If you're currently taking Mounjaro and thinking about switching to oral Wegovy, you're not alone.

While Mounjaro has become one of the most popular weight loss medications available, some people prefer the convenience of taking a tablet rather than a weekly injection. Others may be switching because of side effects, medication availability or personal preference.

The good news is that switching between weight loss medications is possible—but it should always be done under the guidance of a clinician.

In this guide, we'll explain how switching from Mounjaro to oral Wegovy works, who might benefit from making the change, and what you can expect once you start treatment.

Can you switch from Mounjaro to oral Wegovy?

Yes. It is possible to switch from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to oral Wegovy (semaglutide), provided our Clinical Team feels it's appropriate for you.

Although both medications help with weight loss, they aren't the same medication and they don't work in exactly the same way.

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. oral Wegovy contains semaglutide, which activates the GLP-1 receptor only.¹

Because of these differences, there isn't a direct dose conversion between the two medications. Our Clinical Team will also take into account your current dose, how you've responded to treatment and whether you've experienced any side effects when advising on your switch.

Why do people switch from Mounjaro to oral Wegovy?

Everyone's weight loss journey is different, and there are several reasons why someone might consider switching medications.

You'd prefer a tablet over an injection

For many people, the biggest advantage of oral Wegovy is convenience.

Rather than taking a weekly injection, oral Wegovy is taken as a tablet once a day. If you dislike needles or simply prefer taking tablets, oral Wegovy may feel like a better fit for your lifestyle.

You're experiencing side effects

Digestive side effects are common with both medications, particularly while your body is adjusting.

These can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Indigestion

Although both medications can cause similar side effects, people often find they tolerate one medication better than another.²

Our Clinical Team recommends a different treatment

Our Clinical Team may suggest switching medications if:

• you've reached your goals and are moving to a maintenance plan
• you've experienced troublesome side effects
• another medication may better suit your medical history
• your treatment goals have changed

The decision should always be based on your individual circumstances rather than weight loss alone.

How does the switch work?

Unlike changing between different strengths of the same medication, switching between Mounjaro and oral Wegovy is a bit different.

There isn't a recognised equivalent dose between tirzepatide and semaglutide, so you'll usually begin oral Wegovy using the recommended dose escalation schedule.

You'll need a one-week washout period between your last Mounjaro injection and your first oral Wegovy tablet. This gives your body time to clear the previous medication before starting the new one, reducing the chance of overlapping treatment while ensuring the medication continues to work effectively.

Never take Mounjaro and oral Wegovy together.

What dose of oral Wegovy will I start on?

Although you've already been taking a GLP-1 medication, you'll usually begin oral Wegovy using the standard dose escalation schedule.

This allows your body to adjust gradually and helps minimise side effects.

The usual dosing schedule is:

Depending on which dose of Mounjaro you've been taking and for how long, our Clinical Team may be able to start you on a higher dose of oral Wegovy rather than the very first step of the schedule. This is assessed on an individual basis, taking into account your current dose, how long you've been established on treatment and how well you've tolerated it.

How do you take oral Wegovy?

Unlike Mounjaro, which is injected once a week, oral Wegovy needs to be taken every day.

For the medication to work properly, it's important to follow these instructions:

• Take it first thing in the morning
• Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of plain water
• Take it on an empty stomach
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water or taking any other medication³

Taking oral Wegovy correctly helps ensure your body absorbs the medication effectively.

Will oral Wegovy work as well as Mounjaro?

Both medications have been shown to support significant weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, but they haven't been directly compared in large clinical trials using the newly approved oral Wegovy formulation.

While some clinical data indicates that tirzepatide trials may yield higher average weight loss figures than semaglutide, these results come from separate studies.⁴ Because both medications have not yet been evaluated side-by-side in a single large-scale trial, a direct comparison is difficult, and your own progress may vary significantly from these reported averages.

However, average results don't tell the whole story.

Many factors influence how much weight you lose, including:

• your starting weight
• your nutrition
• your physical activity
• how consistently you take your medication
• your individual response to treatment

For some people, taking a medication that better fits their lifestyle may actually improve long-term adherence, which can have a meaningful impact on results.

What should you expect after switching?

The first few weeks often feel similar to when you first started a GLP-1 medication.

You may notice:

• changes in appetite
• feeling fuller sooner
• reduced cravings
• mild digestive symptoms while your body adjusts

Because you'll be increasing your dose gradually, appetite suppression may build over several weeks rather than immediately.

Many people find that establishing a consistent morning routine helps make taking oral Wegovy feel effortless.

What side effects can you expect?

The most common side effects of oral Wegovy include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• bloating
• indigestion

These side effects are generally mild to moderate and often improve as your body becomes used to the medication.¹

Eating smaller meals, staying hydrated and avoiding large, high-fat meals can help reduce digestive symptoms.

If your side effects become severe or persistent, you should contact our Clinical Team.

Should you switch?

Whether switching is the right decision depends on your individual circumstances.

If you'd prefer a daily tablet, want to avoid injections or our Clinical Team feels oral Wegovy is a better option for you, switching may be appropriate.

The most important thing is that any change in medication is made under clinical supervision so your treatment can continue safely and effectively.

If you're unsure which medication is right for you, our Clinical Team can help you decide based on your goals, medical history and previous treatment experience.

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