Understanding the cost of Mounjaro through Medicspot is essential for patients considering this treatment option in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medicine licensed for type 2 diabetes, administered as a once-weekly injection. As a private healthcare provider, Medicspot offers remote consultations and prescriptions for Mounjaro, with costs significantly higher than NHS routes. This article examines Medicspot's pricing structure, including consultation fees, medication costs, and ongoing monitoring expenses. We also explore how Medicspot's service compares to NHS provision and what patients should budget for a full treatment course.

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. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and has gained considerable attention for its dual mechanism of action and significant clinical efficacy.

Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means it mimics the action of two naturally occurring incretin hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite. By activating GIP receptors, Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion. Simultaneously, GLP-1 receptor activation slows gastric emptying (transiently), reduces appetite, and promotes satiety. Together, these mechanisms lead to improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes and substantial weight loss.

In clinical trials such as the SURPASS programme, Mounjaro demonstrated significant weight reduction, with results varying by dose and patient population. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, particularly during dose escalation. These gastrointestinal symptoms are usually mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time.

Important safety considerations include:

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Reduced oral contraceptive absorption (additional contraception needed for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase)

• Risk of hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas

• Potential risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder disease

• Caution in patients with diabetic retinopathy

• Risk of dehydration and acute kidney injury

In the UK, Mounjaro is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and is available through both NHS and private prescribing routes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance on its use for type 2 diabetes. Patients considering Mounjaro should undergo a thorough medical assessment to ensure suitability and to discuss potential risks and benefits.

Currently, GLP-1 receptor agonists including tirzepatide are experiencing supply constraints in the UK, which may affect availability.

NHS vs Private Prescriptions: Cost Comparison

Access to Mounjaro in the UK varies significantly depending on whether you obtain it through the NHS or via a private prescription, with cost implications being a primary consideration for many patients.

NHS Prescriptions: Currently, Mounjaro is available on the NHS primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients who meet specific clinical criteria outlined in NICE guidance (TA870). For those eligible, the standard NHS prescription charge in England applies—currently £9.90 per item (as of 2024), or free for patients in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or those with valid exemption certificates. Access is typically through specialist diabetes services or GP prescribing following specialist recommendation.

NHS availability is subject to current supply constraints affecting GLP-1 receptor agonists, with NHS England providing guidance on prioritisation of existing patients.

Private Prescriptions: For patients seeking Mounjaro who do not meet NHS eligibility criteria, private prescriptions offer an alternative route. Private costs are substantially higher and vary between providers. Typically, patients can expect to pay:

• Initial consultation fees: £50–£150

• Monthly medication costs: £150–£250 per pen (depending on dose)

• Follow-up appointments: £30–£100 per consultation

Over a 12-month treatment course, total private costs can range from £2,000 to £3,500 or more, depending on the dosage required and the frequency of medical reviews. It is important to note that private prescriptions do not attract the standard NHS prescription charge; patients pay the full commercial price set by the pharmacy or prescribing service.

When comparing NHS and private routes, patients should consider not only cost but also eligibility criteria and the level of ongoing clinical support provided. Private services often offer more flexible appointment scheduling, which may be valuable for individuals seeking timely intervention. However, all prescribing is subject to current supply constraints and clinical appropriateness.

How to Access Mounjaro Through Medicspot

Medicspot is a UK-based digital healthcare provider offering remote consultations and private prescriptions for a range of conditions. Accessing Mounjaro through Medicspot involves a structured, clinically governed process designed to ensure patient safety and treatment appropriateness.

Step 1: Online Assessment Patients begin by completing a comprehensive online medical questionnaire on the Medicspot platform. This assessment gathers information about medical history, current medications, allergies, weight management goals, and any contraindications to GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. The questionnaire identifies patients who may not be suitable candidates—for example, those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (where tirzepatide is not recommended).

Step 2: Clinical Review Once submitted, the assessment is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber (typically a GP or specialist prescribing clinician). If further information is required, the clinician may request a video or telephone consultation to discuss treatment goals, potential side effects, and realistic expectations. This consultation also provides an opportunity to review baseline measurements such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and relevant blood tests (e.g., HbA1c, renal function).

Step 3: Prescription and Delivery If deemed clinically appropriate, the prescriber issues a private prescription for Mounjaro. The medication is typically dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy and delivered directly to the patient's home via secure courier, usually within 2–5 working days. Patients receive clear instructions on:

• Injection technique and site rotation

• Dose escalation schedules

• Storage requirements

• Missed dose management

• Sharps disposal according to local council arrangements

• Need for additional contraception if using oral contraceptives

Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring Medicspot emphasises the importance of regular follow-up. Patients are encouraged to schedule reviews to monitor progress, assess tolerability, and adjust dosing as needed. Any concerning symptoms—such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of pancreatitis—should prompt immediate contact with the prescribing clinician, NHS 111, or attendance at A&E (or call 999 in emergencies).

Patients are advised to inform their NHS GP about their treatment to ensure coordinated care, particularly if they take other medications like insulin or sulfonylureas that may need dose adjustment to prevent hypoglycaemia.

It is essential to note that Medicspot operates as a private healthcare service, and all associated costs are borne by the patient.

Mounjaro Pricing at Medicspot: What to Expect

Understanding the cost structure for Mounjaro at Medicspot is crucial for patients considering this treatment pathway. As a private service, Medicspot's pricing reflects consultation fees, medication costs, and ongoing clinical support.

Initial Consultation Fees: The first consultation typically costs between £75 and £120, depending on the complexity of the assessment and whether a video consultation is required. This fee covers the clinical review, prescription issuance (if appropriate), and initial treatment planning.

Medication Costs: Mounjaro is available in several dose strengths, starting at 2.5 mg and escalating to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg as tolerated. The cost per pen varies by dose:

• 2.5 mg and 5 mg: Approximately £150–£180 per four-week supply

• 7.5 mg to 15 mg: Approximately £200–£250 per four-week supply

Patients typically start on the lowest dose and gradually increase every four weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects, following the dosing schedule in the Mounjaro Summary of Product Characteristics. Over a 12-month treatment period, total medication costs can range from £2,400 to £3,000, depending on the final maintenance dose.

It's important to note that current supply constraints affecting GLP-1 receptor agonists may impact availability and potentially pricing.

Follow-Up Appointments: Medicspot recommends regular follow-up consultations—usually monthly for the first three months, then quarterly thereafter. Follow-up fees are generally £40–£80 per appointment. These reviews are essential for monitoring efficacy, managing side effects, and ensuring safe continuation of therapy.

Additional Costs: Patients may also incur costs for baseline and monitoring blood tests (e.g., HbA1c, renal function), which can be arranged through private laboratories or, in some cases, via NHS GP services. These typically cost £50–£150 depending on the panel of tests required. Specific tests like amylase or lipase would only be performed if symptoms suggest pancreatitis.

Patients should also budget for sharps disposal containers and follow local council arrangements for safe disposal.

Total Estimated Cost: For a full year of treatment, patients should budget approximately £2,500 to £4,000, inclusive of consultations, medication, and monitoring. It is advisable to confirm all costs upfront with Medicspot and to enquire about any package deals or subscription models that may offer cost savings.

Patients should also be aware that Mounjaro is not currently covered by most private health insurance policies for weight management, though some insurers may provide partial reimbursement for diabetes treatment. Always check your policy terms and seek pre-authorisation if applicable.

If you experience any side effects from Mounjaro, report them via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions