneficial, but you should consult your clinician for advice on your diet depending on your medical situation 

• Choose wholegrain carbs by opting for wholegrain pasta, rice, and bread whenever possible  

• Explore protein sources by including beans and pulses as alternatives to meat and fish, and, if your diet allows, aiming for two servings each week  

• Stay hydrated by aiming for 6–8 cups of fluid a day, with water as the best choice, though tea, coffee, and soup also count toward your intake  

• Limit your dairy intake, choosing low-fat, reduced sugar options when you can  

• Aim for two portions of vegetables with your main meal each day  

• Swap your butter for a low-fat spread  

• When you’re cooking with oil, options like olive, sunflower, and rapeseed are healthier options thanks to their unsaturated fat content 

You can travel with Mounjaro. However, you will need to consider the following: 

• Do you have enough doses left for the duration of your trip? 

• It’s recommended you have proof that Mounjaro has been prescribed to you, either as a letter or signed prescription 

• Medication needs to be packed in hand luggage (hold luggage can be exposed to temperature and pressure changes) and stored away from heat and light 

• To keep Mounjaro at the correct temperature you will need to use a cool bag 

• Is there somewhere to store your medication where you’re staying? 

Find out more about travelling with medicines. 

According to Lilly, after you have completed your injection, you should carefully replace the outer needle shield, unscrew the capped needle and put your used needle in a sharps disposal container. Do not put your used needle in your household waste or recycle your sharps disposal container. 

If your KwikPen is empty, it can be thrown away - either in household waste or in your sharps container. 

If your container is full, it must be sealed and collected. It can also be returned to some local surgeries and pharmacies. 

Injections and tablets are taken and absorbed differently. This means dosing, instructions and suitability may differ. A clinician can advise which formulation, if any, may be appropriate for you. This can influence how well the treatment works for each person and their effects and clinical outcomes may vary.

It may be possible to switch between some weight-management treatments, but this must be reviewed by a clinician. Do not stop, combine or switch treatments unless advised by a clinician. 

You can find our guide to switching weight loss treatments here.