Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through Superdrug Online Doctor as part of a private weight management service, with monthly costs typically ranging from £179 to £299 depending on dosage strength. This once-weekly injectable medication requires gradual dose escalation over several months, affecting overall treatment expenditure. Whilst NHS access exists for eligible patients through specialist services, private prescriptions offer more immediate availability for those who meet licensing criteria but face NHS waiting lists or do not qualify under stricter NHS thresholds. Understanding the cost structure, eligibility requirements, and differences between NHS and private provision helps patients make informed decisions about this licensed weight management treatment.

Mounjaro Pricing at Superdrug Online Doctor

Superdrug Online Doctor offers Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of its private weight management service, with pricing structured around the medication's dosage strength and treatment duration. As of May 2024, the service typically charges between £179 and £299 per month, depending on the prescribed dose. The initial starter dose (2.5 mg) generally sits at the lower end of this range, whilst maintenance doses (10 mg or 15 mg) command higher monthly fees.

Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly injection, with doses typically increased at 4-week intervals according to the standard titration pathway outlined in the UK product licence. This gradual dose escalation affects the monthly cost as treatment progresses.

The Superdrug service operates on a subscription model, requiring patients to complete an online consultation before receiving their first prescription. This initial assessment fee is usually incorporated into the first month's payment. Subsequent monthly charges cover both the medication supply and ongoing clinical monitoring through the platform. Patients receive their Mounjaro pens via secure courier delivery, typically within 2–3 working days of prescription approval, though UK-wide supply constraints may affect availability and delivery timelines.

It is important to note that these costs are subject to change and may vary based on promotional offers or service updates. The pricing includes the consultation fee, prescription, and medication supply, but patients should budget for the full treatment course, as tirzepatide requires gradual dose escalation over several months to reach therapeutic levels. Superdrug's transparent pricing structure allows patients to calculate their expected expenditure before committing to treatment, though the total cost over a 6–12 month period can be substantial.

NHS vs Private Prescriptions: Understanding Your Options

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has different NHS availability depending on the indication. For type 2 diabetes, it became available following NICE guidance in 2023. However, for weight management, NHS availability is more recent and highly restricted, with implementation of NICE guidance subject to the 90-day adoption rule.

NICE recommends tirzepatide for weight management only within specialist weight management services, not in primary care. Treatment is typically time-limited with specific stopping rules, and even eligible patients face waiting lists that can vary significantly by region. The NHS provides Mounjaro without charge in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, or for the standard prescription fee in England (unless exempt) when dispensed via community pharmacy. Hospital-dispensed medicines may not incur a prescription charge.

Private prescriptions through services like Superdrug Online Doctor offer more immediate access without NHS waiting lists, making them attractive to patients who do not meet NHS criteria or cannot wait for specialist referral. However, the financial commitment is considerable—typically £2,000–£3,500 annually depending on the maintenance dose required. Private patients assume full responsibility for medication costs, and clinical decisions about treatment duration should be based on individual response and shared decision-making.

The key differences extend beyond cost. NHS patients receive comprehensive multidisciplinary support including dietetic input, psychological support, and structured follow-up within specialist clinics. Private online services provide remote monitoring and prescribing but may lack the intensive behavioural support that optimises outcomes. Patients should carefully consider whether the convenience and immediacy of private treatment justifies the expense, particularly given that NICE recommends tirzepatide as part of a holistic weight management programme rather than as standalone pharmacotherapy. Those with obesity-related complications may wish to discuss NHS referral options with their GP.

Eligibility Criteria for Mounjaro Treatment

Mounjaro is licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, or obstructive sleep apnoea. All prescribers must adhere to these licensing criteria and UK professional standards.

For NHS prescription, NICE recommends tirzepatide only for patients with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or above (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, who face higher metabolic risks at lower BMI thresholds). Additionally, NHS access typically requires that patients have already attempted other interventions including lifestyle modification and, in many cases, other weight management medications. The treatment must be initiated and supervised within specialist weight management services, not in primary care, and is subject to specific stopping rules.

Private providers like Superdrug Online Doctor generally follow the licensed indications, making treatment accessible to patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities) who may not meet the higher NHS thresholds. However, all prescribers must conduct thorough assessments to exclude contraindications.

According to the UK SmPC, the primary contraindication for Mounjaro is hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients. Tirzepatide should be discontinued if pregnancy occurs and is not recommended during breastfeeding. It is also not recommended in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, including severe gastroparesis.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. Patients should be advised to seek urgent medical attention for persistent severe abdominal pain (which may indicate pancreatitis), signs of gallstones, persistent vomiting leading to dehydration, or visual changes in people with diabetes.

Patients must also demonstrate commitment to lifestyle changes, as tirzepatide works most effectively alongside dietary modification and increased physical activity.

Comparing Mounjaro Costs Across UK Pharmacies

The private market for Mounjaro in the UK shows notable price variation across different providers, though most fall within a similar range. As of May 2024, Superdrug Online Doctor's pricing (£179–£299 monthly) sits competitively within the market. Boots Online Doctor offers comparable services with monthly costs typically ranging from £189 to £299, depending on dose strength. Other established providers such as Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor and independent telehealth platforms generally charge between £175 and £320 per month. These prices are indicative and may change; patients should check current fees before proceeding.

Several factors influence these price differences. Some providers bundle additional services such as nutritional counselling, body composition monitoring, or more frequent clinical reviews, which may justify higher fees. Others operate on leaner business models with minimal overheads, passing savings to patients. The consultation structure also varies—some charge separate initial assessment fees (£20–£50) whilst others incorporate this into the first month's payment.

When comparing costs, consider:

• Total treatment duration: Most patients require 6–12 months to reach target weight loss

• Dose escalation schedule: Costs increase as doses rise from 2.5 mg to maintenance levels

• Delivery charges: Some providers include free delivery; others add £5–£10 per shipment

• Cancellation policies: Subscription flexibility varies between providers

• UK supply constraints: Ongoing GLP-1 supply issues may affect availability and delivery timelines

When purchasing medications online, patients should verify that the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and that the prescribing service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The MHRA regularly warns against purchasing medicines from unregulated online sources or overseas pharmacies, which poses significant risks including counterfeit medication, lack of clinical oversight, and no recourse if problems arise.

Patients should prioritise safety and regulatory compliance over marginal cost savings, and discuss affordability concerns with prescribers who may suggest alternative evidence-based treatments if tirzepatide proves financially unsustainable. Any suspected side effects should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions