Mounjaro is currently only available as a weekly injection, but oral weight loss treatments like the Wegovy tablet and Orforglipron may offer an alternative for people who do not want to continue with injectable treatment.
Switching is not always as simple as swapping one medicine for another, though. This guide explains how a switch could work, what differences you might notice, and what to discuss with your prescriber before making the change.
Please note: Foundayo (Orforglipron) discussed in this article is not currently licensed in the UK for weight management. Information on Foundayo is for educational purposes only.
In this article:
How does switching from Mounjaro to an oral GLP-1 work?
What should you expect when switching to tablets?
Will a weight loss tablet work as well as Mounjaro?
Why does Mounjaro produce greater average weight loss?
What should you consider before switching?
How does switching from Mounjaro to an oral GLP-1 work?
While switching from Mounjaro to a weight loss tablet may be possible for many patients, you can’t simply stop taking Mounjaro one day and start taking a tablet the next.
This is because Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, while the Wegovy tablet contains Semaglutide, and Foundayo contains Orforglipron. Although all three belong to the GLP-1 family, because they are different medicines, you cannot safely do a direct dose-for-dose switch.
For this reason, people moving from Mounjaro will usually need to start their new tablet at the lowest dose, even if they are currently taking a higher maintenance dose of Tirzepatide. You can then gradually increase your tablet strength until arriving back at maintenance dose.
The timing of the switch can also vary, but will usually involve waiting at least a week from your last Mounjaro injection. Your prescriber will be able to advise on the safest approach for your situation.
Important: You should never stop Mounjaro or start a new weight loss medication without first discussing it with a qualified healthcare professional.
What should you expect during the switch?
While everyone responds differently, most people experience an adjustment period in the weeks following the switch.
Because you’ll usually start your new medication at the lowest starting dose, you may notice:
Your appetite increases
You don’t feel as full after meals
You experience more food noise or cravings
Your weight loss slows or plateaus
This is completely normal in the first month and doesn’t necessarily mean the weight loss tablet isn’t working. Like Mounjaro injections, both the Wegovy pill and Foundayo have their greatest effects on appetite and weight loss at higher doses, which you’ll need to gradually work your way up to.
You may also notice digestive side effects such as nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or stomach discomfort as your body adjusts to the new medication. These are usually temporary and often improve as treatment continues.
Will a weight loss tablet work as well as Mounjaro?
Not necessarily, and it's important to have realistic expectations when switching from Mounjaro.
Many people will continue to lose weight or maintain their progress after switching. But some people may find that appetite suppression isn't quite as strong as it was on Mounjaro, even after they've worked up to the highest maintenance dose of their new medication.
For some people, this may lead to a lower rate of weight loss, as reflected in clinical trials:
Mounjaro (15mg): Average weight loss of around 20% of starting weight after 72 weeks (1)
Wegovy pill (25mg): Average weight loss of around 14% of starting weight after 64 weeks (2)
Foundayo (36mg): Average weight loss of around 11% of starting weight after 72 weeks (3)
That said, weight loss isn't the only factor that matters. For many patients, the trade-off for convenience is worthwhile, especially if they’re more likely to continue with a tablet long-term.
Why does Mounjaro produce greater average weight loss?
The Wegovy tablet and Foundayo aren't oral versions of Mounjaro. They’re different weight loss medicines that work in subtly different ways.
Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, which works on two hormonal pathways involved in appetite regulation: GLP-1 and GIP. This is known as a dual agonist. In contrast, the Wegovy tablet contains Semaglutide and Foundayo contains Orforglipron. Both work through the GLP-1 pathway alone.
That doesn't mean the tablets aren't effective. All three medicines reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and support significant weight loss. But because they work slightly differently, you shouldn't expect them to produce identical effects.
What should you consider before switching?
Before switching from Mounjaro to a weight loss tablet, it's worth thinking about:
Your weight loss goals: If achieving the greatest possible weight loss is your priority, staying on Mounjaro may make more sense. If you've already achieved your target weight, the convenience of a tablet may become more important.
How you're getting on with Mounjaro: If Mounjaro injections are causing problems or don't fit your lifestyle, switching may be the right decision. If you're happy with your current treatment, there may be less reason to change.
What best fits your routine: Although tablets remove the need for injections, they aren't always simpler, especially if switching to the Wegovy pill which has specific administration instructions (4). Some people may actually find weekly injections simpler.
Ultimately, the choice between injections and tablets depends on your goals, preferences, and how you're responding to your current medication.
If you’re not sure whether switching from Mounjaro is right for you, the Oxford Online Pharmacy team can help. Your prescriber can help you weigh up the potential benefits of a tablet against any differences in appetite suppression or weight loss and guide you towards a suitable choice. Alongside all weight loss treatments, a balanced diet and regular exercise is required for sustainable and meaningful weight loss results.
To assist with the ongoing safety monitoring of your treatment, please report any suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
References
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3):205–16.
Wharton S, Ildiko Lingvay, Bogdanski P, Duque R, Jacob S, Karlsson T, et al. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2025 Sep 17;393(11):1077–87.
Wharton S, Aronne LJ, Stefanski A, Alfaris NF, Ciudin A, Yokote K, et al. Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment. New England Journal of Medicine. 2025 Sep 16;
Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribing information [Internet]. Plainsboro (NJ): Novo Nordisk; [cited 2026 Jun 11].