What you need to know
Thinking about switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy? Find out why a short break between treatments is essential, what the right starting dose is and what to expect when you switch.
Mounjaro is an effective weight loss treatment – but it’s not right for everyone. Planned price increases have left some patients concerned about the cost of the treatment. Others find the medication just doesn’t agree with them.
So, if you’re on Mounjaro, you might be thinking about switching to Wegovy, another GLP-1 weight loss medication. But how can you do this safely?
The Difference Between Mounjaro and Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists and they work in similar ways.
Both medications mimic the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This sends messages to your brain to let you know you are full and slows down the rate food leaves your stomach. So you feel fuller quicker – and for longer.
However, Mounjaro also mimics another hormone, called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This means it can have a stronger effect. Patients lost an average of 22.9% of their body weight after 3.5 years on Mounjaro, compared to an average of 16.7% after 2 years on Wegovy.
But some users report stronger side effects on Mounjaro. And the cost of Mounjaro looks set to increase. Its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, recently announced the price of a one-month supply will rise by up to 170% from 1 September, 20
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy. But you can’t switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy straight away. You’ll need to take a short, one-week break (called a “washout period”) after stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy.
This short pause is a really important step to make sure the switch is safe and your body has time to adjust
You need to take a short, one-week break before you start using Wegovy. So if you take your last dose of Mounjaro on a Monday, you can start Wegovy the following Monday.
This advice is the same no matter what dosage of Mounjaro you’re currently taking
When you switch from Mounjaro, you will have to start Wegovy on the lowest dose and increase your dosage gradually. This is true no matter what dose of Mounjaro you’re taking.
The titration process can feel like taking a step back, but it’s actually the safest and most effective way to get the best results long term.
Most patients find they experience similar side effects on different GLP-1 medications. However, you might notice that side effects, like nausea and fatigue, get better when they switch to Wegovy. But every person responds to the treatment differently.
Key takeaways
- Take a One-Week Break Between Treatments: Patients must take a one-week “washout period” between stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy.
- Start on the Lowest Wegovy Dosage – and Increase Gradually: This is regardless of your previous Mounjaro dosage.
- Your Side Effects May Improve: Side effects lessen after switching to Wegovy, but individual responses vary.
- Get Support From Our Pharmacists: This will help keep you safe and provide you with peace of mind.