Mounjaro Price Update: A Better Outcome for UK Patients

By Dr Mark Larkin, PhD, Medical Director, Pharmacy Price Hound

Introduction

Manufacturer Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has quickly become one of the most sought-after GLP-1 medicines in the UK. In August 2025, reports of price increases raised concerns for patients relying on private prescriptions. But new developments suggest the outcome may be less severe than feared.

While official list prices are rising, Lilly has introduced supplier discounts, softening the impact for UK pharmacies, and for patients.

October 2025 Price Snapshot

Key trend: Price increases are real, but supplier discounts mean the patient impact is less than initially reported. However, costs remain significantly above semaglutide treatments.

Why Did Prices Change?

Lilly’s strategy appears to balance two competing pressures:

• Revenue needs: Higher list prices strengthen their market positioning.
• Competitive reality: Discounts keep pharmacies engaged and prevent mass patient drop-off.

This is also a signal to policymakers. By demonstrating pricing flexibility now, Lilly may hope to improve its case for broader NHS reimbursement.

Dr Mark Larkin, PhD

“While list prices have increased, Lilly’s use of supplier discounts means patients are shielded from the worst of the rises. However, this does not resolve the fundamental issue: private patients are still paying £240–£300 a month, which is unsustainable for many households.” 

Market Analysis (UK Context)

• NHS access: Mounjaro is still not widely available on the NHS, restricted to specialist use.
  Private sector: The bulk of prescribing is private, where patients absorb costs directly.
• Comparative pricing: Even with discounts, Mounjaro remains more expensive than Wegovy, which may limit its adoption.
• Future outlook: NICE may consider Mounjaro for expanded use, with analysis of cost-effectiveness the decisive factor.

FAQs

Why did Mounjaro’s list price increase?
Lilly adjusted global pricing, but discounts in the UK market have cushioned the impact.

Will I still pay more for my prescription?
Yes, but less than initially feared. Shopping around remains essential.

Is Mounjaro available on the NHS?
Only in highly restricted cases, mainly in specialist diabetes clinics.

Should I consider switching to semaglutide?
That depends on individual tolerance and medical advice. Prices for semaglutide are generally lower, but efficacy and side effects differ.

Conclusion

The Mounjaro price increase has created understandable concern from patients. Yet supplier discounts mean patients are not facing the worst-case scenario.

The bigger challenge remains: whether UK patients can sustain out-of-pocket costs of £250–£300 per month. Until NICE approval expands and NHS provision grows, affordability will remain the limiting factor.

At Pharmacy Price Hound, we encourage patients to shop around, verify providers, and make decisions with clinical safety and financial sustainability in mind.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice. Patients should always consult a licensed prescriber for any change in medication.

Author & Sources

Author: Dr Mark Larkin, PhD

• Medical Director, Pharmacy Price Hound
• Academic publications in health economics

Primary Sources:

• Lilly press release (2025)
• NICE NG28 Diabetes Guidelines
• NHS Prescribing Data

Dr Fox, Chemist4U, Oxford Online, Superdrug Online pharmacy pricing (October 2025)