The cost of the weight loss jab Mounjaro is set to increase in the UK, with 15mg costing from £122 a month to £247.50.
New prescription rules for UK households from September with £122 charge
New prescription rules from September mean UK households could face a £122 charge. The cost of the weight loss jab Mounjaro is set to increase in the UK, with 15mg costing from £122 a month to £247.50.
An Eli Lilly spokesperson said: “We are working with private providers on commercial arrangements to maintain affordability and expect these to be passed on to patients when the change is effective on September 1.
“We are already seeing providers respond in different ways to the list price change, with a range of options available for eligible patients. We also want to work in partnership with the Government to expand NHS access for eligible patients, building on the commitments in the Government’s 10 Year Plan.”
READ MORE UK prescription rule change means households face £247 charge
Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said: “Pricing is a matter for the manufacturers and pharmacies will do all they can to support patients when prices change.
“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.
“Prices advertised in many pharmacies will already reflect this discount and pharmacies will also have to wait to receive this retrospectively after dispensing. Pharmacies will access price rebates if they can as a way of keeping prices accessible.
“Pharmacies are working hard to support their patients and explore if there are options to minimise disruption to their treatment programme.”
The company said it has “allocations in place for pharmacies and providers that order stock from us, to manage our supply and ensure patients maintain access”.
“There are legal protections in place, enforced by the MHRA, to prevent inappropriate stockpiling of medicines by providers,” a spokesperson added.
“We encourage patients to only order based on their current treatment plan, to reduce the risk of localised disruption.”