Cost of weight loss jab Mounjaro shoots up by 170%

Local users of Mounjaro are still waiting to find out how much they will have to pay for the weight-loss jab, following last month's price hike.

US manufacturer Eli Lilly announced it was raising the cost by as much as 170%, meaning many may no longer be able to afford the treatment.

In answer to GBC questions, the Government says it only prescribes Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss.

For those who have struggled with their weight, and the associated health risks, for years, weight-loss injections like Mounjaro have been a godsend.

But news that the manufacturers eli Lilly have pushed up their prices, with the highest dose rising from £122 a month to £247.50 - means that for many, the treatment is now simply unaffordable.

With the seller's mark up, prices being advertised by UK pharmacies for the highest does of 15mg is around £335.

GBC has contacted several pharmacies on the Rock, but the prices vary, and some say they still do not know what their final prices will be.

One pharmacy told us they can't get hold of the higher doses, 12.5 and 15mg because demand is so high. Those prices would come in at  £450.

Many will now be wondering what to do.

In answer to questions, the Government says the GHA currently prescribes Mounjaro exclusively for diabetes, not for weight loss.

The primary medication used within the GHA’s Bariatric Weight Loss Programme remains Wegovy, and those prices, along with Ozempic, are unchanged.

The Health Authority says it hasn't yet received official confirmation of the new pricing, but once the updated cost is known, it will review its policies as necessary.

The GHA says it has already observed a significant increase in demand for weight loss medications. As a result, it says its services are under constant review and monitoring to ensure they remain effective, safe, and equitable for all patients.

Mounjaro is generally considered the most effective of the three weight loss injections, and unsurprisingly sales of Weyovy are reported to have soared since news of its price increase.

The good news is that clinicians are saying it's ok to switch over, however, the advice continues to be consult a doctor before embarking on any of the treatments.