The weight-loss injection Mounjaro has sparked a frenzy in the UK, prompting manufacturer Eli Lilly to temporarily freeze orders from pharmacies nationwide.
The US pharmaceutical giant cited “unprecedented demand” as the reason, announcing a major price hike set to take effect from September 1.
Price Hikes Set to Shake Up the Market
From next month, the cost of a month’s supply of Mounjaro will nearly triple at the highest dose, rising from £122 to £330.
Even mid-range doses, such as the 5mg pen, will jump from around £92 to £180.
Lilly explained that the drug was initially priced “significantly below the European average” to ensure rapid NHS access but now requires an adjustment to “ensure fair global contributions to the cost of innovation.”
Panic Buying Sparks Concerns
Since the price announcement, pharmacies have reported a rush of patients stockpiling Mounjaro, reminiscent of the “toilet paper” panic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, UK distributor Phoenix told pharmacies to halt all orders of Mounjaro until September 1, preventing stockpiling at the current lower price.
Phoenix reassured that there are no supply shortages, and normal ordering will resume next month.
Health Risks From Black Market Buying
Experts warn that the surge in demand and price hike could push people toward unregulated sources.
Robert Bradshaw, superintendent pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, cautioned that bulk purchases for resale may result in patients obtaining fake or contaminated injections. “These scenarios can pose serious health risks,” he said.
Dervis Gurol, owner of Healthy-U Pharmacy in East Sussex, compared the rush to COVID-era panic buying, noting patients have even tried registering at multiple pharmacies to secure more pens.
Alternatives for Patients Concerned About Cost
For those worried about affordability, health professionals advise discussing alternative options with a GP or prescriber.
Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk, is a safe alternative with a similar mechanism, though it’s important to note that the drugs are not directly interchangeable mg-for-mg.
Mounjaro’s Clinical Impact
Mounjaro has shown impressive results in clinical trials, delivering the highest weight loss among licensed medications.
Patients on the highest dose lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared with up to 17.5% for Wegovy over the same period.
Across the UK and US, millions are now using weight-loss injections, with NHS guidelines recommending them for patients with a BMI over 35 and a weight-related health problem, or a BMI of 30–34.9 meeting specialist referral criteria.
