- People on the lowest dose (5 mg) lost around 15% of their body weight on average.
- People on the highest dose (15 mg) lost around 20.9% on average — compared to just 3.1% with the placebo.
- To put that in context: someone starting at 100 kg could expect to lose around 20 kg on the highest dose.
- Around 2 in 3 people on the highest dose lost 15% or more of their body weight.
- All participants also followed a healthier diet and increased how much they moved.
| Stage | Rough Timeframe | What You Might Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Starting out (2.5 mg) | Weeks 1–4 | Appetite may start to reduce; your body is adjusting |
| First increase (5 mg) | Weeks 5–8 | Food cravings often reduce; early weight loss may begin |
| Building up (7.5 mg) | Weeks 9–12 | Steady weight loss continues; feeling fuller after smaller meals |
| Maintenance (10 mg) | Weeks 13–16 | Around 10–15% body weight loss typical at this stage |
| Higher dose (12.5 mg) | Weeks 17–20 | For those who tolerate it well and want to go further |
| Maximum dose (15 mg) | Week 21+ | Up to around 20–22.5% body weight loss seen in trials |
| Type of Low Blood Sugar Event | 5 mg | 10 mg | 15 mg | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serious low blood sugar (needed help from another person) | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Very low blood sugar reading (below clinical threshold) | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% |
| Pathway | Who It's For | Min. BMI | What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1a | Starting fresh — standard | ≥ 30 | A BMI of 30 or above is classed as obesity. No other health condition needed to qualify. |
| 1b | Starting fresh — with a health condition | ≥ 27 | A BMI of 27–29.9 can qualify if you also have a weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or others). |
| 1c | Starting fresh — adjusted for ethnicity | ≥ Threshold −2.5 | People from certain ethnic backgrounds carry a higher health risk at any given BMI. NHS guidance (NICE NG246) recommends a threshold 2.5 points lower for South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, and African-Caribbean backgrounds. |
| 2 | Switching from another provider | ≥ 21 | Already on a weight loss injection elsewhere? You can transfer if you have proof of your previous prescription, have lost at least 5% of your starting weight, and originally met Pathway 1 criteria. |
| 3 | Staying at target weight (maintenance) | ≥ 20 | If you've reached your target weight and it has been stable for 8–12 weeks, you may continue on the lowest dose that keeps you there. We will never prescribe below a BMI of 20. |
- Your BMI is 30 or above (Pathway 1a)
- Your BMI is 27+ with a qualifying health condition (Pathway 1b)
- Your BMI meets standard threshold minus 2.5 points with qualifying ethnic background (Pathway 1c)
- You're 18 or older
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
- You're willing to make some healthy changes to your diet and activity
- You're switching from another UK provider and have lost at least 5% already (Pathway 2, BMI ≥21)
- You are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You have type 1 diabetes
- You're already taking another weight loss injection (e.g. Wegovy®, Ozempic®)
- You have, or have had, pancreatitis
- You or a close family member have had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2
- You have severe problems with your stomach or gut emptying
- You are allergic to tirzepatide or any ingredients in Mounjaro®
- Your BMI is below 20 at any point during treatment
| Weeks | Dose | What's Happening at This Stage | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | The starting dose — lets your body get used to the medicine | Starting out |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | First increase — appetite control often starts to improve noticeably | Building up |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Gradual step-up — weight loss typically continues to progress | Building up |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Many people experience steady, meaningful weight loss here | Maintenance |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Higher dose for those who want to go further and are tolerating it well | Maintenance |
| 21+ | 15 mg | The maximum dose. Up to ~20–22.5% body weight loss was seen in trials. Not everyone needs this. | Maximum dose |
- Mounjaro® KwikPen™ (your prescribed dose)
- Injection needles
- Alcohol wipes & sharps bin
- Patient information leaflet
- Plain, discreet packaging (no pharmacy branding)
- Temperature-controlled packaging
- Tracked delivery on all orders
- Fast dispatch once approved
- Online prescriber consultation
- Patient guidance leaflet
- Pharmacist & prescriber support throughout
- Regular clinical check-ins on your dose
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Not feeling hungry
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Constipation
- Indigestion or an upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Tiredness
- Redness, itching, or soreness where you injected
- Dizziness
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Temporary hair thinning
- Gallstones (small stones in the gallbladder)
- Pancreatitis: severe, constant stomach pain that doesn't go away, sometimes spreading to your back — stop injecting and get help immediately
- Serious allergic reaction: swelling of your face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a spreading rash
- Kidney problems caused by severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea
- Gallbladder problems: severe pain in the upper right side of your stomach, with fever or yellowing of the skin
- Do not use Mounjaro® if you are pregnant. Stop treatment at least 1 month before trying to conceive.
- Do not use Mounjaro® while breastfeeding.
- Use effective contraception throughout your treatment.
- The effect of Mounjaro® on fertility is not yet fully known.
| Source | Detail |
|---|---|
| SURPASS-1 | Rosenstock J et al. Effect of tirzepatide monotherapy on glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Lancet. 2021;398(10295):143–155. |
| SURPASS-2 | Frías JP et al. Tirzepatide versus semaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503–515. |
| SURMOUNT-1 | Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205–216. |
| Mounjaro® SmPC | Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) Summary of Product Characteristics. Eli Lilly and Company. Available at: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). Last updated 2024. |
| NICE NG246 | National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Obesity: identification, assessment and management. NICE guideline NG246. Published 2025. |
| NICE TA1026 | National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (TA1026). Published 2025. |
| NICE TA875 | National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity (TA875). Published 2023. |
| MHRA | Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) — MHRA approval for weight management. November 2023. |
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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FAQs
Buying Mounjaro Online, Price & Access
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about how to buy Mounjaro in the UK, prescription requirements, NHS access, and safe online ordering.
Can you buy Mounjaro online in the UK?
Yes. Mounjaro can be legally prescribed and supplied online in the UK following an online medical consultation with a registered prescriber.
How much does Mounjaro cost per month in the UK?
Mounjaro typically costs between £139.99 and £299.99 per 4-week pen in the UK, depending on the prescribed dose. Each pen contains four weekly injections, which usually represents one month of treatment.
Why does the price of Mounjaro increase at higher doses?
Higher strengths of Mounjaro cost more because they contain a larger amount of the active ingredient tirzepatide. Dose increases are only made if clinically appropriate, so not everyone progresses to the highest strength.
Do I pay for a consultation separately?
The listed price includes your online medical assessment and prescriber review. Mounjaro is only supplied if it is clinically appropriate following this assessment.
How often do I need to reorder Mounjaro?
Each pen contains four weekly doses, so most patients reorder approximately once per month. Your prescriber reviews your progress regularly to ensure your dose remains suitable.
Can I stay on a lower dose to reduce cost?
Some patients remain on 5mg or 7.5mg long term if they achieve good appetite control and weight loss at that strength. Dose changes are based on clinical response rather than a fixed schedule.
Is it safe to buy Mounjaro online in the UK?
Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine and should only be supplied by a UK GPhC-registered pharmacy following a medical assessment. Always ensure the provider requires a consultation before prescribing.
Do I need a prescription for Mounjaro®?
Yes, Mounjaro® is a prescription-only medication. The supply of Mounjaro is only made if it is safe and appropriate, following an online assessment by one of our clinical team.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS?
Yes, but access is limited and subject to strict eligibility criteria, local NHS funding, and referral pathways.
Can I get Mounjaro without seeing a GP?
Yes. A UK-registered online pharmacy such as Happy Pharmacy can assess you and issue a prescription without an in-person GP appointment.
What Mounjaro is & how it works
These frequently asked questions explain what Mounjaro is, how tirzepatide works in the body, and what you can expect from treatment in terms of weight loss and timing of results.
What is Mounjaro® used for?
Mounjaro® is primarily used in the NHS to manage type 2 diabetes and to aid weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight with certain conditions.
Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss?
Yes, Mounjaro is now approved for weight loss in the UK for eligible patients. It was initially licensed for diabetes but is now authorised and licensed for weight loss management.
How much weight can I lose with Mounjaro®?
Clinical trials have shown weight loss of up to 22.5% of body weight in some patients, depending on dosage and lifestyle factors.
How long does Mounjaro take to start working?
Most people notice reduced appetite within the first 1–2 weeks, with measurable weight loss typically beginning within the first 4–8 weeks as the dose increases.
Treatment & stopping
These common questions cover how long you may need to stay on Mounjaro, what happens if you stop treatment, and what to do if your progress slows or plateaus.
How long do I have to stay on Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a long-term weight loss treatment. The duration depends on your weight loss goals, progress, and how well you tolerate the medication. Many patients stay on Mounjaro for 6–12 months or longer under medical supervision.
What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro?
Weight regain is possible if lifestyle changes are not maintained after stopping Mounjaro. To help maintain results, continue with healthy eating, regular exercise, and follow-up care with your doctor or pharmacist.
Read our guide on what happens when you stop taking mounjaro for further information.
Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
Weight loss varies. If you’re not seeing results, review your diet, activity levels, and consistency. It may also be time to adjust your dosage. Speak to your online Happy Pharmacy Team.
Why do I still feel hungry on Mounjaro?
It’s common to still feel hungry on Mounjaro, especially in the early stages or at lower doses. Appetite suppression builds gradually, and factors such as diet, sleep, and hydration can also affect how full you feel during treatment. You can learn more about this in our guide on why do I still feel hungry on Mounjaro.
Delivery & Storage
These FAQs address practical questions about delivery times, temperature-controlled packaging, and how to store Mounjaro correctly once it arrives.
How long does Mounjaro delivery take?
Once your consultation is approved, delivery is typically arranged for the next working day.
Is Mounjaro delivered in temperature-controlled packaging?
Yes. Mounjaro is shipped in temperature-controlled packaging to keep it within the required storage range during delivery.
How should I store Mounjaro®?
Store Mounjaro in the fridge at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Keep the pen in its original packaging to protect it from light.
Storing Your Mounjaro Pens
- Before Use: Keep your pens in the refrigerator to maintain their effectiveness.
- After Opening: Once opened, you can store the pen at room temperature for up to 30 days.
With your first order, you will receive a sharps bin, a special waste bin for storing sharps materials like needles until they can be safely disposed of. After each use, place the needle into the sharps bin. Once you have used all 4 doses and removed the needle, you can dispose of the pen in your household waste or the sharps bin. When the sharps bin is full, your local council can collect it for disposal. After starting treatment, you can purchase additional sharps bins with new orders.
How long can Mounjaro be out of the fridge?
Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for a total of 30 days. After that, it should be discarded if not used.
Safety & lifestyle
This section answers frequently asked questions about alcohol use, diet, travel, missed doses, contraception, and other lifestyle considerations while taking Mounjaro.
Can you lose weight on Mounjaro without exercise?
Yes, some people can lose weight on Mounjaro without structured exercise. The medication reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness, which can lower calorie intake naturally. However, adding physical activity may improve long-term results and overall health. For more detail, read our guide on losing weight without exercise on Mounjaro.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?
Yes, alcohol can be consumed in moderation, but excessive drinking may worsen side effects such as nausea or increase the risk of low blood sugar.
What foods should I avoid on Mounjaro?
Avoid high-fat, greasy, or sugary foods that can worsen nausea. Eat smaller meals and avoid alcohol when possible, especially early in treatment.
What if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember within 4 days; otherwise, skip it and take your next dose on your usual day.
Can I travel with Mounjaro?
Yes, you can travel with Mounjaro. As a prescription medication, it is allowed in hand luggage when flying and can be taken abroad, provided it is stored correctly and clearly labelled.
If you’re taking the contraceptive pill, can you use Mounjaro?
Yes, but Mounjaro may affect the absorption of oral contraceptives. Use additional contraception during the first 4 weeks or speak to our Clinical Team about how to manage this interaction safely.
Mounjaro Side Effects
Like all medications, Mounjaro® may cause side effects. The most common include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Decreased appetite
Serious but rare side effects may include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues. Please read our additional information section above for managing side effects, and always consult your GP and read the patient information leaflet for a full list.
Need Support? Contact Happy Pharmacy
Whether you have questions about your Mounjaro treatment, need tips for managing side effects, or require advice on dosing, our Happy Pharmacy healthcare team is here for you.
Your health is our priority— contact us any time
Patient information
Official resources for Mounjaro use, safety, and guidance.
References
1. What Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is — official UK product information
• Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – Mounjaro (tirzepatide) –
emc
• Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – Mounjaro (tirzepatide) –
emc
2. How it’s used — manufacturer instructions
• Instructions for use / user manual – Mounjaro KwikPen – emc
3. Clinical effectiveness — weight loss outcomes from trials
• SURMOUNT-1 Trial – Tirzepatide once weekly for obesity (average weight-loss outcomes over ~72 weeks) –
NEJM
• SURMOUNT-1 Trial Registration –
ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed record (SURMOUNT-1) –
PubMed
4. Eligibility and access decisions — UK guidance context
• NICE Technology Appraisal (TA1026) – Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity – NICE
5. Safety and side effects — what to do and how to report
• Side effects, contraindications, warnings and precautions – SmPC (see section above) –
emc
• Yellow Card Scheme – what happens after you report –
MHRA Yellow Card
Medically Reviewed for Clinical Accuracy
Authored by:
Palvinder DeolSuperintendent Pharmacist (MPharm, MRPharmS, GPhC Registered)
Over 25 years’ clinical experience in UK community pharmacy and medicines optimisation.
Reviewed by:
Nigel HowardIndependent Prescriber (MPharm, GPhC Registered)
Over 20 years’ clinical experience in prescribing and patient-facing pharmacy services.
GPhC Inspection Result
Inspection Outcome: All Standards Met ✅
Our digital-first pharmacy achieved rare “Good Practice” recognition during our GPhC inspection on 19 May 2025, showcasing our commitment to safe, high-quality and innovative online healthcare.
View full inspection report →GPhC Registration No. 9012585 | Inspected 19 May 2025
