For thousands of patients across the United Kingdom, the weight-loss drug Mounjaro has been nothing short of transformative. But as a dramatic price hike looms, many are now caught in a scramble to secure their next dose, facing uncertainty, frustration, and even fear for their health. The price of Mounjaro, produced by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, is set to soar by up to 170% from September 1, 2025—a move that has sent ripples through pharmacies, patients, and the wider healthcare system.
According to BBC News, demand for Mounjaro has surged in recent weeks as patients and pharmacies alike tried to stock up ahead of the new pricing. Eli Lilly responded by instructing UK distributors to stop taking orders from pharmacies at the end of August 27, 2025, in an effort to prevent inappropriate stockpiling and manage supply. The company has stated that it has allocations in place for pharmacies and providers, enforced by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to ensure patients maintain access and to avoid localized shortages.
But for patients like Lynne Massey-Davis, 65, from East Yorkshire, the price spike and supply crunch have turned what was once a routine prescription into a stressful ordeal. “I’m in a holding queue,” she told BBC News. “It’s a very uncertain time. I’ve spent a lot of time on the phone.” After her last prescription order wasn’t delivered, she paid £349 to another provider—only to be told they too had run out, an experience she described as “unethical.” Lynne, who started taking Mounjaro fifteen months ago with a BMI of 32 and has since dropped to 26, says the drug has made her “feel 10 years younger,” enabling her to participate in park runs, go swimming, and walk her dogs. Now, she’s planning to share a friend’s doses until her own order arrives, worried but determined to stay safe.
She’s not alone. Marie Cook, 49, from east London, has been prescribed Mounjaro on the NHS to manage her type 2 diabetes. “I’ve been taking it for a year, come off insulin and lost 3.5 stones but have just got one week’s injections left,” she shared with BBC News. After her local chemist returned her prescription, she tried six others—none had the drug in stock. “It’s frustrating. We have true medical problems, we should come first,” Marie said, hoping her diabetic nurse might have a solution.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents around 60% of community pharmacies in the UK, confirmed to BBC News that there’s been a marked increase in demand for Mounjaro leading up to the price change. Pharmacies are now prioritizing patients already on the drug over new patients, with many expecting supplies to stabilize in early September once Eli Lilly releases new stock. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the NPA, cautioned against panic buying, stating, “This increase in the cost of Mounjaro has caused understandable concern to patients and pharmacies alike and has resulted in short term pressures on supply.” He urged patients to avoid bulk ordering and to steer clear of unlicensed sellers, warning, “it can have a significant impact on supply and pose a potential risk to patient safety.”
Pharmacies are also taking steps to cushion the blow of the price hike. As reported by Sky and NationalWorld, UK pharmacies are expected to offer discounts on Mounjaro’s new list price, which would otherwise see the highest dose jump from £122 to £330 per month. Thanks to rebate plans, the 15mg dose will instead rise to £247.50—a saving of more than £80 compared to the announced price. Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, explained, “This rebate will mitigate some of the impact of the increase in Mounjaro prices faced by pharmacies but patients should still anticipate seeing a rise in prices from September 1.” He added that pharmacies are “working hard to support their patients and explore if there are options to minimise disruption to their treatment programme.”
Private providers are also responding in different ways to the price change. Eli Lilly told Sky that it is working with providers “on commercial arrangements to maintain affordability and expect these to be passed on to patients when the change is effective on September 1.” The company also expressed its intention to collaborate with the government to expand NHS access for eligible patients, building on commitments in the Government’s 10 Year Plan.
Yet, the spike in price and supply shortages have sparked wider concerns. As The Observer highlighted, the black market for weight loss jabs is a growing worry, especially as the cost of Mounjaro rises. The MHRA has warned of “serious health consequences” from illegal alternatives, as desperate patients may turn to unlicensed sellers when legitimate supplies run low. The Daily Star Sunday noted that as prices soar, more people could turn to the NHS to try to secure Mounjaro at the basic prescription charge of £9.90, potentially increasing pressure on public health resources.
Sehar Shahid, who runs 24hrpharmacy.co.uk in Paisley, echoed calls for calm, advising patients not to panic or start bulk buying. “That makes it worse for everyone,” she told BBC News, adding that switching to alternative weight-loss drugs like Wegovy should only be done under medical supervision and after a proper wash-out period. “These drugs are not for people who want to lose a few pounds before their holiday,” she cautioned, urging patients to maintain healthy habits and seek advice from qualified professionals, not social media influencers.
James O’Loan, CEO of Chemist4U, told BBC News that supplies of Mounjaro are “a bit restricted” and that the pharmacy is holding back stocks for existing patients preparing to increase their dose. “We envisage supplies to return back to normal once Eli Lilly release new stock after 1 September,” he said, offering hope that the current disruption will be temporary.
For many, the coming weeks will be a test of patience and resilience. With pharmacies working overtime to manage the transition and manufacturers promising new stock allocations, the hope is that the worst of the supply crunch will soon be over. But as prices rise and demand shows no sign of abating, the story of Mounjaro in the UK is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between innovation, affordability, and access in modern healthcare.
As September arrives, patients, pharmacists, and policymakers alike will be watching closely—hoping that relief, and not further disruption, is just around the corner.
