Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. As a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, it improves blood glucose control through multiple mechanisms. Patients seeking Mounjaro through Asda Pharmacy can access it via NHS prescription (standard prescription charge applies in England) or private prescription, with costs varying significantly between routes. Understanding the pricing structure, access pathways, and clinical criteria is essential for patients considering this treatment. This article examines the cost of Mounjaro at Asda and factors influencing its pricing across NHS and private healthcare settings.

What Is Mounjaro and What Is It Used For?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It belongs to a class of medications known as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro works through multiple mechanisms to improve blood glucose control.

The medication enhances insulin secretion when blood glucose levels are elevated, suppresses glucagon release (a hormone that raises blood sugar), slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. These combined actions help patients achieve better glycaemic control and often result in significant weight loss as a secondary benefit. Mounjaro is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device, making it convenient for patients to self-administer at home.

Clinical indications for Mounjaro include use as monotherapy when metformin is inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications, or as add-on therapy in combination with other glucose-lowering medications (including insulin) when existing treatment does not provide adequate glycaemic control. Mounjaro received its UK marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and has been evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use within the NHS.

It is important to note that whilst Mounjaro has demonstrated weight loss effects in clinical trials, its primary licensed indication in the UK remains the treatment of type 2 diabetes only. Mounjaro is not licensed for weight management in the UK. Patients should only use Mounjaro under medical supervision, as it requires careful dose titration (starting at 2.5mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increasing by 2.5mg increments every 4 weeks as tolerated) and monitoring for potential adverse effects, including pancreatitis. Patients should seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain or signs of allergic reactions.

NHS Prescription vs Private Purchase Options

Access to Mounjaro in the UK follows two distinct pathways: NHS prescription or private purchase through registered healthcare providers. Understanding the differences between these routes is essential for patients considering this treatment.

NHS prescription access to Mounjaro is governed by NICE guidance (TA924, published December 2023), which recommends tirzepatide as an option for treating type 2 diabetes in adults with specific criteria. These include a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or higher (or between 30–34.9 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities) and inadequate glycaemic control despite treatment with at least one other glucose-lowering medication, in line with NICE guideline NG28. When prescribed through the NHS in England, patients pay the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item), unless they qualify for an exemption certificate (which includes patients with diabetes requiring medication). Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. NHS availability may be limited by local formulary decisions and Integrated Care Board (ICB) policies.

Private prescription options offer an alternative route for patients who do not meet NHS criteria or prefer faster access. Private healthcare providers, including online pharmacies and specialist weight management clinics, can prescribe Mounjaro following a clinical assessment. Private prescriptions require patients to pay the full cost of the medication, which is substantially higher than the NHS prescription charge. Patients must ensure they use General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)-registered pharmacies and that prescriptions are issued by UK-registered prescribers (verifiable via the GMC, NMC or GPhC registers) following appropriate clinical assessment.

Regardless of the route chosen, Mounjaro should only be initiated and monitored by healthcare professionals experienced in managing diabetes. Patients should be wary of unregulated online sources offering Mounjaro without proper medical oversight, as these pose significant safety risks including counterfeit medications.

How to Access Mounjaro Through Asda

Asda Pharmacy operates as a community pharmacy service within Asda supermarkets across the UK and offers both NHS and private prescription services. For specific services and stock availability, patients should contact their local Asda Pharmacy directly.

For NHS prescriptions, patients who have been prescribed Mounjaro by their GP or hospital specialist can have their prescription dispensed at any Asda Pharmacy location. In England, the cost is the standard NHS prescription charge (£9.90 per item), unless the patient has an exemption certificate. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Asda pharmacists will dispense the medication according to the prescriber's instructions. Patients should contact their local Asda Pharmacy in advance to confirm stock availability, as Mounjaro may need to be ordered specially due to its refrigeration requirements.

For private prescriptions, Asda Pharmacy can dispense Mounjaro if a patient presents a valid private prescription from a registered UK prescriber. For private prescriptions, each pharmacy (including Asda) sets its own pricing, which can vary significantly between different pharmacy chains and locations. Patients seeking private prescriptions must first consult with a private GP, endocrinologist, or registered online prescribing service.

Important considerations when using Asda Pharmacy services include:

• Ensuring your prescription is valid and clearly written

• Allowing 24–48 hours for the pharmacy to order Mounjaro if not in stock

• Bringing appropriate identification and payment method

• Discussing proper storage (refrigerate at 2-8°C; do not freeze; can be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours) and injection technique with the pharmacist

Patients should be aware that while NHS prescription charges are standardised, private prescription costs can vary considerably between pharmacies. It's advisable to check prices with several pharmacies, including Asda, before deciding where to have a private prescription dispensed.

Factors Affecting Mounjaro Pricing in the UK

The cost of Mounjaro in the UK is influenced by several interconnected factors that determine both NHS and private pricing structures. Understanding these elements helps patients navigate the financial aspects of this treatment.

List price forms the foundation of Mounjaro pricing. The manufacturer (Eli Lilly) sets a list price for the medication, which in the UK is subject to the Voluntary Pricing and Access Scheme (VPAS). This agreement between the Department of Health and Social Care and the pharmaceutical industry helps manage NHS spending on branded medicines. For private prescriptions, pharmacies set their own prices based on the list price plus their own mark-up, which can vary substantially between different pharmacies.

Dose escalation requirements significantly impact overall treatment costs. Mounjaro therapy begins at 2.5mg weekly and is gradually increased every four weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. Patients may require different dose strengths over time, and higher maintenance doses naturally cost more. A typical patient might progress from 2.5mg to 5mg, then to 10mg or 15mg depending on glycaemic response and tolerability. Mounjaro pens are single-use devices, with a typical pack containing 4 pens (approximately one month's supply).

Pharmacy dispensing fees add to the base medication cost for private prescriptions. Different pharmacy chains apply varying professional fees for dispensing services. Supply chain factors including storage requirements (refrigeration), distribution costs, and stock availability can also influence pricing, particularly for smaller independent pharmacies.

Market competition and the emergence of similar GLP-1 receptor agonists may influence future pricing. As more dual-action diabetes medications enter the UK market, competitive pressures could potentially affect Mounjaro's cost structure. Additionally, NHS Patient Access Schemes may be negotiated between manufacturers and the NHS to improve cost-effectiveness at a system level.

Patients should discuss the financial implications of Mounjaro treatment with their healthcare provider and consider whether NHS access criteria might apply to their situation, as this represents the most cost-effective route for eligible individuals. Patients experiencing side effects should report them through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions