UK households using private prescriptions for the weight-loss and type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will face significantly higher costs. Manufacturer Eli Lilly has raised the list prices by up to 170%.
The hike pushes the cost of the highest dosages from £122 per month to £330. While NHS patients will not pay the new private list price thanks to existing agreements, those paying privately will be directly impacted.
This article explains everything: the new pricing, who is affected, NHS vs private costs, and what options patients have.
What’s Changing: Key Facts & Figures
| Dose / Strength | Current List Price (Private Prescription) | New List Price from 1 September 2025 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | ~ £92 | ~ £133 | ~ 45% |
| 5.0 mg | ~ £92 | ~ £180 | ~ 96% |
| 7.5 — 10 mg | ~ £107 | ~ £255 | ~ ~140-150% |
| 12.5 — 15 mg (highest doses) | £122 | £330 | ~170% |
Who Is Affected — Private vs NHS
- Private patients: Those who obtain Mounjaro by private prescription or through private clinics/pharmacies will see the new prices immediately from September 1.
- NHS patients: Protected by a separate deal; they will not pay the new higher list price under this arrangement.
- Pharmacies: Must adjust to the increased reimbursement rates from the NHS for dispensing Mounjaro so they are not dispensing at a loss.
Why Has the Price Increased?
Several reasons have been given:
- International Price Alignment: When Mounjaro launched in the UK, its private price was significantly below prices in other European countries. Eli Lilly says the new prices align more closely with those international markets.
- Innovation & R&D Costs: Part of the justification is ensuring that countries contribute fairly toward research and development of novel treatments.
- Policy Pressure from Abroad: Recent U.S. policies call on drugmakers to raise overseas prices so Americans can benefit from reforms domestically. This has reportedly influenced Eli Lilly’s decision.
Reimbursement & Pharmacy Protection
- From September 2025, pharmacies dispensing Mounjaro under NHS prescriptions will be reimbursed at higher list prices (new rates of £133 for 2.5mg, £330 for 12.5 & 15mg). This ensures pharmacies don’t lose money when providing the drug under NHS terms.
- These updated reimbursement figures will apply from September, but some changes to the Drug Tariff will be published in October.
What This Means for Patients
- Private patients will see significant increases in cost depending on the dose. Many might find their monthly treatment costs nearly triple for the highest strengths.
- Those on lower / mid doses will face less dramatic, but still steep, increases. For example, some mid-range doses jump from ~£92 to ~£180.
- Patients using NHS routes are not affected by the new private list price—access and cost remain under NHS agreements.
- Some private providers / pharmacies may negotiate rebates or commercial arrangements with Lilly to reduce the burden on patients privately.
Possible Concerns & Reactions
- Stockpiling: Reports suggest patients may try to buy extra pens before the price rise. There are concerns this could strain supply.
- Access inequalities: Since price changes affect private patients, there is concern those who cannot access NHS provision will be disproportionately impacted.
- Alternatives: Some patients are exploring other treatments like Wegovy or staying on lower doses to reduce cost.
Starting 1 September 2025, UK private prescription users will face steep increases in the monthly cost of Mounjaro, with the highest strength jumping from £122 to £330.
While NHS patients are protected under separate agreements, the price change marks a major shift in affordability for those using private routes.
Patients will need to review their dose, check if they can qualify for NHS prescribing, or consider alternatives. For pharmacies and providers, the updated reimbursement rates help safeguard viability—but the wider issue of access remains a concern.
FAQs
No. There is a separate agreement between the NHS and Eli Lilly so NHS patients will not pay the new private list prices. Their cost and access should stay consistent under the NHS contract.