Wegovy 7.2 mg in Ireland: the higher dose explained

Is Wegovy 7.2 mg available in Ireland?

Yes. The European Commission approved the 7.2 mg once-weekly maintenance dose in February 2026, following a positive opinion from the EMA's medicines committee (CHMP) in December 2025. At first, the 7.2 mg dose had to be given as three 2.4 mg injections in one sitting.

On 15 July 2026 the European Commission also approved a 7.2 mg single-dose pen, so the full dose is now one injection. Novo Nordisk has since launched it to Irish pharmacies. Healthwave stocks it, and you can see the current price on our Wegovy page and our prescription price list.

Who is the higher dose for?

The 7.2 mg dose is licensed for adults living with obesity. It is a step up from the standard 2.4 mg maintenance dose, not a new way to start treatment. Everyone still begins at 0.25 mg and moves up through the usual dose schedule to 2.4 mg.

After at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg, your prescriber can decide to increase the dose to 7.2 mg once weekly. It is usually considered for people whose weight loss has slowed or stopped on 2.4 mg, even with good diet, activity and adherence. Many people continue to do well on 2.4 mg and have no reason to change.

This is a medical decision. Your prescriber will weigh the extra benefit against the higher chance of side effects, and will take your other conditions and medicines into account.

How much more weight loss does 7.2 mg give?

The evidence comes from STEP UP, a 72-week trial of 1,407 adults with obesity (BMI 30 or more) who did not have diabetes. Participants took semaglutide 7.2 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg or a placebo once a week, together with diet and activity advice. The results were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2025.

When the results include everyone who started the trial, including people who stopped treatment early, average weight loss was 18.7% on 7.2 mg and 15.6% on 2.4 mg. Either way, the extra benefit of the higher dose is real but moderate: about 3 percentage points more weight loss on average.

What side effects should I expect on 7.2 mg?

The side effects are the same kind as on lower doses, but some are more common. In STEP UP the most common were stomach and bowel effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Most were mild to moderate and became less frequent over time.

One effect stood out at the higher dose: dysaesthesia, an altered skin sensation such as tingling, burning or skin sensitivity. It was reported by more than 1 in 5 people on 7.2 mg (22.9%), compared with 6.0% on 2.4 mg. In the trial it usually went away on its own or after the dose was reduced. Tell your prescriber if you notice it, especially if it is troublesome.

Never stop or change your dose on your own. If side effects are a problem, speak to your prescriber, who may suggest going back to 2.4 mg.

You can report a suspected side effect to the HPRA through their online reporting form.

How is the 7.2 mg pen different?

The lower doses (0.25 mg to 2.4 mg) use the FlexTouch pen, which holds 4 weekly doses and needs a new needle for each injection. The 7.2 mg dose uses a different pen: a single-dose pre-filled pen that you use once and then throw away. Each pack has 4 pens, one for each week.

The 7.2 mg pen gives a fixed dose, so there is nothing to dial. The needle is built in and hidden, so you do not need to attach or remove separate needles. Before this pen, a 7.2 mg dose meant three separate 2.4 mg injections each week. Now it is one injection, once a week, on the same day each week. Store unused pens in the fridge (2°C to 8°C), do not freeze them, and dispose of used pens in a sharps bin.

How much does Wegovy 7.2 mg cost in Ireland?

At Healthwave, a pack of 4 Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pens (a month's supply) costs €380. For comparison, 2.4 mg costs €295 a month. Wegovy is not covered by the medical card or the Drugs Payment Scheme, so it is a private prescription. Prices can change, so check our prescription price list for the current price.

If you are also following the oral version, see our article on when the Wegovy pill will be available in Ireland.

FAQs

Can I start Wegovy on 7.2 mg?

No. Everyone starts at 0.25 mg and increases step by step to 2.4 mg. A move to 7.2 mg is only possible after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg, and only if your prescriber decides it is right for you.

Do I need a new prescription for 7.2 mg?

Yes. The dose is part of the prescription, so your prescriber needs to issue a new one for 7.2 mg.

Is 7.2 mg licensed for people who are overweight but not obese?

No. The 7.2 mg dose is licensed for adults with obesity. Your prescriber will check whether it applies to you.

Can I go back to 2.4 mg?

Yes, if your prescriber advises it. Some people move back to 2.4 mg because of side effects.

Do I need to buy needles for the 7.2 mg pen?

No. Each 7.2 mg pen has its own built-in, hidden needle, so there are no separate needles to buy or attach.