Understanding the cost of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) through Zava online clinic is essential for patients considering private weight management treatment in the UK. Whilst tirzepatide is licensed for type 2 diabetes, it is also prescribed off-label for weight management through private healthcare pathways. This article examines the pricing structure, service inclusions, and clinical considerations when accessing tirzepatide via Zava, alongside comparisons with NHS provision. We explore eligibility criteria, ongoing costs, and what patients should expect from private online prescribing services to help inform treatment decisions.

What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications known as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. While Mounjaro is licensed for diabetes, tirzepatide is also available under the brand name Zepbound specifically for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight alongside related health conditions.

The mechanism of action involves mimicking two naturally occurring gut hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide works to:

• Reduce appetite by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger and satiety

• Slow gastric emptying, helping you feel fuller for longer after meals

• Improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism

• Decrease food intake through enhanced feelings of fullness

Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. The treatment typically begins at a lower dose (2.5 mg weekly) and is gradually increased over several months to minimise gastrointestinal side effects and optimise tolerability. The maintenance dose varies between individuals, with maximum doses reaching 15 mg weekly depending on response and tolerability.

Important safety information:

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Not suitable for people under 18 years

• Use with caution if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease

• May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives; additional contraception is recommended for 4 weeks after starting treatment and after each dose increase

• Should not be used alongside other GLP-1 receptor agonists

• May increase risk of hypoglycaemia if used with insulin or sulfonylureas

If you miss a dose, you can take it within 4 days of the scheduled time; otherwise, skip and take the next dose as planned. Store the medication in a refrigerator (2-8°C) until use.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe persistent abdominal pain (which may radiate to your back), persistent vomiting, or symptoms of gallstones.

It is important to understand that tirzepatide should form part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1) have shown that patients using tirzepatide alongside lifestyle interventions achieved substantially greater weight loss compared to lifestyle changes alone.

NHS vs Private Prescriptions: Understanding Your Options

Access to tirzepatide in the UK differs significantly between NHS and private healthcare pathways, with important implications for cost, eligibility, and waiting times. Understanding these distinctions helps patients make informed decisions about their weight management journey.

NHS Provision

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance on tirzepatide for weight management, but NHS availability remains limited. Currently, tirzepatide for weight management may be prescribed through specialist weight management services for patients meeting strict eligibility criteria, which typically include:

• A body mass index (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)

• At least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea

• Previous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through lifestyle interventions

NHS treatment is typically provided as part of a multidisciplinary specialist weight management programme with regular monitoring and may be subject to specific duration limits or stopping rules based on response.

NHS waiting lists for specialist weight management services can extend to several months or longer, depending on local commissioning decisions and service capacity. When prescribed through the NHS, patients pay the standard prescription charge (£9.90 per item in England as of April 2024, with prescriptions free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

It's important to note that there are currently supply constraints affecting GLP-1 receptor agonists in the UK, which may impact availability and waiting times.

Private Prescriptions

Private healthcare offers an alternative route for patients who do not meet NHS criteria, prefer faster access, or wish to avoid lengthy waiting times. Private prescriptions for tirzepatide are available through:

• Online clinics such as Zava, which provide remote consultations and home delivery

• Private GP services offering face-to-face or video consultations

• Specialist weight management clinics with multidisciplinary support

Private prescriptions require patients to pay the full cost of the medication and associated consultation fees. However, this pathway typically offers greater flexibility, faster initiation of treatment, and ongoing clinical support tailored to individual needs. Patients should ensure any private provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and employs appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.

What's Included in the Zava Mounjaro Service?

Zava is a UK-registered online clinic providing regulated healthcare services, including weight management support. Their service is designed to offer convenient, clinically safe access to prescription weight-loss medication with appropriate medical oversight. Understanding what the service includes helps patients assess whether this pathway suits their needs.

Initial Medical Assessment

The Zava tirzepatide service begins with a comprehensive online consultation. Patients complete a detailed medical questionnaire covering:

• Current weight, height, and BMI calculation

• Medical history, including cardiovascular, endocrine, and gastrointestinal conditions

• Current medications and potential drug interactions

• Previous weight loss attempts and lifestyle factors

• Mental health considerations and eating disorder screening

This information is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber (doctor or prescribing pharmacist) who assesses suitability for treatment. The clinical team may request additional information or decline to prescribe if tirzepatide is not appropriate or safe for the individual.

Prescription and Medication Delivery

If approved, the prescription is issued electronically and dispensed by Zava's registered pharmacy. Medication is delivered directly to the patient's home in discreet packaging, subject to clinical approval and stock availability. The medication arrives with:

• Pre-filled injection pens with clear instructions

• Patient information leaflet detailing usage, storage, and side effects

• Sharps disposal guidance for safe needle management

Patients should be aware that delivery timelines may be affected by current UK supply constraints for GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Ongoing Clinical Support

Zava's service includes regular follow-up consultations to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed. Patients typically complete monthly check-ins during dose escalation and ongoing treatment. The clinical team provides:

• Guidance on managing common adverse effects such as nausea or constipation

• Advice on diet and lifestyle modifications to optimise results

• Monitoring for contraindications or reasons to discontinue treatment

• Referral recommendations if complications arise

Patients should seek urgent medical attention if they experience severe persistent abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, symptoms of gallstones, or signs of an allergic reaction. Any suspected side effects should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

For sharps disposal, patients can obtain and return sharps bins through local council waste services or community pharmacies.

It is important to note that while Zava provides medical oversight, patients should maintain contact with their regular GP, particularly if they have complex medical conditions or take multiple medications. The service does not replace comprehensive weight management programmes that may include dietetic support, psychological therapy, or exercise prescription.

Mounjaro Cost Through Zava Online Clinic

The cost of tirzepatide through private online clinics reflects both the medication price and the clinical services provided. Understanding the fee structure helps patients budget for treatment and compare options across different providers.

Pricing Structure

As of mid-2024, private tirzepatide prescriptions through online clinics typically cost between £150-£250 per month, though prices vary depending on:

• Dosage strength: Lower starting doses (2.5 mg) may cost less than higher maintenance doses (10-15 mg)

• Consultation fees: Some providers include ongoing clinical support in the medication price, while others charge separately

• Supply duration: Purchasing multiple pens or longer treatment courses may offer per-unit savings

• Brand: Prices may differ between Mounjaro (licensed for diabetes) and Zepbound (licensed for weight management)

Patients should request a clear breakdown of costs before committing to treatment. Online clinic pricing typically includes the initial consultation, prescription, medication supply, and follow-up support within a monthly fee structure. It's advisable to check the provider's current pricing page as costs may change over time.

Additional Considerations

When budgeting for tirzepatide treatment, patients should factor in:

• Treatment duration: Weight management with tirzepatide is typically recommended for at least 6-12 months, with some patients continuing longer-term

• Dose escalation: Costs may increase as dosage is titrated upward over the first 4-5 months

• Sharps disposal: While disposal containers are inexpensive, patients need a safe method for needle disposal

• Lifestyle programme costs: Optimal results require dietary changes, which may involve food costs or nutritional support

• Total costs: Ensure you understand all fees including consultations, follow-ups, delivery charges, and any cancellation terms

Value and Affordability

While the cost of private tirzepatide treatment represents a significant investment, patients should weigh this against potential health benefits, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other obesity-related conditions.

Patients experiencing financial difficulty should discuss options with their GP, as NHS provision may be available for those meeting strict eligibility criteria through specialist weight management services. Alternatively, other weight management approaches—including lifestyle interventions, psychological support, or alternative medications—may offer more affordable pathways to sustainable weight loss. It is essential to approach weight management as a long-term health investment rather than a short-term cosmetic intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions