Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

From £179.37

Weekly self-injectable pen for weight loss
Contains Tirzepatide
Safe and effective weight loss medication for adults

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

From £188.59

Suitable for weight management
Helps you to feel fuller and less hungry
Self-administered injectable weight-loss medication

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

From £194.99

Injectable diabetes management medication
Not licensed for weight loss in the UK
Lowers the risk of cardiovascular conditions

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

From £98.39

Injectable medicine
Suppresses appetite
Reduces cravings

Scott Weaver

Updated at: November 21, 2024 · 5 min read

Weight Loss

Updated at: November 21, 20245 min read

Mounjaro Shortage UK: Explaining the Short Supply of the Weight Loss Injection Pen

Update: At the time of writing there was a short supply of this medication. Please note that supply may have changed since. For the latest information please refer to the manufacturer website.

Are you currently a weight loss patient who has been prescribed Mounjaro? If so, we have some important updates to share regarding the weight loss injection.

Mounjaro Shortage 2024

Currently, there's a global shortage of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Mounjaro (Bloomberg UK, 2024; Reuters, 2024). But don't worry, UK Meds are on hand to guide you through it.

Why is there a shortage of Mounjaro?

Increased Demand

The shortage is due in part to the increased demand for the drug semaglutide, known by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy (both now available in the UK), which has led to shortages of these medications, leading patients to search for alternative diabetes and obesity treatments such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).

Media Coverage

Thanks to widespread media coverage, more people are discovering the benefits of GLP-1 RA treatments for weight loss.

As a result, many are turning to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and this sudden surge in demand has outpaced the supply (Diabetes UK, 2024).

When will the supply issues improve?

An Update from Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company, the company behind Mounjaro (tirzepatide), has said that Mounjaro supply chain challenges may persist through 2024. We're actively collaborating with Eli Lilly and Company to secure more stock for our patients and are doing all we can to ensure a continuous supply of medication for those patients who need it.

Which drugs are impacted by the short supply of GLP-1 RA medications?

The current shortages are expected to impact the availability of all GLP-1 RA medications, including:

Saxenda
Ozempic
Wegovy
Byetta
Victoza
Trulicity
Bydureon
Rybelsus

What can I do if the Mounjaro shortage affects me?

If you're a Mounjaro user and the shortage affects you, don't worry; UK Meds is here to support you. You can still complete an online weight loss consultation with us as you would normally. However, due to the shortages, it might be necessary to consider a different weight loss medication or management plan.

Consult your doctor or healthcare professional to discuss your options prior to starting any treatment as they can advise you on the most appropriate medication for your individual requirements.

Stay informed by signing up for email alerts, and rest assured that UK Meds is doing all we can to ensure a constant supply of all medications that our patients need.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the UK Meds team. Your well-being is our priority.

Mounjaro Shortage FAQs

Our customers have been in touch asking some common questions about the Mounjaro shortage, including:

Should I reduce the dose of Mounjaro I take to make it last longer?

We would recommend taking the dose of the Mounjaro injection that your prescriber recommended. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure about the most appropriate dose of Mounjaro to take.

Does stopping Mounjaro treatment suddenly cause any side effects?

Stopping treatment with Mounjaro weight loss injections suddenly will not cause any side effects, so you shouldn’t worry if you find that you’ve run out of your supply of the medication. Mounjaro is not an addictive medication so you will not experience withdrawal symptoms. You should consult your healthcare provider or doctor if your supply of Mounjaro has run out and you require a suitable alternative weight loss treatment.

Should I expect the price of Mounjaro to change whilst there is a shorter supply of the medication?

Yes, during this time, the price of Mounjaro may change based on the supply of the medication available in the market currently. UK Meds customers can rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that you receive a fair price.

Will I put weight back on if I stop taking Mounjaro?

If you don't actively take steps to maintain your weight loss you may regain weight that you have lost since starting treatment with Mounjaro. Simple lifestyle choices can help you to sustain weight loss including:

Limiting consumption of less healthy foods (NIH, 2022)
Participating in physical activities that you enjoy (Hall and Kahan, 2018)
Eating at the right times of the day (Kim, J., 2020)
Intermittent fasting (Welton et al, 2020)
Getting good sleep (Kline et al, 2021)
Monitoring the macronutrients and calories that you eat (Willoughby et al, 2018)
Plant-based diets (Turner-McGrievy et al, 2017)
Staying well hydrated (Thornton, S., 2016)
Set weight loss goals to keep you on track (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2023)

It is important to note that the above are only suggestions and that not all strategies will be appropriate for you. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best way to lose weight sustainably and safely for your individual needs.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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Sources

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