Has the higher dose been approved anywhere yet?
Yes, in the UK. The MHRA has approved up to a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide (Wegovy). You can see the announcement on GOV.UK. In practical terms, UK prescribers now have a higher-strength option on the licence.
Where does the EU approval stand right now?
The EU process is in the final stretch. The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion for adding the higher-strength dose to the Wegovy licence. The next step is a formal decision by the European Commission. After that, countries plan rollout. The EMA’s product page for Wegovy will reflect the updated EU status once that decision is adopted.
What happens in Ireland after the EU decision?
Once the European Commission adopts the change, supply planning begins country by country. For Ireland, that means:
• the higher dose becomes part of the EU licence
• Irish pharmacies can stock it once the company supplies it here
• prescribers decide who may benefit from the higher strength after titration
• practical availability depends on manufacturing, distribution and demand
Who might a higher dose help?
Some people plateau on lower strengths even with diet, activity and adherence. A higher maintenance dose can offer an extra nudge for those patients, while others continue to do well on 2.4 mg. Any change is a medical decision, balancing expected benefit against side effects such as nausea or reflux.
What you can do now (while EU/Irish rollout progresses)
You do not need to wait to start a safe plan. In Ireland there are approved options already in use that are prescribed, monitored and supplied through registered pharmacies. Learn about Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda.
Wegovy pill manufacturing in Ireland: what it means
You may have seen Irish coverage that Wegovy in tablet form is set to be manufactured in Ireland. This is positive news for future European supply, but it does not change the immediate availability position for Ireland today.
- Manufacturing update (Ireland): Recent reports confirm investment to make the tablet (oral) version of Wegovy in Ireland for non-US markets. See coverage in the Irish Independent and Irish Times.
- EU status (higher dose): In the EU, the higher weekly dose of Wegovy has a CHMP positive opinion and is now awaiting the European Commission decision. The EMA medicine page will update once the decision is adopted. Check the EMA Wegovy page.
- UK status: The UK regulator has already licensed a maximum weekly dose up to 7.2 mg. See the MHRA announcement on GOV.UK.
Bottom line for Ireland: local manufacturing supports future EU supply, but Irish pharmacy availability still depends on the EU authorisation step being completed and the company’s rollout to Ireland thereafter.
How to get prescription 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.
Prefer a video consultation with a doctor? Book securely via Eirdoc.
Prefer to see a doctor in person? Use the HSE finder to book locally.
FAQs
Is the higher 7.2 mg Wegovy dose available in Ireland now?
No. The EU is awaiting a final European Commission decision following a CHMP positive opinion; Irish supply would follow after company rollout.
When could the higher dose be available in Ireland?
Timelines depend on the final EU decision and manufacturing rollout; in practice this can take months after approval before pharmacies receive stock.
Is the higher dose already approved anywhere?
Yes, the UK has licensed a maximum weekly dose up to 7.2 mg; the EU decision is pending and Ireland will follow the EU route.
What does “higher-dose Wegovy” actually mean?
It is the same medicine (semaglutide) at a stronger weekly maintenance dose for people who may need more effect after titration.
Who might be considered for the higher dose?
People who have plateaued on lower strengths despite adherence and lifestyle measures; eligibility is decided by a doctor on a case-by-case basis.
Will side effects increase at a higher dose?
They can; doctors balance expected benefits against risks such as nausea or reflux and may adjust the dose stepwise with monitoring.
