How Mounjaro Users Are Getting Around The Exorbitant Price Rises

The rising cost of the popular weight-loss jab Mounjaro is forcing thousands of users across the UK to reconsider how long they can afford to stay on what many describe as a “miracle” treatment.

For many, the price jump has been sudden and severe. Sarah le Brocq, 43, who lost seven stone after starting Mounjaro, saw her monthly prescription increase by more than £200. When she first signed up at £79 per month earlier this year, it felt worth it. Now, she admits she is unsure whether she can justify the new cost. The price surge follows measures pushed by President Donald Trump, aimed at stopping US pharmaceutical companies from “subsidising other countries”. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, says the change is part of efforts to align prices between the UK and other markets. But for patients, the impact has been immediate.

There are an estimated 1.5 million users of weight-loss injections in the UK, with most taking Mounjaro privately since NHS prescriptions are only approved in severe obesity cases with multiple health conditions. The tightening market has exposed users to sudden price changes and shortages, leaving many scrambling for alternatives.

At the recent Labour Party conference, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said more people should be able to access these jabs through the NHS so treatments are not limited to the wealthy. However, the booming global demand for the injections has continued to push private prices higher.

For those already taking the medication, the financial strain is real. Le Brocq says the original £79 a month was manageable, but the new cost means cutting back on family outings. Some users are now looking for cheaper options, comparing deals offered by different online pharmacies or switching to alternatives like Wegovy, which is less expensive but also seen as slightly less effective.

Others are taking unusual steps to stretch their supply by buying higher doses to use less frequently or even stockpiling before new prices take effect. One user said online that they have enough doses to reach their goal weight before they begin gradually tapering down.

But experts warn of risks when people self-adjust their doses or buy from unregulated sources. A growing online market has emerged, selling unlicensed or counterfeit versions of these drugs, with some individuals reportedly receiving incorrect injections, including insulin, a potentially life-threatening substitution.

The strain is also felt emotionally. Many people who have lost significant weight fear regaining it if they stop the medication. “It’s such a waste of money and effort to get to this point, only to have to stop,” says le Brocq. She also highlights the broader issue that obesity is a long-term condition, and continuous access to safe medication is critical for lasting health benefits.

While some patients are trying to make these costs work by breaking payments into weekly amounts or reducing spending elsewhere, others have already switched to less expensive options online. Some pharmacies currently offer limited sign-up deals and short-term discounts on ongoing treatment plans, helping patients manage the sudden increase in costs.

As Mounjaro prices soar, many UK users are rethinking how to continue their treatment safely and affordably. Comparing regulated online providers and seeking verified introductory offers could prove a lifeline for those determined to stay on track with their weight-loss journey.