UK Mounjaro Price Rise Confirmed – What It Means for Patients

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

Introduction

In August 2025, Eli Lilly confirmed a price increase for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) across global markets. For UK patients relying on private prescriptions, this created real concern: would costs spiral beyond affordability?

As of October 2025, the picture is clearer. Prices have risen, but supplier discounts have softened the impact for many UK pharmacies. The result is a more manageable increase, but costs remain significantly above semaglutide (Wegovy).

October 2025 Price Snapshot

Key trend: Patients are paying more, but not the dramatic increases first feared. Discounts at the pharmacy level are absorbing some of the global price rise.

Market Analysis: Why Prices Rose

• Global pressure: U.S. regulators have scrutinised Lilly’s pricing, creating ripple effects across international markets.
• Revenue balance: Higher list prices strengthen Lilly’s financial base.
• Local discounts: UK pharmacies are receiving supplier-level rebates, shielding patients from the full increase.
• Competition: Semaglutide remains cheaper, placing competitive pressure on Lilly to limit patient-facing costs.

Dr Mark Larkin, PhD (Cantab)

“Even with supplier discounts, Mounjaro remains one of the most expensive GLP-1 treatments in the UK. For patients, this raises difficult affordability questions, especially with long-term use. Policymakers will eventually need to weigh cost-effectiveness against patient demand.”

Patient Guidance: What You Should Do Now

1. Shop around – prices vary by £40–£60 per pack between pharmacies.
2. Consider alternatives – semaglutide is cheaper, though not always equivalent in effect or tolerability.
3. Pre-order stock – some pharmacies allow early reservation to secure current prices.
4. Check consultation quality – prioritise pharmacies that explain dose titration clearly, not just pricing.

FAQs

Will Mounjaro be available on the NHS soon?
Only in specialist diabetes clinics. Widespread rollout would only follow if NICE issues a positive recommendation from a future cost-effectiveness analysis.

Why are private costs still so high?
Mounjaro is a new, branded medicine with no generic competition. Prices reflect both demand and supply limits.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to semaglutide to save money?
Possibly, but only under medical guidance. The two medicines work differently, and switching should be followed by restarting at a low semaglutide dose.

Will prices rise further in 2026?
Unclear. Much depends on U.S. market regulation and whether generic competition emerges.

Conclusion

The confirmed Mounjaro price rise is a reminder of the tension between innovation and affordability. Patients in the UK are shielded from the steepest increases, but monthly costs of £250–£300 remain a serious financial burden.

For now, patients should focus on regulated providers, shop around for the best deals, and make treatment decisions with both clinical safety and household budgets in mind.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Patients should always consult a licensed prescriber before starting, stopping, or switching 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 pricing (October 2025)