Mounjaro’s manufacturer will increase all UK prices on 1st September 2025. If you’re currently using Mounjaro, you may be thinking about switching.
At e-Surgery, we understand how important it is to have affordable, effective options. That’s why we’re here to help make the transition to Wegovy (semaglutide) as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Varenicline Tablets are used by adults to assist in smoking cessation. They help to relieve craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation, and they can also reduce the enjoyment of smoking cigarettes if you smoke whilst on treatment.
What do I need to know before using Varenicline Tablets?
Before taking these smoking cessation tablets, make sure to consult your doctor first and inform them of any prior mental health conditions. These tablets have been reported to have an impact on mental health, causing depression, agitation, changes in mood or behavior and serious psychological side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
If you notice any negative change in behavior or depressed mood, inform your doctor straight away and stop taking these tablets. You can find a full list of warnings and precautions by seeing the patient information leaflet.
What are the possible side effects of taking Varenicline Tablets?
Like all medicines, these smoking cessation tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. Giving up smoking with or without treatment can cause various symptoms, including mood changes such as feeling depressed irritated or anxious. You may also experience sleeplessness, an increased appetite and weight gain. You MUST contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience a serious impact on your mental condition, such as depression.
Some side effects of Varenicline include:
Nausea
Inflammation of the nose and throat
Abnormal dreams
Difficulty sleeping
Headache
Skin rash, itching
Chest infection
For a full list of side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet.
Can I take Varenicline Tablets if I’m pregnant?
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, planning to have a baby or are breast-feeding, you should speak to your doctor first before taking these smoking cessation tablets.
Can I drive whilst using Varenicline Tablets?
These smoking cessation tablets can cause dizziness, sleepiness and lack of concentration. You shouldn’t drive or operate machinery until you know if this medicine affects your ability to do so.
How do I take Varenicline Tablets?
Make sure to always take these smoking cessation tablets exactly as instructed by your doctor. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are unsure how to properly use this medication.
You will be more likely to stop smoking if you are motivated to do so, therefore it is recommended to get smoking cessation advice and support from your doctor, pharmacist or support groups.
What if I take more Varenicline Tablets than I should?
If you have accidentally taken to many of these smoking cessation tablets, you must contact your doctor for medical advice or head to the nearest hospital straight away, taking your medication pack with you.
What should I do if I forget to take my Varenicline Tablets?
If you have forgotten to take a dose of these smoking cessation tablets, do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. Instead, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is within 3-4 hours before you should take your next dose, skip the forgotten dose.
It is important to take these tablets regularly at the same time each day.
How should Varenicline Tablets be stored?
To store Varenicline Tablets, keep them stored in an area below 30°C. Keep your tablets out of sight and reach of children. Make note of the tablet’s expiry date, which can be found on the card packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of this medication. They should not be discarded alongside wastewater or household waste. Proper disposal helps to protect the environment.
Can I buy Varenicline Tablets online?
Yes! You can buy Varenicline Tablets online from trusted doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery. We are regulated by the GPhC, MHRA and CQC to provide you with a simple and legal way for you to order your medication online.
When ordering your medication online, check the website for the green GPhC logo. The GPhC website can be used to check if the pharmacy you are purchasing from is registered and operating legally. These steps ensure that the medication you are buying online is genuine.
If I buy Varenicline tablets online, how will they be delivered?
At e-Surgery, we use Royal Mail for deliveries, with the delivery choices including:
Royal Mail Tracked 48
Royal Mail Tracked 24
Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm
Your smoking cessation tablets will arrive in discreet and fully recyclable packaging to the address specified.
Where can I find out more about Varenicline Tablets?
To find out more about Varenicline Tablets, you can use reputable online healthcare sources, such as the BNF website or the NHS website. You can also use our free ask-a-pharmacist service.
How do Varenicline Tablets interact with other medications or substances?
Varenicline Tablets may interact with certain medications, including insulin and other smoking cessation treatments. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking.
Alcohol consumption while using Varenicline Tablets should be monitored, as it may increase potential side effects or reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
Can Varenicline Tablets be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapy?
While Varenicline Tablets are typically used as a standalone treatment, some patients may benefit from combined approaches under medical supervision. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific smoking cessation needs.
Can Varenicline Tablets help reduce nicotine cravings immediately?
The medication gradually helps diminish the pleasure associated with smoking, making it easier to quit over time.
Are there any long-term effects of using Varenicline Tablets?
Long-term use of Varenicline Tablets has been studied extensively. While most patients experience minimal long-term side effects, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider about potential risks.
Regular medical check-ups can help monitor any potential ongoing effects of the medication.
How do Varenicline Tablets differ from other smoking cessation methods?
Unlike nicotine replacement therapies, Varenicline Tablets work directly in the brain to reduce nicotine cravings and block the pleasurable effects of smoking. This unique mechanism makes Varenicline Tablets more effective for many individuals struggling to quit smoking.
Can people with pre-existing mental health conditions use Varenicline Tablets?
Patients with pre-existing mental health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using Varenicline Tablets. While the medication can be safe for many, close medical supervision is recommended to monitor potential psychological side effects.
What lifestyle changes complement Varenicline Tablets for smoking cessation?
Combining Varenicline Tablets with lifestyle modifications can enhance smoking cessation success. Recommended strategies include regular exercise, stress management techniques, avoiding smoking triggers, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups.
How quickly can I expect results when using Varenicline Tablets?
Generally, patients begin to experience reduced cigarette cravings within the first week of starting Varenicline Tablets. It is normal to feel a significant decrease in smoking desire by weeks 2-4, with optimal results typically achieved after 12 weeks of consistent treatment.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Understanding the Medications
Before looking at the switching process, let’s recap the basics:
Is Switching Safe?
Yes. Research shows that switching from one GLP-1 medication to another is safe and well tolerated, as long as the timing is right. At e-Surgery, we recommend leaving a 7-day gap between your last dose of one GLP-1 injection and your first dose of the new medication.
This short “washout period” helps ensure the first medication is cleared from your system, reducing the chance of overlapping side effects.
The Switching Process: From Mounjaro to Wegovy
Here’s what you can expect when switching with e-Surgery:
1. Assessment Complete our quick online consultation. Our prescribers will review your health, your current Mounjaro dose, and how well you’ve tolerated treatment so far.
2. Discontinuation You’ll stop Mounjaro. A 7-day washout period is recommended before starting Wegovy.
3. Starting Wegovy You’ll begin at the lowest Wegovy dose (0.25 mg weekly). From there, you’ll follow the standard dose increase schedule and our prescribers will guide you through the step-by-step increase schedule to make sure the transition is safe and well tolerated. Your starting dose may vary depending on your previous Mounjaro dosage, how long you’ve been on it, and any side effects you may have experienced.
What to Expect When Switching
• Mild side effects (such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea) may return at first.
• Your appetite may fluctuate during the first few weeks as your body adjusts.
• Weight loss results vary – some people see changes quickly, while for others progress is steadier.
The most important step is to stick to the plan provided by our prescribers and give your body time to settle into the new treatment.
Our Wegovy Prices
We provide Wegovy at competitive prices, with the cost of the drug and private prescription included
(Prices correct at the time of writing. Please check our website for the latest updates.)
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, has increased the price of all dose strengths in the UK to align with prices across mainland Europe. This means that, for some patients, Wegovy is now a more cost-effective GLP-1 treatment option for weight management.
We know changes like this can feel unexpected and frustrating. At E-Surgery, our priority is to help you continue your weight loss journey with minimal disruption and to find the treatment that best supports your health goals and fits your lifestyle.
How soon can I start Wegovy after stopping Mounjaro?
You should leave a 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro injection and your first Wegovy dose. This helps avoid overlapping side effects and ensures a safe transition.
Do I need to restart from the lowest dose when switching to Wegovy?
Current evidence shows it’s safest to start at 0.25 mg weekly, regardless of your previous dose of Mounjaro, to minimise side effects. Higher starting doses may be possible but require careful monitoring.
Will I lose as much weight on Wegovy as I did on Mounjaro?
Clinical trials show that Wegovy users lose about 15% of their body weight on average, while Mounjaro users may lose up to 20% at higher doses. Everyone responds differently, and lifestyle factors play a big role too.
Do I need a new prescription to switch?
Yes. Your prescription must be reviewed by our prescribers to ensure a safe and effective switch. You can begin the process through our online consultation here in less than 2 minutes.
If I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, will my cost change?
Yes. Switching to Wegovy will be less expensive than the new Mounjaro prices. Our pricing is transparent and clearly shown during the purchase process.
What happens if I stop treatment completely?
We don’t recommend stopping GLP-1 treatment without medical advice, as this can often lead to weight regain once appetite and digestion return to normal. If you’re thinking about stopping, please speak to our clinical team first so we can support you with the safest plan for your long-term health.
