What Dose of Mounjaro After Wegovy?
- Cole Rudolph
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
With Mounjaro (tirzepatide) now available in New Zealand, many patients currently using Wegovy (semaglutide) are asking:
If I switch, what dose of Mounjaro do I start on?
There is no exact dose conversion between Wegovy and Mounjaro — but there is a structured clinical approach.
This guide explains how switching typically works in NZ and what to expect.
Is There an Equivalent Dose Between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
No.
Wegovy works on the GLP-1 receptor only.
Mounjaro works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
Because they act differently, there is no milligram-to-milligram equivalence.
Switching requires medical review — not a simple conversion chart.
What Dose of Mounjaro Do You Start After Wegovy?
The starting dose depends on your current Wegovy dose, side-effect history, and overall response.
If you are on Wegovy 2.4mg and tolerating it well:
Mounjaro is commonly started at 5mg once weekly.
If you are on Wegovy 1.7mgL
Starting at 2.5mg once weekly is generally recommended, with escalation after 4 weeks if tolerated.
If you are on Wegovy 1.0mg or lower:
Begin at 2.5mg once weekly.
Mounjaro is always initiated at a low dose and titrated upward to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Final dose decisions should always be confirmed by your GP.
Do You Need a Break Between Medications?
Yes.
In most cases, switching involves:
Completing your final scheduled Wegovy dose
Waiting one week
Starting Mounjaro at your next scheduled injection day
The two medications should not be overlapped. Starting Mounjaro too soon after Wegovy can increase the risk of side effects.
The exact timing should always be confirmed with your GP.
Is Mounjaro Stronger Than Wegovy?
In clinical trials, tirzepatide has shown greater average weight loss compared to semaglutide at standard doses.
However, “stronger” does not automatically mean better.
The right medication depends on:
Medical history
Weight-loss goals
Side-effect tolerance
Budget considerations
Some patients respond extremely well to semaglutide and do not need to switch.
Dosing & Cost Considerations
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are started at low doses and gradually increased to reduce side effects.
Wegovy is generally priced consistently across strengths in NZ, while higher Mounjaro doses may cost more. This can influence which option feels more predictable from a budgeting perspective.
Why You Shouldn’t Self-Direct the Switch
Starting too high or overlapping medications increases the risk of:
Nausea
Vomiting
Reflux
Dehydration
Poor adherence
A structured plan reduces side effects and improves long-term success.
How Pocket Lab Supports Safe Switching
At Pocket Lab, switching is GP-led and structured — not self-directed.
Our clinical team is up to date with the latest NZ guidance and evidence on tirzepatide prescribing.
When switching, we:
Review your current Wegovy dose
Assess side-effect history
Choose an appropriate starting dose
Plan titration
Provide ongoing monitoring
Our Weight Loss Care Plan includes:
GP video consultations
Structured follow-up
Mounjaro medication (2.5mg or 5mg included in the $599/month plan)
Nationwide delivery
Ongoing dose tracking
Higher strengths may involve additional medication costs.
Care is delivered by NZ-registered doctors through structured follow-up.
We are a Health New Zealand–accredited online GP provider with a 5.0 rating from 490+ Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equivalent Mounjaro dose to Wegovy 2.4mg?
There is no exact equivalent. Many stable patients start at 5mg, but this is individualised.
Can I switch from Wegovy 1.7mg straight to 7.5mg Mounjaro?
No. Mounjaro is titrated gradually to reduce side effects.
Is switching common in NZ now?
It is becoming more common as additional treatments become available — but it should always be GP-guided.
Final Note for NZ Patients
Switching weight-loss medications should be structured, safe, and medically supervised.
If you’re considering moving from Wegovy to Mounjaro, a personalised GP assessment ensures the right dose and the best chance of long-term success.
