Mounjaro
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a prescription-only weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide:
- Once a week self-injection pen
- Helps support weight loss by reducing appetite and making you feel fuller
- Lose up to 22.5% of your starting weight
Available now for delivery
Product details
Mounjaro is an injectable weight loss medication that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Tirzepatide works by activating two receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) to increase the level of hormones in the body, helping you to feel fuller for longer after a meal.
Mounjaro should be taken just once a week alongside a healthy diet and exercise. It has been proven to help people lose around 22.5% of their initial body weight by week 72 of treatment, at a maximum dose of 15 mg.
To be eligible for Mounjaro for weight loss, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more (obese), or of at least 27 kg/m2 (overweight) and have a risk factor or a health condition that is affected by weight.
Mounjaro prices
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg - Starting dose - Weeks 1-4 | £215.00 |
| 5 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 5-8 | £215.00 |
| 7.5 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 9-12 | £225.00 |
| 10 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 13-16 | £225.00 |
| 12.5 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 17-20 | £245.00 |
| 15 mg - Maintenance dose - Weeks 21+ | £245.00 |
Delivery Options
With our weight loss service you'll get:
- Secure delivery to your preferred address
- Free needles and sharps bin
- Free weight loss support guide
- Free weight loss tracker and food diary
- Free collection from any of our nationwide pharmacies*
- Free doctor messaging for advice and support
- Fast and easy repeat prescriptions
- Health and Beautycard points
*Please contact the pharmacy prior to collection if you have not received confirmation that your order is ready to collect.
Please check for your needles carefully as they come packaged OUTSIDE your Mounjaro box
How it Works
About Mounjaro
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription-only weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient, tirzepatide. It works by activating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors to regulate your appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer, and making you feel less hungry, making it easier to lose weight.
Mounjaro is injected once a week under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. When you start Mounjaro, your doctor will prescribe a low starting dose which will be gradually increased every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dose that’s most suitable for you.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro contains the active ingredient, tirzepatide, which works to activate the receptors of 2 hormones released by your gut after eating which are called GLP-1 and GIP.
Mounjaro mimics the effects of GLP-1 and GIP by acting on the areas of the brain that control hunger, promoting weight loss by:
- reducing food intake
- making you feel fuller for longer
- delaying the time it takes food to pass through your stomach
Mounjaro can also help people with type 2 diabetes control and manage high blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin from your pancreas.
Mounjaro’s ability to regulate your appetite and blood glucose levels make it an effective weight loss medication because it can:
- make it easier for you to reduce your calorie intake
- reduce food cravings
- limit blood sugar spikes
How long does Mounjaro take to work?
Mounjaro starts to work within a few hours of your first injection, however, it can take a few weeks for you to start fully noticing its effects. Your Mounjaro dosage will be increased slowly over a number of weeks to reduce the risk of side effects.
If you haven’t lost at least 5% of your starting body weight after 6 months, your doctor will probably advise you to stop using Mounjaro as it is unlikely to be an effective weight loss medication for you.
How effective is Mounjaro?
Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro helps people lose up to 22.5% of their initial body weight in 72 weeks when they use the highest maintenance dose of 15mg per week.
Mounjaro works best for weight loss when it is taken alongside healthy lifestyle changes such as a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.
How do I use a Mounjaro pen?
Each Mounjaro KwikPen is a disposable, multi-dose, pre-filled injection pen. It contains 4 fixed doses, one dose for each week, and injects 0.6ml of medication per dose into your skin.
Once you have injected all 4 doses over 4 weeks, you’ll dispose of the pen safely. You can inject Mounjaro yourself or you can get someone who has been trained to use it to help you.
How to use Mounjaro
Preparing to inject Mounjaro:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Remove the pen cap and inspect the pen and label making sure the medication has the correct name and dose, has not exceeded the expiry (EXP) date, is not damaged, and the solution is clear to slightly yellow in appearance.
- Wipe the red inner seal with a swab.
- Select a new pen needle – always use a new needle – and pull off the paper tab from the outer needle shield.
- Push the capped pen needle onto the pen and twist the needle until it is tight.
- Pull off the outer needle shield and place it to one side, you’ll need this later, then pull off the inner needle shield and throw it away.
- Slowly turn the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks and the extended line is shown in the dose window.
- Hold your pen with the needle pointing up and tap the cartridge holder gently to collect any air bubbles at the top.
- Release a small amount of the medication into the air by pushing the dose knob until it stops, then slowly count to 5 while holding the dose knob. The -0 icon must be shown in the dose window./ Do not inject this into your body.
Now you have primed your pen, you're ready to inject Mounjaro. If after you have primed your pen, you do not see any medicine, you should repeat steps 7 to 9 no more than 2 more times.
If you still don’t see any medicine, change the pen needle and repeat steps 7 to 9 one more time.
If you still don’t see any medicine, you should contact your local pharmacy or doctor for advice.
Injecting Mounjaro:
- Choose your injection site. Mounjaro can be injected into your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. See the ‘Where to inject Mounjaro’ section below.
- Turn the dose knob until it stops and the -1 icon is visible in the dose window.
- Insert the needle into your skin. Inject the medication by pushing the dose knob in until it stops, then slowly count to 5 while holding the dose knob. Make sure the -0 icon is visible in the dose window before removing the needle from your skin.
- Remove the needle from your skin. Confirm the -0 icon is in the dose window. If it is not, you have not received the full dose. You will need to insert the needle back into your skin and finish the injection but do not redial the dose.
After you have injected Mounjaro:
- If there is blood at the injection site, lightly press the site with gauze or a cotton wool ball, but do not rub it.
- Carefully replace the outer needle shield.
- Unscrew the capped needle and dispose of it in your sharps container.
- Replace the pen cap.
Where to inject Mounjaro
Mounjaro can be injected in the following places:
- Choose your site: abdomen or upper legs.
- Rotate your injection site weekly: Once you’ve selected your site, switch where you inject weekly to avoid bruising or reactions.
- Divide the injection area into 4: These will be your injection sites
- Leave one finger's width between previous injection sites: If injecting into the abdomen stay 5cm away from the navel.
Mounjaro injection sites
What is the dosage of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is available in 6 dosages:
- 2.5mg
- 5mg
- 7.5mg
- 10mg
- 12.5mg
- 15mg
When you begin your treatment with Mounjaro, you’ll start on the starting dose of 2.5mg per week for 4 weeks. If the medication works well for you, you can increase to 5mg per week for 4 weeks.
Depending on how your body reacts to Mounjaro or your weight loss journey, you can choose to stick to this dose or increase by 2.5mg every 4 weeks. The maximum maintenance dose for Mounjaro is 15mg per week. The Mounjaro dosage schedule is also shown in the image in the following section.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?
If you forget to inject Mounjaro and it has been:
- 4 days or less since you last injected Mounjaro, use it as soon as you remember, then inject your next dose as usual
- more than 4 days since you last used Mounjaro, skip the missed dose and inject your next scheduled dose as usual
Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed or forgotten dose. You must leave at least 3 days between injecting doses.
Mounjaro dosage schedule
Where can I buy Mounjaro?
You will need a prescription from a doctor before you can obtain Mounjaro. You can also request a private prescription from a reputable online service like Superdrug Online Doctor.
Can I buy Mounjaro online?
Yes, you can request Mounjaro from Superdrug Online Doctor using our quick, and discreet service, simply:
- complete an online health questionnaire
- one of our doctors will review your request to see if your chosen medication is right for you
- if approved, you can choose to have your medication sent by post or collect it from a Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 to 3 hours
Can I buy Mounjaro over the counter?
No, Mounjaro cannot be bought over the counter because it is a prescription-only medication. So, you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to get it.
If you’re looking for an over-the-counter weight loss medication, alli may be more suitable for you.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS?
Mounjaro is not yet available on the NHS as a weight loss medication but a phased launch was announced in October 2024. Mounjaro will be gradually rolled out on the NHS over 3 years to patients who meet the eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for the initial phase of the Mounjaro rollout you will need to have a body mass index of more than 40 kg/m2 and at least 3 weight-related health conditions, such as:
- high blood pressure
- high levels of fat in your blood
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- cardiovascular disease
Currently, the following weight loss medications are available on the NHS:
Can you buy generic Mounjaro?
No, generic Mounjaro or tirzepatide is not currently available. It could be a while before a generic version comes onto the market because Mounjaro is still protected under patents by its manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Co.
Side effects of Mounjaro
Like all medications, Mounjaro is associated with causing some side effects, however not everyone will get them.
Very common side effects:
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick (nausea)
- vomiting (being sick)
- constipation
- low blood sugar (if taken alongside certain diabetes medications)
Common Mounjaro side effects:
- fast pulse
- mild to moderate allergic reaction, such as eczema, itching, or rash
- pain in the stomach
- constipation
- indigestion
- bloating
- gas and burping
- heartburn or reflux
- fatigue
- an increase in the levels of pancreatic enzymes, which will show up on a blood test
- itching, redness, or irritation at the injection site
- low blood pressure
- dizziness
- hair loss
Uncommon side effects:
- gallstones
- an increase in calcitonin (a hormone that helps to control calcium levels)
- weight loss
- injection site pain
- an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) – speak to your doctor straight away if you notice severe stomach and/or lower back pain that isn’t going away
- low blood sugar (when using Mounjaro alongside metformin)
- taste changes
You can find a full, in-depth list of potential Mounjaro side effects in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
How long do Mounjaro side effects last?
How long Mounjaro side effects last differs from person to person, but mild side effects are likely to go away within a few days to a week as your body adjusts to the medication.
Mounjaro side effects are more likely when you first start using Mounjaro or when you increase the dose because your body needs time to get used to the medication.
What to do if you get Mounjaro side effects
Mild side effects can usually be managed at home by getting lots of rest, eating smaller meals, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter painkillers if necessary.
If you experience more severe or serious side effects such as an allergic reaction or severe stomach pain, you should get medical attention straight away.
If you experience any of the following, call 999 or get someone to take you to your nearest A&E department:
- breathing or swallowing difficulties
- swelling in your face, throat, and mouth
- fainting or loss of consciousness
- intense stomach pain
Who can take Mounjaro?
To take Mounjaro, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. This is for doctors to gauge whether the treatment is necessary, safe and suitable for you.
You can request Mounjaro from Superdrug Online Doctor if you have:
- a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more (obese)
- a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more (overweight) and a weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure
If you’re not sure what your BMI is, you can use our free BMI calculator.
Mounjaro can also be used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults when the condition is not well controlled. It can be used on its own or in combination with other diabetes medications.
Mounjaro warnings
Mounjaro may not be suitable for everyone.
Do not use Mounjaro if you are allergic to any of its ingredients including tirzepatide.
Before using Mounjaro, tell your doctor if you:
- have severe problems with digestion or food remaining in your stomach for longer than normal
- have ever had pancreatitis
- have an eye problem
- are using sulphonylurea or insulin to control your diabetes
- are taking any other prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications
Mounjaro and pregnancy
Mounjaro should not be used if you are pregnant as its effect on unborn children is unknown.
If you are pregnant, think you might be, or planning to get pregnant, speak to your doctor before using Mounjaro. It is recommended that you use contraception while using Mounjaro. However, if you are using oral contraception, you should consider using a barrier method like condoms as well or switch to a non-oral contraceptive method for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and then for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
Mounjaro and breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, you should speak to your doctor before using Mounjaro because it isn’t known whether the active ingredient in tirzepatide passes into your breast milk.
Mounjaro alternatives
Mounjaro is not the only weight loss medication available. There are several other options consisting of injections and pills.
Weight loss injections
As well as Mounjaro, we offer the following weight loss injections at Superdrug Online Doctor:
Like Mounjaro, Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection except it contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1, helping to slow the movement of food through your digestive system so that you feel fuller for longer, and resist overeating. Wegovy can help you lose up to 15% of your starting body weight within 68 weeks of starting treatment.
Liraglutide is the generic version of the weight loss injection Saxenda which is no longer available. Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the medication and is injected once daily. It has been shown that liraglutide can help you lose an average of 8% of your body weight after 56 weeks at the maintenance dose.
Weight loss pills
Weight loss injections may not be suitable for everyone, but at Superdrug Online Doctor we also offer the following weight loss pills:
A generic form of Xenical, both pills contain orlistat in the same dosage and work in exactly the same way. They work by binding to the enzyme responsible for breaking down the fat you eat called lipase, to stop around ⅓ of the fat in your meal from being absorbed. The excess is then passed out of the body as stool waste. These pills can be taken up to 3 times a day with a meal that contains dietary fat.
A weight loss pill that contains the active ingredients naltrexone and bupropion that act on the area of the brain responsible for controlling your appetite to make you feel less hungry.
An over-the-counter version of orlistat that you can buy without a prescription. It is available in a lower dose (60mg) than the prescription-only orlistat, but it works in the same way to stop your body absorbing all the fat in your meals.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both examples of weight loss injections which are injected once per week. However, the main difference is they contain different active ingredients: Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist whereas Wegovy contains semaglutide and only activates the GLP-1 receptors in the brain.
Clinical research shows that:
- Mounjaro can help people lose up to 22.5% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks using the highest maintenance dose.
- Wegovy can help people lose up to 15% of their initial body weight when using the maximum 2.4mg maintenance dose over 68 weeks.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic?
Mounjaro is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist whereas Ozempic only acts on GLP-1 receptors.
Ozempic is only licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, whereas Mounjaro is a weight loss medication and can be used to control blood sugar levels.
The two medications contain different active ingredients. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide whereas Ozempic contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy.
Mounjaro alternatives comparison
Mounjaro FAQs
Is Mounjaro safe?
Yes, Mounjaro is considered a safe weight loss medication and has been approved for weight loss in the UK since 2023. Like all medications, Mounjaro can cause side effects, so it is important to read the patient information leaflet before using Mounjaro. If you are concerned about the safety or side effects of Mounjaro, speak to your doctor for further advice.
Is Mounjaro addictive?
Mounjaro is not currently known to be addictive. If you are concerned about whether Mounjaro is addictive you should speak to your doctor before using it for weight loss.
Can I take Mounjaro long-term?
Mounjaro is intended for long-term use, but if you are unable to lose at least 5% of your starting weight loss within 6 months of titrating (gradually increasing your dose) to the maximum dose, your doctor may advise you to stop using it or try a different weight loss treatment.
Why am I still hungry on Mounjaro?
If you find you are feeling hungry or that your appetite has returned while using Mounjaro, it may be that the current dose is no longer suppressing your appetite. Speak to your doctor to see if it is possible to increase your dose.
Can I drink alcohol while using Mounjaro?
Although there is no evidence that Mounjaro interacts dangerously with alcohol, it is advisable to limit or stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol can affect your blood glucose levels and increase your calorie intake which may make it more difficult for you to lose weight.
Should I take Mounjaro with food?
Mounjaro can be taken with or without food. There is no evidence that food affects how Mounjaro works or its effectiveness. What is important when taking Mounjaro is that you take it on the same day each week and around the same time.
How long will it take to lose weight on Mounjaro?
Clinical research shows that people who use Mounjaro for weight loss can lose up to 22.5% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks when taking the maximum maintenance dose of 15mg per week. However, this is an average and your weight loss results may be different to these.
Does Mounjaro burn fat?
No, Mounjaro doesn’t burn fat. Instead, it regulates your appetite and suppresses food cravings to stop you overeating. It also slows the time it takes for food to pass through your stomach, making you feel fuller for longer. It works best alongside a calorie-controlled healthy diet and regular exercise.
How do I dispose of Mounjaro?
After you have removed the needle, you should dispose of it in a sharps container. You’ll need to do this after each injection because you will use a new needle for each dose.
Once you have finished with the pen after 4 weeks, you can discard the empty pen in a sharps container or in your household waste.
How should I store Mounjaro?
You must store your Mounjaro pens and needles out of the reach and sight of children.
You should store unopened Mounjaro pens in the fridge at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius but they must not be frozen.
You should keep Mounjaro pens in their original packaging to protect them from light.
Once opened, you can store your Mounjaro pen out of the fridge for up to 30 days, but it should not sit in temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius.
How long can Mounjaro be unrefrigerated for?
You can store opened Mounjaro pens out of the fridge for up to 30 days as long as the temperature does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
What happens if I stop taking Mounjaro?
You must not stop taking Mounjaro without talking to your doctor first.
When you stop taking Mounjaro, the effects of the medication will wear off and you’ll notice that you’ll start to get your appetite back. This can lead to weight gain. So, your doctor may recommend that you reduce your dose slowly. You can help to avoid putting weight back on by sticking to your healthy diet and exercise plan.
Sources
- Consultation on NHS England proposals for a phased launch of obesity injection, NICE [accessed 21 November 2024]
- How Mounjaro works, Lilly [accessed 21 November 2024]
- How to dispose of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPens® and needles, Lilly [accessed 21 November 2024]
- Mounjaro KwikPen 10mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen SmPC, emc [accessed 21 November 2024]
- Saxenda 6 mg/mL solution for injection in pre-filled pen SmPC, emc [accessed 21 November 2024]
- Treatment: Obesity, NHS [accessed 21 November 2024]
- Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen SmPC, emc [accessed 21 November 2024]
Medically reviewed by
Dr Babak AshrafiLast reviewed: 04 Dec 2024