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Switching Between GLP-1 Medications

If you’re currently using a GLP-1 weight loss medication and are thinking about changing to a different treatment, there are options available for you. People choose to switch for a variety of reasons, including dosing schedule convenience, side effects, cost or they are looking for a treatment that suits their needs better.

When switching between GLP-1 medications, careful consideration is important. Although these treatments belong to the same class of medicines, they do not all work in exactly the same way.

Wegovy (semaglutide) works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. It helps reduce your appetite, increases feelings of fullness after eating, slows down how quickly your stomach empties and helps your body release insulin when needed to support healthy blood sugar levels. Together, these effects can help you eat less and aid weight loss.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works slightly differently. It activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, two natural hormones involved in regulating appetite and metabolism. By targeting both, Mounjaro may provide additional effects on appetite, fullness and how your body uses energy, which is why some people achieve greater weight loss compared with GLP-1 medicines alone.

Foundayo (orforglipron) works in a similar way to other GLP-1 medicines by activating the GLP-1 receptor, which is involved in regulating appetite, food intake and blood sugar levels. Foundayo is a non-peptide, small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist taken once daily. By activating the GLP-1 receptor, Foundayo can help reduce appetite and calorie intake, increase feelings of fullness and slow gastric emptying, which can support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Please note, everyone responds to treatment differently and the choice of medication is dependent on your individual health needs, treatment goal and eligibility criteria.

Making the change between different GLP-1 medications can be made simple. Below is a breakdown of how this can be done.

Eligibility Criteria

If you are starting weight loss medication for the first time and are considering a GLP-1 medication, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for treatment.

You may be suitable if:

Your BMI is 30 kg/m² or higher, or
Your BMI is 27-30 kg/m² and you have at least one weight-related health condition (e.g. high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea).

If you have previously been prescribed a GLP-1 medication and are considering switching to another GLP-1 medication, you will need to meet the requirements for treatment.

You may be suitable if:

Your BMI is over 22 kg/m² and you have been on continuous weight loss treatment, or
Your BMI is above 22 kg/m², you previously stopped treatment and would like to restart, and your last GLP-1 medication dose was taken within the past 6 months.

Before treatment is approved, our clinicians will carry out the necessary clinical and safety checks to ensure the medication is suitable and prescribed safely for you.

What dose should you start on when beginning a GLP-1 medication?

When starting a GLP-1 medication, treatment should always begin at the lowest recommended dose to help minimise side effects and allow your body to adjust.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection: The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks.
Wegovy (semaglutide) injection: The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Pill: The recommended starting dose is 1.5mg once daily for the first 30 days before increasing in accordance with the licensed dosing schedule.
Foundayo (Orforglipron) Tablet: The recommended starting dose is 0.8mg daily for the first 30 days before increasing in accordance with the licensed dosing schedule.

Your dose should then be increased gradually according to the recommended titration schedule until you reach your maintenance dose. Increasing the dose slowly allows your body to adjust to the medication and may help reduce the risk of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach upset.

Switching from Wegovy Injection to Wegovy Pill

If you are currently using Wegovy injections and are considering switching to the Wegovy pill, below shows the recommended oral dose based on your current injection strength.

Wegovy 0.25mg Flextouch → Wegovy 4mg Tablet
Wegovy 0.5mg Flextouch → Wegovy 9mg Tablet
Wegovy 1mg Flextouch → Wegovy 9mg Tablet
Wegovy 1.7mg Flextouch → Wegovy 25mg Tablet
Wegovy 2.4mg Flextouch → Wegovy 25mg Tablet
Wegovy 7.2mg Pre-filled pen → Wegovy 25mg Tablet

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Switching from Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) to Wegovy (Semaglutide)

If you are currently using Mounjaro Injection and are considering switching to the Wegovy Injection or Wegovy Pill, below shows the recommended dose you can switch to.

Mounjaro Kwik Pen (2.5mg/5mg/7.5mg/10mg/12.5mg/15mg) → Wegovy 0.25mg Flextouch
Mounjaro Kwik Pen (2.5mg/5mg/7.5mg/10mg/12.5mg/15mg) → Wegovy 1.5mg Pill

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Switching from Wegovy (Semaglutide) to Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

If you are currently using Wegovy Injection or Wegovy Pill and are considering switching to the Mounjaro Injection, below shows the recommended dose you can switch to.

Wegovy Injection (0.25mg/0.5mg/1mg/1.7mg/2.4mg/7.2mg) → Mounjaro 2.5mg Kwik Pen
Wegovy Pill (1.5mg/4mg/9mg/25mg) → Mounjaro 2.5mg Kwik Pen

Switching from Wegovy Injection to Wegovy Pill

If you are currently using Wegovy injections and are considering switching to the Wegovy pill, below shows the recommended oral dose based on your current injection strength.

Wegovy 0.25mg Flextouch → Wegovy 4mg Tablet
Wegovy 0.5mg Flextouch → Wegovy 9mg Tablet
Wegovy 1mg Flextouch → Wegovy 9mg Tablet
Wegovy 1.7mg Flextouch → Wegovy 25mg Tablet
Wegovy 2.4mg Flextouch → Wegovy 25mg Tablet
Wegovy 7.2mg Pre-filled pen → Wegovy 25mg Tablet

Switching from Wegovy Pill to Wegovy Injection

If you are currently using the Wegovy pill and are considering switching to the Wegovy Injection, below shows the recommended injectable dose based on your current oral dose.

Wegovy 4mg Tablet → Wegovy 0.25mg Flextouch
Wegovy 9mg Tablet → Wegovy 0.5mg Flextouch
Wegovy 25mg Tablet → Wegovy 1.7mg Flextouch

Foundayo (Orforglipron)

Switching from GLP-1 injectables to Foundayo Tablet – for continued weightloss

If you are currently using GLP-1 injectables, such as Mounjaro Kwik Pen, Wegovy Flextouch or Pre-filled pens, and you wish to switch to Foundayo Tablets to continue your weight loss journey, below shows the recommended dose based on your current GLP-1 dose.

Mounjaro Kwik Pen (2.5mg/5mg/7.5mg/10mg/12.5mg/15mg) → Foundayo 0.8mg Tablet
Wegovy Injection (0.25mg/0.5mg/1mg/1.7mg/2.4mg/7.2mg) → Foundayo 0.8mg Tablet

Please note, start low and go slow is the aim of weight loss medication. Start at the lower dose as stated above and increase following the appropriate titration schedule.

Switching from GLP-1 injectables to Foundayo Tablet – for maintenance

If you are currently using GLP-1 injectables, such as Mounjaro Kwik Pen, Wegovy Flextouch or Pre-filled pens, and you wish to switch to Foundayo Tablets for maintenance, below shows the recommended starting dose based on your current GLP-1 dose.

Mounjaro Kwik Pen (2.5mg/5mg/7.5mg/10mg/12.5mg/15mg) → Foundayo 9mg Tablet
Wegovy Injection (0.25mg/0.5mg/1mg/1.7mg/2.4mg/7.2mg) → Foundayo 9mg Tablet

Please note, if maintenance is not achieved with the 9mg, you may step up your dose to the 14.5mg, and then to the 17.2mg tablet.

Switching from GLP-1 tablet to Foundayo tablet – for weightloss or maintenance

If you are currently using GLP-1 oral tablets, such as the Wegovy Pill, and are considering switching to Foundayo Tablets, below shows the recommended dose based on your current oral dose.

Wegovy Pill (1.5mg/4mg/9mg/25mg) → Foundayo 0.8mg Tablet

Switching from Foundayo Tablet to Mounjaro (Tirezepatide)

If you are currently using Foundayo Tablets and are considering switching to Mounjaro Injection, below shows the recommended dose you can switch to.

Foundayo Tablet (0.8mg /2.5mg/5.5mg/9mg/14.5mg/17.2mg) → Mounjaro 2.5mg Kwik Pen

Switching from Foundayo Tablet to Wegovy (Semaglutide)

If you are currently using Foundayo Tablets and are considering switching to Wegovy Injection or Wegovy Pill, below shows the recommended dose you can switch to.

Foundayo Tablet (0.8mg /2.5mg/5.5mg/9mg/14.5mg/17.2mg) → Wegovy 0.25mg Flex Touch
Foundayo Tablet (0.8mg /2.5mg/5.5mg/9mg/14.5mg/17.2mg) → Wegovy 1.5mg Pill

Washout Period

When switching between GLP-1 medications, it is important to allow a suitable washout period after your last dose before starting your new treatment. This gap helps prevent the two medications from overlapping in your body and may reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort from occurring.

The recommended washout period may vary depending on your current medication and the treatment you are switching to:

Wegovy Injection → Wegovy Pill
- 1 week washout period
Wegovy Pill → Wegovy Injection
- 1 week washout period
Mounjaro Injection → Wegovy Injection/Wegovy Pill
- 2 week washout period
Wegovy Injection/Wegovy Pill → Mounjaro Injection
- 3 week washout period
Mounjaro/Wegovy Injection → Foundayo Tablet
- 1 week washout period
Foundayo Tablet → Mounjaro/Wegovy Injection
- 1 week washout period
Wegovy pill → Foundayo Tablet
- No washout period required, start the following day
Foundayo pill → Wegovy Tablet
- No washout period required, start the following day

If you would like to discuss your options before making a decision, you can book a free video consultation with one of our trained clinicians. Appointments are available throughout the week, including daytime and evening sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice before starting or switching treatment.

Written by: Uzma Dala MPharm (2238839)
Approved by: Shameela Adam MPharm (2070113)