Thinking of Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

With changes to treatment pricing for Mounjaro, many people are considering switching to an alternative. Wegovy is a proven, licensed treatment specifically developed for weight management and works in a similar way as Mounjaro does. By mimicking the natural hormone in the body which regulates appetite and food intake, Wegovy makes you feel full quicker and for longer.

While cost is a key factor when it comes to switching medications, it is important to consider safety and making sure the transition from one medication to another is safe, smooth and effective. It’s important to be aware of when to start, how to manage side effects, and what to expect during the switch.

Is it Safe to Switch?

Yes, switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is considered safe, but it must be done properly. You should not use both medications at the same time. After taking your final dose of Mounjaro, you’ll need to wait two weeks before starting Wegovy. This washout period gives your body time to adjust and helps minimise the risk of overlapping side effects.

If you experienced strong stomach-related side effects while on Mounjaro (such as nausea or vomiting), it’s best to wait until these symptoms have settled before starting Wegovy.

Starting Wegovy and What to Expect

Wegovy has a strict dosing schedule that must be followed, regardless of your previous Mounjaro dose. You’ll begin at the lowest dose of 0.25mg once weekly, and gradually increase your dose every four weeks:

This gradual increase (called titration) is designed to help your body adjust and reduce side effects. You’ll typically stay on each dose for at least four weeks before moving up to the next dose. Though, your clinician may advise otherwise depending on your response to your current dose.

Common Side Effects

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro have similar side effects, mostly gastrointestinal (related to digestion). These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.

These symptoms often settle as the body adjusts to the medication, but here are some tips:

If side effects become unmanageable or you cannot keep fluids down, seek medical help.

Safety Tips

You should not take Wegovy if you have certain medical conditions, including:

• A history of pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Severe stomach issues
• A family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome

This list is not exhaustive and it’s always important when you are considering starting a new treatment to share your full medical history to ensure that any medication is prescribed safely. Clinicians hold your health as a priority and want to find the best course of action to help you while remaining safe.

Planning a Pregnancy?

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are not recommended in pregnancy. If you are planning to conceive, different rules apply:

• Stop Wegovy at least 2 months before trying for a baby.
• Stop Mounjaro at least 1 month before.

Speak with your clinician for personalised advice on managing your treatment while planning a pregnancy.

The Bottom Line

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is a safe and structured process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps. Start at the lowest dose, give your body time to adjust, and stay in touch with your healthcare provider throughout the transition.

If you’re ready to switch, the key points to remember are: you will always start your new treatment from the lowest dose, regardless of your previous Mounjaro dose, and you must leave at least a two week break before starting the new medication.