You may have seen the news about the Wegovy pill launching in the US. Early coverage includes The Guardian and the Financial Times. For Ireland, access depends on a separate EU (EMA) authorisation and Irish rollout plans via the HPRA.
What is the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide)?
It is a once-daily tablet version of semaglutide for weight management, designed as an alternative to weekly injections. It uses the same active ingredient as injectable Wegovy, but it is a different product and would require its own EU application and approval before routine Irish supply.
FDA vs EMA: how medicine approvals work
Companies commonly seek FDA approval for the United States first, then submit to the EMA for the European Union a few months later. A US approval does not apply in Europe; many new medicines go through the EMA’s centralised route, which, if approved, leads to a single EU authorisation. After that, Ireland plans supply, distribution and reimbursement.
How long does EMA approval take?
- Scientific review time: up to about 210 “active” days.
- Clock-stops: the “clock” pauses while the company answers questions, so the real end-to-end time is usually several months longer.
- Rule of thumb: from submission to decision is often 12–18 months, then practical rollout.
Bottom line: even in a smooth scenario, EU approval and Irish supply take time. If the oral product is submitted to the EMA in 2026, public availability may be late 2026 or 2027+, depending on review and manufacturing.
What can I do in the meantime?
You do not need to wait to start a supervised plan. In Ireland, there are approved options already in use:
- Weekly GLP-1 injections: see our pages on Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda.
- Compare the medicines and typical dose steps in our guide: How to get weight loss injections in Ireland.
- Lifestyle support: smaller balanced meals, protein and fibre targets, activity that suits your joints, and sleep routines make medicines safer and more effective.
- Avoid black-market products: Irish and EU regulators warn about illegal GLP-1 items sold online. Use registered pharmacies and valid prescriptions only.
How to get a prescription for weight loss injections online in Ireland
Step 1: choose an online doctor and complete a short medical questionnaire.
Step 2: if treatment is suitable, the doctor issues a prescription and sends it to your chosen pharmacy by Healthmail. If you choose Healthwave, your doctor can address it to healthwave.dundrum@healthmail.ie.
Step 3: the pharmacy confirms availability and delivery. If you choose Healthwave, we pack discreetly and deliver typically within 1–2 working days, or arrange convenient collection.
EMA vs HPRA vs FDA: who does what?
- FDA (US): evaluates medicines for the United States only.
- EMA (EU): evaluates many new medicines for the whole EU via the centralised route.
- HPRA (Ireland): implements EU decisions nationally and oversees safety and quality.
FAQs
Is the Wegovy pill available in Ireland right now?
No. It has launched in the US, but it is not authorised or available in Ireland yet.
When could the Wegovy pill be available in Ireland?
A realistic range is late 2026 to 2027+ depending on when the EU submission is made, review questions, final EU decision and manufacturing rollout.
How long does EMA approval usually take?
The scientific review is up to ~210 active days, but clock-stops and the final decision step mean the total timeline is typically several months longer.
Can I buy the US product online and ship it to Ireland?
No—this is unsafe and unlawful. Stick to registered pharmacies and valid prescriptions in Ireland.
Are injectable options still available?
Yes, subject to eligibility and stock. An online doctor can advise on whether a current option is appropriate for you.
