Hello, I’m Tracey, and I wanted to share an update with you today that may be causing concern: we’ve just received a press release stating that Mounjaro (tirzepatide), one of the leading weight‑loss injections, is set to increase in price in the UK from 1 September 2025.
Although pharmacies have not yet confirmed this, we wanted to be open with you and reassure you—and explain what’s going on, how Mounjaro works, its journey so far, and what we’re doing to support you.
Why the Price Increase?
According to multiple news outlets, Eli Lilly—the company that manufactures Mounjaro—announced today that starting 1 September 2025, they will raise the list price for private prescriptions. For the highest 15 mg dose, it is said rise from to £330 per month to purchase from the pharmacy although to date no confirmation
A staggering up to 170 % increase. Similar jumps are expected across lower doses
To date clinics or pharmacies have not been advised .
Why now? Lilly explains the UK was one of the first countries to launch Mounjaro at discounted prices to enable quicker NHS access. Now, to align UK prices with those in the rest of Europe, they’re adjusting the figures. They also cite pressure from growing U.S. demands—specifically a drive by former President Trump—to lower drug prices in America, and to offset that, prices in other countries must rise.
Importantly, this does not affect NHS patients—Lilly has a separate, confidential deal with the NHS, meaning those eligible for treatment via the NHS will see no change in costs.
- What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?
Mounjaro, also known by its active ingredient tirzepatide, was initially developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It’s administered as a once‑weekly injection.
It works by mimicking two naturally occurring hormones:
- GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1): signals to the brain that you’re full, slows digestion, reduces appetite, and improves insulin response.
- GIP (glucose‑dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): improves energy balance and enhances fat-cell sensitivity, complementing GLP‑1’s effects.
This dual action distinguishes Mounjaro from other agents like Wegovy and Ozempic, which target only GLP‑1. Not surprisingly, clinical studies show more significant weight loss results: up to 20 %–22 % reduction in body weight over 72 weeks on the highest dose.
- A Brief History of Mounjaro
- November 2023 – MHRA (UK’s medicines regulator) approves tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management as well as diabetes.
- Late 2024 – Private use soars; demand rises sharply. Mounjaro becomes dominant among private weight‑loss prescriptions.
- March–June 2025 – NICE and NHS move toward phased rollout. Interim guidance opens path for GP prescribing under strict eligibility: high BMI and comorbidities. Some estimates suggest up to 220,000 patients may be eligible over the first three years.
- Today – Eli Lilly announces the sweeping price increase for private users.
- What This Means for Our Patients
Private Patients:
If you’re accessing Mounjaro via private prescription, this price increase could significantly affect your cost but to date the prices remain the same .
NHS Patients:
If you’re eligible for NHS access (based on BMI and medical need), your costs remain stable thanks to Lilly’s contract with the NHS. We’re actively tracking what this means for your care.
Our Response:
Please rest assured: we’re committed to sourcing Mounjaro at the best possible price, monitoring availability, and exploring alternative therapies where needed. If your prescription changes, we’ll guide you through it with compassion and clarity.
- Alternatives & Next Steps
- Wegovy (semaglutide) remains available. It targets only the GLP‑1 hormone but still offers impressive weight‑loss benefits. It’s also more widely available on the NHS and may become a viable alternative.
- Lifestyle support remains essential. These medications are most effective when paired with diet, activity, and behavioural changes—something we emphasise in our clinics.
- Transparency is key. We’ll keep you informed as options shift—whether that’s new programmes, discounts, or NHS rollout updates.
In Summary
- Price rise for private Mounjaro prescriptions from 1 September 2025 due to European pricing alignment and external pressure. NHS costs unaffected.
- Mounjaro is a dual-action GLP-1/GIP agonist, proven to deliver significant weight-loss results when combined with healthy lifestyle support.
- We’re here for you. As always, patient wellbeing and trust remain our highest priorities.
If you have any questions or concerns—whether about costs, we will keep you updated
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