Understanding the cost of Mounjaro through IQ Doctor is essential for patients considering this weight management treatment in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Whilst NHS access remains limited, private providers like IQ Doctor offer an alternative route with comprehensive clinical support. This article examines IQ Doctor Mounjaro cost structures, what's included in the service, and how private prescriptions compare to NHS options, helping you make an informed decision about this significant financial commitment.

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, more recently, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with weight-related comorbidities. For weight management, it must be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and belongs to a novel class of medications 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. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Mounjaro can lead to substantial reductions in HbA1c levels and body weight compared to placebo and other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, particularly during dose escalation. These effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time. Patients should be counselled on the importance of gradual dose titration to minimise side effects. Treatment typically starts at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases by 2.5 mg increments at minimum 4-week intervals to a maximum of 15 mg weekly. If a dose is missed, it should be administered within 4 days of the scheduled dose; otherwise, skip until the next scheduled dose.

Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and hypoglycaemia (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas, which may require dose reduction). Mounjaro should be used with caution in severe gastrointestinal disease. Patients should maintain adequate hydration, particularly if experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea, to reduce the risk of acute kidney injury. Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, requiring additional contraceptive measures for 4 weeks after initiation and after each dose increase.

Patients considering Mounjaro should undergo a thorough medical assessment to ensure suitability, including evaluation of renal function, history of pancreatitis, and concurrent medications.

NHS vs Private Prescriptions: Understanding Your Options

Access to Mounjaro in the UK differs significantly depending on whether you seek treatment through the NHS or via private healthcare providers. Understanding these pathways is essential for making informed decisions about cost, eligibility, and convenience.

NHS Prescriptions: Currently, Mounjaro is available on the NHS primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients who meet specific clinical criteria, as outlined by NICE guidance. For weight management, NHS access remains limited and is generally restricted to specialist weight management services in certain areas. Eligibility criteria are strict and often require patients to have tried other treatments first. If prescribed through the NHS, patients in England pay the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item, or free if exempt), while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This makes it highly cost-effective for those who qualify. However, waiting times for specialist appointments and assessments can be considerable, and not all Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) commission these services uniformly. Availability may also be affected by national supply constraints and local formulary decisions.

Private Prescriptions: Private providers, including online services like IQ Doctor, offer an alternative route for patients who do not meet NHS criteria or wish to use Mounjaro specifically for weight management. Private prescriptions require patients to pay the full cost of the medication and consultation fees. This route typically provides shorter waiting times and often includes support services such as regular monitoring, lifestyle advice, and access to prescribers.

It is important to note that private prescriptions are not reimbursed by the NHS, and patients are responsible for all associated costs. When considering private treatment, ensure the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and that prescribers are appropriately qualified and regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC) or equivalent professional bodies.

What's Included in IQ Doctor's Mounjaro Service?

IQ Doctor is a UK-based online healthcare provider offering private prescriptions for Mounjaro as part of a weight management or diabetes treatment programme. Their service provides clinically supervised access to tirzepatide with ongoing support throughout the treatment journey.

Initial Consultation and Assessment: The process begins with a detailed online medical questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, weight management goals, and any contraindications. This is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber (doctor or independent prescriber) who assesses your suitability for Mounjaro. If appropriate, a prescription is issued and sent to a registered UK pharmacy for dispensing. The consultation fee is typically included in the overall service cost. With your consent, information about your treatment may be shared with your NHS GP to support continuity of care.

Medication Supply and Delivery: Once prescribed, Mounjaro is dispensed by a registered pharmacy and delivered to your home address. The medication comes in pre-filled, single-use injection pens, with instructions for self-administration. Delivery is usually within a few working days, and packaging is designed to maintain the cold chain required for tirzepatide storage. Patients are advised on proper storage requirements (refrigeration between 2-8°C) and injection site rotation.

Ongoing Clinical Support: The service includes regular follow-up consultations to monitor your progress, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed. Monitoring typically includes weight, blood pressure, and for diabetes patients, HbA1c levels. Renal function may also be assessed periodically. Patients have access to clinical support via secure messaging or follow-up appointments. This ongoing oversight is important for safe and effective use of Mounjaro, particularly during dose escalation phases.

Additional Resources: Many private providers, including IQ Doctor, offer supplementary resources such as:

• Lifestyle and dietary guidance to optimise weight loss outcomes

• Injection technique tutorials and troubleshooting advice

• Monitoring tools to track weight, blood glucose (if applicable), and side effects

• Advice on contraception and the need to avoid pregnancy during treatment

• Information on managing missed doses and potential side effects

Patients are advised to report any suspected side effects to their healthcare provider and can also report them directly to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Mounjaro Cost Through IQ Doctor: Pricing and Payment Options

The cost of Mounjaro through private providers like IQ Doctor varies depending on the dosage, treatment duration, and service package selected. It is important to understand the full financial commitment before starting treatment, as costs can be substantial compared to NHS prescriptions.

Typical Pricing Structure: As of 2025, private Mounjaro prescriptions in the UK generally cost between £150 and £300 per month, depending on the dose. Starting doses (2.5 mg weekly) are typically at the lower end of this range, while maintenance doses (10 mg or 15 mg weekly) are more expensive. IQ Doctor's pricing includes:

• Initial consultation fee (often bundled into the first month's cost)

• Medication supply for one month (four pre-filled pens)

• Delivery charges (sometimes included or offered at a nominal fee)

• Ongoing clinical support and follow-up consultations

Patients should note that costs typically increase with dose escalation, and cold-chain handling requirements may affect delivery fees. Some providers offer subscription models or multi-month packages at different rates, which can affect the per-month cost for patients committing to longer treatment courses. It is advisable to clarify exactly what is included in the quoted price and whether there are any additional fees for follow-up appointments or dose adjustments.

Payment Options: IQ Doctor and similar providers typically accept payment via credit or debit card through secure online portals. Some may offer payment plans or financing options to spread the cost over several months, though this varies by provider and may incur interest charges. Patients should check whether their private health insurance covers weight management medications, although many policies exclude this type of treatment.

Value Considerations: The cost is significant, and patients should consider whether they can sustain the expense for the recommended treatment duration, which is often several months to a year or more for optimal outcomes. Patients should budget accordingly for long-term treatment, as stopping prematurely may result in weight regain. Always ensure the provider is CQC-registered and that prescribers are appropriately qualified to ensure you receive safe, high-quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions