Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes and weight management in eligible adults. Day Lewis Pharmacy, a leading UK community pharmacy chain, dispenses Mounjaro to patients with valid NHS or private prescriptions. Understanding Day Lewis Mounjaro cost is essential for planning treatment, as pricing varies significantly between NHS and private routes. NHS patients typically pay the standard prescription charge (£9.90 in England, free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), whilst private prescriptions range from £150 to £250 per month, depending on dose and pharmacy fees.

Mounjaro Pricing at Day Lewis Pharmacy

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has also received MHRA approval for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Day Lewis Pharmacy, one of the UK's largest community pharmacy chains, dispenses Mounjaro to eligible patients, though pricing varies depending on whether the prescription is issued via the NHS or through a private healthcare provider.

For NHS prescriptions, patients in England typically pay the standard prescription charge, which is currently £9.90 per item (as of 2024). However, many patients are exempt from prescription charges—including those aged 60 and over, those with diabetes (except where treated by diet alone), or individuals receiving income-related benefits. The Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) offers significant savings for those needing multiple prescriptions. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, NHS prescriptions are dispensed free of charge, meaning eligible patients can access Mounjaro at no cost through Day Lewis pharmacies in these regions.

Private prescriptions for Mounjaro are considerably more expensive. The cost reflects the wholesale price of the medication, pharmacy dispensing fees, and any consultation charges from the prescribing clinician. At Day Lewis and other UK pharmacies, private Mounjaro prescriptions typically range from £150 to £250 per month, depending on the prescribed dose (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg). Patients should confirm the exact cost with their local Day Lewis branch, as pricing may vary by location.

It is important to note that Mounjaro is not currently widely available on NHS prescription for weight management, as NICE guidance and local formularies restrict its use to specific clinical indications. Additionally, NHS England has issued alerts regarding GLP-1 receptor agonist supply disruptions, which may affect availability. Patients seeking Mounjaro for weight loss may need to pursue private prescriptions, which incur the full medication cost.

NHS Prescription vs Private Mounjaro Costs

Understanding the difference between NHS and private prescription costs is essential for patients considering Mounjaro. On the NHS, Mounjaro is primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes when other treatments have not achieved adequate glycaemic control. In this context, eligible patients pay only the standard NHS prescription charge (£9.90 in England, free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), or nothing if they qualify for an exemption. This represents significant value, as the actual cost of the medication to the NHS is substantially higher.

However, NHS availability of Mounjaro for weight management remains limited. While the MHRA has licensed tirzepatide for obesity treatment, access is typically restricted to specialist weight management services (tier 3 or 4) where commissioned, and subject to local Integrated Care Board (ICB) formulary decisions. Current supply constraints for GLP-1 receptor agonists have further limited NHS initiation. In exceptional circumstances, funding may be considered through Individual Funding Request (IFR) processes, but this is not standard practice. Consequently, most patients seeking Mounjaro for weight management must obtain a private prescription.

Private Mounjaro costs are considerably higher, typically ranging from £150 to £250 per month at Day Lewis and other UK pharmacies. This price includes the medication itself but does not cover the consultation fee charged by the private prescriber, which can add an additional £50 to £150 depending on the service. Some online clinics offer package deals that include both consultation and medication, but patients should ensure these services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and that prescribers are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).

Patients should also be aware that private prescriptions cannot be converted to NHS prescriptions retrospectively. If a patient receives a private prescription for Mounjaro, they must pay the full private cost, even if they would otherwise be exempt from NHS charges. A new NHS prescription would be required for NHS dispensing. It is advisable to discuss funding options with your GP or diabetes specialist before pursuing private treatment.

What Affects the Cost of Mounjaro in the UK

Several factors influence the cost of Mounjaro in the UK, particularly for patients paying privately. The most significant factor is the prescribed dose. Mounjaro is available in six strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg), and treatment typically begins at the lowest dose (2.5 mg), escalating in 2.5 mg increments to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. While the wholesale price per pen is similar across doses, the maintenance dose is determined by clinical response rather than treatment duration.

Pharmacy dispensing fees also contribute to the final price. Community pharmacies like Day Lewis add a dispensing fee to cover the cost of handling, storing, and supplying the medication. This fee varies between pharmacies, with some offering more competitive pricing than others. Private pricing structures differ between providers, so it may be worth comparing options.

Supply and demand can impact Mounjaro pricing. Since its launch, tirzepatide has experienced periods of high demand, particularly for weight management, leading to supply constraints. NHS England has issued alerts regarding GLP-1 receptor agonist shortages, which may affect both NHS and private availability. Patients should check stock availability before proceeding with payment for private prescriptions.

Consultation and monitoring costs are additional considerations. Private prescribers typically require an initial consultation to assess suitability, followed by regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust dosing. These consultations can cost between £50 and £150 each, adding to the overall expense of treatment. Some online services offer more affordable consultations, but patients should verify that these providers meet regulatory standards.

Finally, insurance coverage may affect out-of-pocket costs. Most UK private medical insurance policies do not cover outpatient prescription medications or weight-loss treatments. Some policies may fund Mounjaro if prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but this varies by insurer and policy terms. Patients with private insurance should check their specific policy details and seek pre-authorisation if applicable.

How to Access Mounjaro Through Day Lewis

Accessing Mounjaro through Day Lewis Pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional. For NHS prescriptions, patients should first consult their GP or diabetes specialist. If Mounjaro is deemed clinically appropriate—typically for type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with other medications—the prescriber will issue an NHS prescription that can be dispensed at any Day Lewis branch. Patients should check their eligibility for prescription charge exemptions and bring relevant documentation (such as a medical exemption certificate or proof of age) to the pharmacy.

For private prescriptions, patients have several options. They may consult a private GP, endocrinologist, or specialist weight management clinic. Increasingly, patients are turning to regulated online prescribing services that offer remote consultations with GMC-registered doctors. These services typically involve completing a detailed medical questionnaire, followed by a video or telephone consultation. If the prescriber deems Mounjaro appropriate, they will issue a private prescription that can be sent electronically to Day Lewis or collected by the patient.

Once a prescription is received, patients can contact their local Day Lewis pharmacy to check stock availability and confirm pricing. Due to high demand, not all branches may have Mounjaro in stock immediately, and patients may need to allow 24–48 hours for the pharmacy to order the medication. Some Day Lewis branches offer a prescription collection service, where patients can request their medication online and collect it at a convenient time.

Important safety considerations apply when accessing Mounjaro. Patients should ensure their prescriber has conducted a thorough medical assessment. Mounjaro is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis and is not a substitute for insulin. There is an increased risk of hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas, which may require dose adjustments of these medications. Mounjaro is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients should seek urgent medical attention (via 999 or NHS 111) if they experience severe, persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting, which could indicate pancreatitis. Any suspected side effects should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Day Lewis pharmacists can provide additional support and advice on administering Mounjaro injections, managing side effects, and safe disposal of used pens. Patients should not hesitate to ask their pharmacist for guidance, particularly when starting treatment or escalating doses.

Comparing Mounjaro Costs Across UK Pharmacies

When paying privately for Mounjaro, comparing costs across UK pharmacies can help patients find the most affordable option. While NHS prescription charges are standardised, private pricing varies considerably between providers. Day Lewis Pharmacy typically charges between £150 and £250 per month for private Mounjaro prescriptions, which is broadly in line with other high-street pharmacy chains such as Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, and independent community pharmacies.

Online pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) may offer competitive pricing, sometimes undercutting traditional high-street pharmacies by £20 to £50 per month. However, patients should exercise caution and verify that online providers are legitimate and regulated. The GPhC maintains a public register of registered pharmacies, and patients should look for the GPhC internet pharmacy logo and registration number on any website before making a purchase. The MHRA provides guidance on safely buying medicines online. Unregulated online sources may sell counterfeit or substandard medications, posing serious health risks.

Some private weight management clinics offer package deals that include both prescribing consultations and medication supply. These packages may appear more expensive upfront (often £200 to £300 per month), but they include ongoing medical supervision, which is essential for safe and effective treatment. Patients should compare the total cost of treatment—including consultations, medication, and monitoring—rather than focusing solely on the medication price.

Supermarket pharmacies (such as those in Tesco or Asda) may also dispense private Mounjaro prescriptions, and their pricing is often competitive with high-street chains. Patients can contact these pharmacies directly to request a quote.

It is worth noting that price should not be the only consideration when choosing a pharmacy. Factors such as convenience, stock availability, pharmacist expertise, and the quality of patient support services are equally important. Day Lewis Pharmacy, with its extensive network of branches across the UK, offers the advantage of accessibility and professional advice from experienced pharmacists.

Patients should also be aware that switching pharmacies mid-treatment is straightforward. If a patient finds a more affordable option, they can present their prescription to the new pharmacy. However, for electronic private prescriptions, a new prescription may need to be issued by the prescriber. For ongoing private prescriptions, it may be more convenient to establish a relationship with a single pharmacy to ensure continuity of supply and consistent advice.

Finally, patients should remain vigilant about counterfeit medications. Mounjaro's popularity has led to an increase in fraudulent online sellers offering the medication at suspiciously low prices. Genuine Mounjaro should only be obtained from GPhC-registered pharmacies with a valid prescription from a GMC-registered prescriber. If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is, and patients risk receiving fake or dangerous products.

Frequently Asked Questions