How to safely stop taking Mounjaro
Once your prescriber has given you the green light to switch, the process begins with stopping Mounjaro. You'll take your final Mounjaro dose as scheduled and then simply not take the next one. This is then followed by a planned waiting period before you begin your new medication.
Let's look at the exact steps to take, what to expect during the break, and how long you need to wait.
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Steps to take before stopping Mounjaro
You may wish to come off Mounjaro completely. If this is the case, speak to your GP before stopping your injections.
If you’d prefer to switch to Wegovy, do not stop taking your medication until they have confirmed that switching to Wegovy is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
Once the switch is approved, the process is quite simple. You will take your last Mounjaro dose on your usual injection day. After that, you just need to wait for the recommended period before starting Wegovy. There’s no need to do anything else to “clear” the medication from your system; time will do the work.
Here’s a summary of the steps:
Get confirmation from your clinical team to make the switch.
Take your final scheduled dose of Mounjaro.
Wait for the recommended washout period to pass before starting your new medication.
Do you get withdrawal symptoms after stopping Mounjaro?
The term "withdrawal symptoms" can sound a bit scary, but when stopping Mounjaro, it's not what you might think. You are unlikely to experience any unpleasant symptoms coming off Mounjaro.
Instead, the most noticeable change during the brief pause between medications will likely be a return of your appetite.
As the effects of Mounjaro wear off during the seven-day break, you might feel hungrier or notice an increase in food cravings. This is perfectly normal and expected. Any side effects you were experiencing from Mounjaro, like nausea, should also settle down during this time.
The key is to be prepared for this temporary increase in appetite. Sticking to the healthy habits you've already built will provide great support during the transition.
Dr Atkinson recommends practical preparation for managing increased appetite: "It can help to draw up a meal plan beforehand, and cook healthy meals in advance and store them in the freezer. Having meals ready and prepared means you won't be as tempted to buy something less healthy in the spur of the moment."
He also suggests stocking up on healthy snacks: "Make sure you've got plenty of healthy snacks in stock too – unsalted nuts like cashews or walnuts, and fruit. If you've got these available, you're less likely to reach for an unhealthy option."
If you feel unwell or have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your clinical team for advice.
Is it safe to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy without medical support?
No, it is not safe to switch without medical support. The process requires guidance from a clinical team or prescriber to ensure your safety. They will determine the correct dosage and manage the transition to minimise risks and maintain the effectiveness of your treatment.
Never attempt to switch on your own.
How long to wait before starting Wegovy
While there's currently no official guidance on switching between these medications, Dr Daniel Atkinson, Clinical Lead at Treated.com, explains the safest approaches: "The most entirely risk-free, 'by-the-book' way to do it would be to wait a month for the drug in Mounjaro to completely leave your system, then start your new treatment with Wegovy from the lowest dose."
However, for most people who have been tolerating Mounjaro well, a shorter transition may be appropriate. "It's more likely that your clinician would advise you to wait two weeks if Mounjaro had been working well for you, and not causing any significant side effects," says Dr Atkinson.
This brief pause is often called a "washout period," and it allows enough of the Mounjaro to leave your system, which helps reduce the risk of overlapping side effects when you start the new medication. Taking both too close together could increase the chances of feeling unwell with symptoms like nausea or stomach upset.
Your GP will confirm this timing with you. For example, if your last Mounjaro injection was on a Monday, you would take your first Wegovy injection when advised by your GP. This ensures a smooth transition and helps you get started on your new treatment safely.