Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): A Guide to Effective and Affordable Injectable Weight Loss
Learn about Mounjaro's mechanism of action, cost, money-saving tips, and precautions.
What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication used to treat weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It is a once-weekly self-injectable pen that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. It works by suppressing your appetite and making you feel less hungry. Mounjaro mimics the hormones called incretins that are naturally produced in the gut after eating. Incretins have several functions, such as:
• Slowing stomach emptying
• Sending signals to your brain that you are full
• Increasing insulin levels
These combined effects help people feel full after a meal by signaling the part of the brain responsible for appetite, making it easier to eat less.
Who can use Mounjaro?
BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 kg/m² or above (obese)
BMI between 27 and 30 kg/m² (overweight) and have a weight-related health condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, prediabetes or heart disease
• You also need to not have any health problems or take any medications that may interact with taking Mounjaro, which can be evaluated to see if you can use Mounjaro
How effective is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is an effective treatment for weight loss and regulating blood sugar levels. A recent clinical trial showed that patients using Mounjaro lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks at the highest maintenance dose (15 mg once a week).
Here are the average weight losses for different doses of Mounjaro compared to participants taking a placebo in the same clinical trial:
These results suggest that people taking Mounjaro for weight loss lost more weight than those taking a placebo (i.e., no weight loss pills).
What are the doses and prices of Mounjaro?
| Dosage | Dosage | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Starting dose | Weeks 1-4 | £128.98 |
| 5 mg | Step up | Weeks 5-8 | £138.98 |
| 7.5 mg | Step up | Weeks 9-12 | £148.98 |
| 10 mg | Step up | Weeks 13-16 | £158.98 |
| 12.5 mg | Step up | Weeks 17-20 | £198.98 |
| 15 mg | Step up | Weeks 21-24 | £204.00 |
❗Do not increase the dose within 4 weeks and consult your doctor if you experience side effects on your current dose. Never take more than the maximum dose of 15 mg as this may cause serious side effects.
What are some ways to save money when buying mounjaro?
Use referral codes or coupons:
Private prescription platforms such as MedExpress, Numan, and Voy often offer discounts, and users are happy to share referral codes with each other, saving around £40 with one use. Some platforms (such as Voy) even offer a 25% discount on the first order, and then you can enjoy another 30%-60% discount by referring friends.
Buy a "starter kit":
It is usually more cost-effective to buy a combination pack than to buy individually. The kit usually includes necessities such as needles and disinfectant pads to avoid additional purchases.
Compare prices of multiple pharmacies horizontally and pay attention to limited-time promotions
Try NHS public funding channels (but the threshold is high)
• England and Wales:
If you have a BMI ≥ 35 and have comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, you can apply for NHS public funding from March 2025, but the number of places is limited and you need to queue. The NHS plan is to be gradually rolled out over 12 years, and the initial coverage is relatively narrow.
• The Scottish policy is more relaxed:
BMI ≥ 30 plus one comorbidity is eligible, and users living in Scotland are given priority to try the public funding route.
FAQs
Q1: Is Mounjaro available on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro is available on the NHS. As with other NHS weight loss injections, it is usually only prescribed as part of a specialist weight loss program if you have tried other weight loss methods and meet the criteria for a prescription. You may need to wait for a referral, which can take several months. Some GPs are being trained to prescribe Mounjaro, but this option may not be available in your area - talk to your GP for more information. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can get Mounjaro on the NHS to manage your condition.
Q2: Is Mounjaro safe?
Yes, Mounjaro is considered a safe weight loss medicine and was approved for weight loss in the UK in 2023. Like all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects, so it is important to read the patient information leaflet before using Mounjaro. If you have any questions about the safety or side effects of Mounjaro, talk to your doctor for further advice.
Q3: Can Mounjaro be taken long-term?
Mounjaro is suitable for long-term use, but if you are unable to lose at least 5% of your initial body weight within 6 months of gradually increasing your dose to the maximum dose, your doctor may recommend that you stop using it or try another weight loss treatment.
Conclusion
In general, Mounjaro is a safe and effective weight loss and diabetes treatment drug that helps lose weight by controlling appetite. Proper use and dosage adjustment under the guidance of a doctor can maximize the effect and reduce side effects. Eligible patients can also get support through the NHS. Be sure to consult a doctor before use to ensure safety and help you achieve your health goals. I wish you success in losing weight