Understanding the cost of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) through Click 2 Pharmacy is essential for patients with type 2 diabetes considering this treatment option. Mounjaro is a prescription-only dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for improving glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Whilst NHS prescriptions cost £9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), private prescriptions through services like Click 2 Pharmacy involve significantly higher costs. This article examines Mounjaro pricing, access pathways, eligibility criteria, and factors affecting costs to help patients make informed decisions about their diabetes management.

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, including enhancing insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated, reducing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety.

Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Treatment typically starts at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases to 5 mg weekly, with further 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks at each dose if needed. The maximum maintenance dose is 15 mg once weekly. This gradual titration helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Mounjaro can significantly reduce HbA1c levels and is also associated with meaningful weight loss, which can be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese.

Importantly, Mounjaro is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients should be aware of potential side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), risk of hypoglycaemia (particularly when used with insulin or sulfonylureas), pancreatitis, and possible worsening of diabetic retinopathy in some patients with rapid improvement in blood glucose control. Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In the UK, Mounjaro is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It may be used as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications, or in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Mounjaro for these indications, and its use within the NHS is guided by NICE recommendations. Patients should be aware that Mounjaro is not licensed for weight loss alone in the UK, although weight reduction is a common secondary benefit observed during treatment for diabetes.

NHS vs Private Prescription Costs for Mounjaro

The cost of Mounjaro varies significantly depending on whether it is obtained through the NHS or via a private prescription. Understanding these differences is essential for patients considering this treatment option.

NHS Prescription Costs: When Mounjaro is prescribed on the NHS, patients in England typically pay the standard NHS prescription charge, which is currently £9.90 per item (as of 2024). Patients in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland benefit from free NHS prescriptions. However, access to Mounjaro on the NHS is subject to specific eligibility criteria based on NICE guidance and local Integrated Care Board (ICB) formulary decisions. Generally, Mounjaro may be available through the NHS for patients with type 2 diabetes who meet specific clinical criteria, such as inadequate glycaemic control on other medications. Availability can vary by region and ICB, and some areas may have restricted access due to budget considerations or supply constraints.

Private Prescription Costs: For patients obtaining Mounjaro through private prescriptions—such as via online pharmacies like Click 2 Pharmacy—the cost is considerably higher. Private prices for Mounjaro can vary significantly depending on the dose, quantity (typically supplied as 4 pens for a 4-week course), and the pharmacy dispensing the medication. Patients should check current pricing directly with providers, as costs fluctuate and may differ substantially between pharmacies. This cost includes the medication itself but may not include consultation fees, which can add an additional £30 to £100 depending on the service provider. Private prescriptions offer greater accessibility for patients who do not meet NHS eligibility criteria or prefer faster access without waiting for NHS approval.

It is important to note that private costs are not subsidised, and patients are responsible for the full price of the medication and any associated consultation or delivery fees. Supply constraints, as communicated by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, may occasionally affect both NHS and private availability. Patients should carefully consider their budget and discuss all available options with their healthcare provider before committing to private treatment.

How to Access Mounjaro Through Click 2 Pharmacy

Click 2 Pharmacy is a registered online pharmacy service that offers private prescriptions for medications including Mounjaro. Accessing Mounjaro through Click 2 Pharmacy involves several straightforward steps, but patients must meet specific clinical criteria and undergo a proper medical assessment.

Step 1: Online Consultation Patients begin by completing an online medical questionnaire on the Click 2 Pharmacy website. This questionnaire collects detailed information about medical history, current medications, allergies, diabetes status, HbA1c levels, BMI, and any contraindications to Mounjaro. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information, as this forms the basis of the prescribing decision.

Step 2: Clinical Review Once submitted, the questionnaire is reviewed by a registered UK prescriber (typically a GP or independent prescriber). The clinician assesses whether Mounjaro is clinically appropriate and safe for the patient. They may request additional information, such as recent blood test results or confirmation from the patient's regular GP. If the prescriber determines that Mounjaro is suitable, they will issue a private prescription.

Step 3: Dispensing and Delivery After the prescription is approved, Click 2 Pharmacy dispenses the medication and arranges delivery to the patient's address. Delivery is typically via temperature-controlled tracked courier service and may take 1–3 working days. Mounjaro requires refrigeration (2°C to 8°C) before first use, though once in use, pens can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 21 days. The medication is supplied in its original packaging with full patient information leaflets and instructions for use.

Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring Patients using Mounjaro privately should maintain regular contact with their prescriber for ongoing monitoring. This includes periodic review of blood glucose levels, HbA1c (typically every 3-6 months), weight, renal function, and any side effects. Patients taking insulin or sulfonylureas may need dose adjustments to reduce hypoglycaemia risk. Click 2 Pharmacy may offer follow-up consultations, but patients should inform their NHS GP about private treatment to ensure coordinated care and safety monitoring.

Important Considerations: Patients must ensure they are using a legitimate, GPhC-registered pharmacy. Click 2 Pharmacy should display its GPhC registration number on its website, and patients can verify this on the GPhC online register. Patients should be cautious of unregulated online sources offering Mounjaro without proper medical oversight, as these may supply counterfeit or unsafe products. Any suspected side effects should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Factors That Affect Mounjaro Pricing in the UK

Several factors influence the cost of Mounjaro for patients in the UK, particularly when accessing the medication privately. Understanding these variables can help patients make informed decisions and potentially reduce costs.

Dosage Strength: Mounjaro is available in multiple dose strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg). Higher doses generally cost more per pen. Patients typically start on the lowest dose and titrate upwards, so monthly costs may increase as treatment progresses. Some pharmacies offer tiered pricing, with starter packs priced differently from maintenance doses.

Pharmacy and Service Provider: Prices vary between different online pharmacies and private clinics. Click 2 Pharmacy, along with competitors such as Superdrug Online Doctor, Boots Online Doctor, and others, may have different pricing structures. Some services include consultation fees within the medication price, while others charge separately. Patients should compare total costs, including consultations, delivery, and any follow-up fees.

Consultation and Monitoring Fees: Private prescriptions require an initial consultation and often periodic reviews. Consultation fees can range from £30 to £100 per appointment. Some services offer subscription models with bundled consultations and medication, which may provide better value for long-term users.

Supply Chain and Availability: Mounjaro supply in the UK has occasionally been affected by high demand and manufacturing constraints, as noted in Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England communications regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists. Patients should check current stock levels and expected delivery times with their provider before committing to purchase.

Insurance and Reimbursement: Some private health insurance policies may cover part of the cost of Mounjaro if prescribed for type 2 diabetes, though this is uncommon in UK private medical insurance, which typically excludes outpatient prescription costs. Patients with private insurance should check their specific policy details and obtain written confirmation of coverage before proceeding.

Regulatory and Licensing Factors: As NHS access pathways develop, private market dynamics may change. Patients should regularly review both NHS and private options to determine the most appropriate and affordable route for their individual circumstances.

When considering Mounjaro treatment, patients should request current, itemised pricing from providers, including all associated costs, and compare these across multiple registered pharmacies. Prices should be verified shortly before purchase, as they may change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions