Long-term medical weight loss
Switching Between GLP-1 Medications
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 between Mounjaro and Wegovy, 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.
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
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
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
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
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)
