The Drugs Payment Scheme places a monthly cap on prescription costs for people and families who live in Ireland.
How the Drugs Payment Scheme works
The scheme limits how much an approved household pays for approved medicines each month. You pay up to the cap, then the rest is covered for that month. It applies across participating pharmacies when your details are recorded correctly.
Keep your PPS number and address handy when you apply. Ask the pharmacy to confirm that your details are saved against your records so claims process smoothly.
Weight-loss injections and the scheme
As of 2025, liraglutide (Saxenda®) is the only weight-loss medication reimbursed under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) or Medical Card schemes in Ireland.
Saxenda is covered under a Managed Access Protocol from the HSE, meaning it’s available only to certain patients who meet strict criteria. This includes adults with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher, who also have prediabetes and a high cardiovascular risk.
Reimbursement is granted in stages. Patients must show at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the full 3 mg dose to continue, and coverage can last for up to two years under the scheme.
Other medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic are not currently covered under the Drugs Payment Scheme for weight loss in Ireland, although they may be considered in future reviews.
Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if you qualify for Saxenda coverage and what documentation is needed for the application process.
How to apply and what documents to keep
You can apply online or with a paper form. Have your PPS number, Eircode and the names of people in the household who are joining the scheme. Once approved, bring your card or number when you collect prescriptions.
Keep receipts for medicines and delivery fees where relevant. This helps you review spend and compare services in a clear way.
If you would like to be prescribed, visit our online doctor partner. They will advise if treatment is right for you.
Supports available in Ireland
- HSE, Drugs Payment Scheme
- HSE, Saxenda
- Citizens Information, Drugs Payment Scheme
- HSE, obesity treatment overview
FAQs
Which weight-loss medications are covered under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)?
As of 2025, only Saxenda (liraglutide) is covered under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) and the Medical Card (GMS) scheme in Ireland — and only in specific circumstances. It’s available through a Managed Access Protocol from the HSE.
To qualify, patients must meet defined criteria:
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Be aged 18–74
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Have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher
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Have prediabetes and a high cardiovascular risk
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Be actively following a weight-management plan involving diet and physical activity
How long is Saxenda covered for?
Reimbursement is approved in stages. Patients must show at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the full 3 mg daily dose to continue. If that goal is met, coverage can extend for up to two years under the scheme.
Are Wegovy, Mounjaro or Ozempic covered for weight loss?
No — these medications are not currently reimbursed under the Drugs Payment Scheme or GMS for weight management in Ireland. They may be available privately with a prescription, but you’ll pay the full cost unless future HSE decisions change their status.
Could other weight-loss drugs be added in future?
Possibly. The HSE has indicated that newer medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are under review, but there is no confirmed timeline or approval for reimbursement as of 2025.
Questions about eligibility or paperwork today? Ask a Pharmacist for step by step help.
