If you find that one weight loss treatment type isn’t working for you, you may consider switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro. However, you will not be able to switch straight away or without clinical guidance.
Weight loss medications cannot be used simultaneously, and your previous weight loss medication needs to fully leave your system during a 'washout' period. We encourage you to contact our clinical team to discuss your reasons for wanting to switch and they can help you make the switch if appropriate for you.
Keep in mind, Mounjaro might not be suitable for you (even if you're using another weight loss medication). We’ll assess if it’s right for you during your consultation.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
If you have been using Wegovy for a long period of time and you feel like you are not achieving the results you desire, you might consider switching to Mounjaro.
While it is possible to switch, it is important to contact our clinical team to discuss your reasons for wanting to switch and they can help you make the move.
It is important to note Wegovy and Mounjaro cannot be used interchangeably or simultaneously as weight loss treatments.
Is a break required when switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
Yes, a short break between each medication is required. When switching weight loss treatments your body needs to go through a ‘washout’ period of around 4 weeks once you stop your current treatment. For example, stopping Wegovy and moving to Mounjaro.
The washout period allows the current treatment to leave your body, so that when you switch, the two treatments don’t interact with each other.
What dosage do I move to when switching to Mounjaro?
Wegovy and Mounjaro are dosed in different manners, and there is no direct equivalence between their dosing regimens. This is a key reason as to why they cannot be used interchangeably.
When switching to Mounjaro from Wegovy, you will be required to start at Mounjaro's standard initial dose of 2.5mg, irrespective of your prior Wegovy dose or tolerance. This will occur after your 4 week wash-out period.
Process of Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro
- Consult with our Clinical team - At first instance you should contact our clinical team to discuss your reasons for wanting to switch. They will then provide you with the information you need and they can help you make the switch if appropriate for you.
- Stop taking Wegovy and begin the ‘washout’ period - Once you have discussed switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro, your body will need to go through a ‘washout’ period of around 4 weeks once you stop your current treatment.
- Complete the 4 week ‘washout’ period and start taking Mounjaro - When the ‘washout’ period is over you can begin treatment on Mounjaro starting at the lowest dose of 2.5mg.
- Continue to use Mounjaro - The choice is yours during the re-order journey. Before you re-order each month, you should consider if you’re ready to move up a strength.
Is it worthwhile switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
The biggest difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy isthat they contain different active ingredients. Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide whereas Wegovy contains Semaglutide, which work in different ways.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) works by stimulating receptors for two hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). GLP-1 helps to regulate blood glucose levels, suppressing your appetite and slowing down the emptying of the stomach to keep hunger at bay. GIP enhances the effects of GLP-1 by regulating the energy balance in your brain and fat cells.
Semaglutide (Wegovy) only stimulates the GLP-1 receptor, whereas Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) stimulates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
There have been several trials for both main weight loss injectables and they provide a good indicator of what you can expect. The Tirzepatide study (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) shows weight loss of up to 20% over a72-week period. Studies have shown that by week 72 people using Mounjaro canachieve a 15% weight loss with 5mg, 19.5% weight loss with 10mg and 20.9% weight loss with 15mg (SURMOUNT-1 trial). The Semaglutide study (the active ingredient in Wegovy) shows a weight loss of up to 15% over a 68-week period.
So, if you are wondering ‘Is it worthwhile switching drugs?’, according to the studies Mounjaro could be more effective over the long term.
