Understanding the cost of Mounjaro through private providers such as Get A Drip is essential for those considering this treatment for type 2 diabetes or weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, licensed in the UK for specific indications. Private treatment typically costs between £150 and £300 per month, depending on dose strength and service package. This article examines Get A Drip's Mounjaro pricing structure, what's included in their service, and how private access compares with NHS pathways, helping you make an informed decision about your treatment options.

What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity, as an adjunct to diet and physical activity. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and belongs to a novel class of medicines known as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

The mechanism of action of Mounjaro involves mimicking two naturally occurring incretin hormones. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. This dual action results in improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes and significant weight loss in those using it for obesity management.

Mounjaro is available in several dose strengths, starting at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then increasing in 2.5 mg steps (to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and up to 15 mg) based on individual response and tolerability. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Mounjaro for use in the UK, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance on its use within the NHS for specific indications.

Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, which are generally mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time. Important safety considerations include: avoiding use in pregnancy and breastfeeding; potential interaction with oral contraceptives (additional barrier contraception is advised for 4 weeks after initiation and after each dose increase); risk of hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas; and monitoring for diabetic retinopathy in those with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Get A Drip Mounjaro Cost and Pricing Structure

Get A Drip is a private healthcare provider offering a range of wellness and medical services, including weight management programmes that may incorporate medications such as Mounjaro. The cost of Mounjaro through private providers typically includes not only the medication itself but also associated clinical consultations, monitoring, and support services.

As of early 2024, private Mounjaro prescriptions in the UK generally range from £150 to £300 per month, depending on the dose strength and the provider's service package. However, prices may vary and are subject to change, particularly given ongoing supply constraints affecting GLP-1 receptor agonist medications in the UK. Patients should confirm current costs directly with Get A Drip or their dispensing pharmacy.

Private treatment costs typically include:

• Initial consultation fee: A comprehensive medical assessment to determine suitability for Mounjaro, typically ranging from £50 to £150.

• Monthly medication cost: The price of the Mounjaro pen injections, which varies according to the prescribed dose.

• Follow-up consultations: Regular monitoring appointments to assess progress, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed.

It is important to note that while Mounjaro has received NICE approval (TA1058) for weight management in adults with a BMI ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² in certain ethnic groups) and at least one weight-related comorbidity, NHS access is through specialist weight management services and may be limited by service capacity. For type 2 diabetes, NICE guidance (TA924) recommends tirzepatide in specific circumstances within the treatment pathway. NHS prescriptions are subject to standard prescription charges (currently £9.90 per item in England, though this may change; see the NHS Business Services Authority website for current charges).

What's Included in the Get A Drip Mounjaro Service

When accessing Mounjaro through Get A Drip, patients typically receive a comprehensive, medically supervised weight management service rather than simply a prescription. This holistic approach is designed to maximise safety, efficacy, and long-term success.

Key components of the Get A Drip Mounjaro service include:

• Initial medical consultation: A thorough assessment by a qualified UK-registered healthcare professional, including review of medical history, current medications, weight and metabolic health status, and suitability for tirzepatide therapy. This may be conducted in person or via telemedicine.

• Prescription and supply: Once deemed appropriate, a prescription for Mounjaro is issued, and the medication is supplied through CQC/GPhC-compliant dispensing, often with home delivery options.

• Injection training: Instruction on proper injection technique, site rotation, storage requirements, and safe sharps disposal.

• Dose titration guidance: Clear instructions on how to start at a lower dose and gradually increase to the target maintenance dose, minimising gastrointestinal side effects.

• Ongoing clinical monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor weight loss progress, assess tolerability, review blood glucose levels if relevant, and adjust treatment as necessary. Treatment continuation is typically reviewed at 6 months, aligned with NICE guidance on response thresholds.

• Lifestyle and dietary support: Nutritional advice, exercise guidance, and behavioural coaching to complement pharmacotherapy.

• Safety monitoring: Vigilance for potential adverse effects and contraindications. Patients are advised to seek urgent medical attention for signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to the back), gallbladder disease, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, significant hypoglycaemia, or allergic reactions.

Important safety considerations include that Mounjaro is not indicated for those under 18, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with type 1 diabetes. Women using oral contraceptives should use additional barrier contraception for 4 weeks after starting treatment and after each dose increase.

NHS vs Private Mounjaro: Comparing Your Options

Understanding the differences between accessing Mounjaro via the NHS versus private providers like Get A Drip is essential for making an informed decision about your treatment pathway.

NHS Access:

Mounjaro is licensed for use in the UK, but NHS availability follows specific pathways. For type 2 diabetes, NICE guidance (TA924) recommends tirzepatide within the treatment pathway outlined in NG28, with specific continuation criteria based on HbA1c response. For weight management, NICE has issued guidance (TA1058) recommending tirzepatide for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² in certain ethnic groups) and at least one weight-related comorbidity, delivered through specialist weight management services. While NICE technology appraisals have a funding mandate within 3 months in England, practical availability may depend on specialist service capacity and ongoing supply constraints.

Private Access (e.g., Get A Drip):

Private providers offer faster access to Mounjaro without the need for NHS referral pathways. Patients can typically arrange an initial consultation within days and begin treatment promptly if deemed suitable. The cost is entirely out-of-pocket, ranging from £150 to £300 per month, plus consultation fees. Private services often provide more personalised care and flexible appointment scheduling.

Key considerations when comparing options:

• Eligibility: NHS access requires meeting specific clinical criteria; private access still requires medical suitability assessment.

• Cost: NHS prescriptions are subject to standard prescription charges; private treatment incurs significant monthly costs.

• Speed: Private access is typically faster; NHS access depends on local service availability.

• Support: Both pathways should include appropriate monitoring and lifestyle support.

Patients should discuss their individual circumstances with their GP or a private healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate pathway. If you experience any adverse effects or have concerns about Mounjaro, contact your prescribing clinician or GP promptly. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. Suspected side effects can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

Frequently Asked Questions