Whether it’s due to side effects, cost, a change in your goals, or simply following your clinician’s advice, many people make the switch from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to Wegovy (semaglutide). It's a straightforward process, made simpler with the input from clinicians and health coaches.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a type of medication recently approved for the treatment of weight loss.1
However, not all GLP-1 receptor agonists are the same. While they share common features, there are differences in how they're administered and their specific actions in the body. For example, certain medications like Wegovy have shown cardiovascular benefits, which might make them a preferred choice for individuals with a higher risk of heart disease.2
How to make the switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy
If you’re a current Numan patient:
Submit a medication change request through the app.
Our clinicians will review your medical history, current dose, and any side effects.
If approved, your Wegovy prescription will be sent directly to you.
If you’re new to Numan:
Start with our online consultation.
Mention that you’re currently on Mounjaro and would like to switch to Wegovy.
Once reviewed, your treatment plan will be approved, and your medication delivered.
Why should I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
There are several reasons you might move from Mounjaro to Wegovy:
Side effects: Everyone responds differently. Some people find Wegovy easier to tolerate, while others experience fewer symptoms on Mounjaro.
Progress: If your weight loss progress has been limited due to unwanted side effects, then switching can maybe help get you back on track.
Cardiovascular benefits: Wegovy is currently the only GLP-1 treatment licensed in the UK to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes in people with obesity and established heart disease.2
Practical reasons: This could include supply issues, cost differences, or personal preference for one over the other.
One of the most common reasons why people want to switch is the side effects.1 The side effect profiles for these medicines are similar, but that doesn’t mean you’ll react the same to both. For example, just because they can both cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, doesn’t mean you’ll experience these side effects with both medicines. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you.
Can anyone switch?
The criteria for starting both Wegovy and Mounjaro are similar. Your eligibility will be determined during an initial consultation with one of the Numan clinicians.
Mounjaro vs. Wegovy comparison
Here's a quick comparison to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two medications:
Feature
Mounjaro
Wegovy
Active ingredient
Tirzepatide
Semaglutide
Mechanism of action
Mimics the actions of GIP and GLP-1, hormones that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
Mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate appetite.
Condition treated
Obesity
Obesity with added cardioprotection
Achievable weight loss, according to research
Up to 22.5%
Up to 18%
Starting dose price
£249
£179
Switching between Wegovy and Mounjaro
Making the transition from Mounjaro to Wegovy often straightforward.1
Here’s what usually happens:
You’ll take your final dose of Mounjaro on your normal injection day. Your clinician will confirm exactly when this should be.
The following week, on that same day, you’ll take your first dose of Wegovy as instructed by your clinician.
From there, your Wegovy dose will be gradually increased (or “titrated”) over time, depending on how your body responds. This step-by-step approach helps minimise side effects and gives your system time to adjust.
For most people, the practical experience feels very similar to being on Mounjaro. You’ll still be using a once-weekly injection, sticking to the same routine, and following the same healthy lifestyle habits that support your results. In fact, many patients find the changeover seamless as there’s no break in treatment, so your progress doesn’t stall, and your weekly routine stays the same.
Think of it less as “starting again” and more as continuing your journey, just with a different tool.
Do I need a break in treatment if I switch?
In short: no.
One of the biggest questions people have is: Do I need to take a break between medications?
The answer is no, there’s no need for a “washout” period. Once you’ve taken your final dose of Mounjaro, you can start Wegovy the following week. This helps you avoid gaps in treatment, meaning your results won’t stall.1
When switching, keep the same weekly injection day. Take your first Wegovy dose one week after your last Mounjaro dose, on your usual injection day. For example, if you normally inject on Mondays and your last Mounjaro dose was on a Monday, start Wegovy the following Monday.
How is Wegovy titrated?
Wegovy is increased step-by-step over time, following the exact same process as you may have done for Mounjaro:
Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly
Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly
Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg weekly
Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly
Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose)
This slow build helps your body adapt and reduces the risk of side effects. If you do experience symptoms, your dose increase can be delayed by letting the Numan clinical team know through the app.
What to expect when I switch
If you’re deciding on switching weight loss medications, it’s important not to change the healthy lifestyle behaviours you’ve adopted alongside your existing medication.
Weight loss medicines are not a replacement for moving more and eating a balanced diet. Instead, they’re a catalyst that enables you to benefit from your new lifestyle earlier, with hopes of committing you to a lifetime of healthy change.
The ultimate goal is to make the maintenance of weight, or weight loss in the future, feel habitual and easier to implement.
If you’re finding it difficult to shift your mindset to one that aligns with your goals, it may be worthwhile to get in contact with one of the Numan health coaches. They’re there to help you develop a new relationship with food and movement that removes elements of guilt associated with the things that give you joy, while encouraging you to actively find healthy living habits that meet your expectations.
The numan take
Switching between weight loss medications is straightforward when done under the guidance of your healthcare team. Before making a decision, think about why you want to switch and the safest way to do so. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure it's the right move for you.
References
Jain, A. B., Ali, A., Gorgojo Martínez, J. J., Hramiak, I., Kavia, K., Madsbad, S., … Vilsbøll, T. (2021). Switching between GLP‐1 receptor agonists in clinical practice: Expert consensus and practical guidance. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 75(2). doi:10.1111/ijcp.13731
Lincoff, A. M., Brown-Frandsen, K., Colhoun, H. M., Deanfield, J., Emerson, S. S., Esbjerg, S., … Ryan, D. H. (2023). Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 389(24), 2221–2232. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2307563
Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
Hassan is a specialist clinical pharmacist with a background in digital marketing and business development. He works as a Clinical Copywriter at Numan, leveraging his research and writing abilities to shine a light on the health complications affecting men and women.
