Wegovy (Semaglutide) in Ireland
About Wegovy
Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide when used for weight management, is now available in Ireland as an effective option for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight‑related health issues. Originally developed to improve glycaemic control, Wegovy’s mechanism also supports significant weight loss when combined with a reduced‐calorie diet and regular physical activity.
Wegovy
Semaglutide
Injected once weekly using a prefilled pen.
Wegovy Product Information
- Usage: Wegovy is administered once weekly for weight loss.
- Formulation: It is available in a prefilled injection pen, designed for single-dose administration.
- Dosing Regimen: Treatment begins with a dose escalation schedule to help your body adjust:
- Initiation: 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks.
- Step-Up: Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly for the next 4 weeks.
- Further Escalation: 1 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, followed by 1.7 mg weekly.
- Maintenance: A final maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
- Packaging: Each Wegovy pen delivers one weekly dose. Packaging details may vary by supplier.
- Disposal: Used needles and pens must be disposed of safely in accordance with local guidelines.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is an injectable medication containing semaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist. By mimicking the effects of the natural hormone GLP‑1, Wegovy helps to:
- Suppress Appetite: Reduces hunger and helps control calorie intake.
- Slow Gastric Emptying: Prolongs feelings of fullness after meals.
- Support Weight Loss: When combined with lifestyle changes, clinical studies have shown significant weight loss outcomes.
Wegovy is prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or for those with a BMI between 27 and 30 kg/m² accompanied by a weight‑related condition.
How Much Does Wegovy Cost?
| Wegovy | Needles | RSP |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | 4 included | €240.00 |
| 0.5 mg | 4 included | €240.00 |
| 1 mg | 4 included | €240.00 |
| 1.7 mg | 4 included | €320.00 |
| 2.4 mg | 4 included | €355.00 |
How Does Wegovy Work for Weight Loss?
Wegovy works by activating GLP‑1 receptors, which play a key role in appetite regulation. The medication:
- Reduces Hunger: Helping you feel fuller sooner and for longer.
- Delays Gastric Emptying: Allowing a sustained feeling of satiety after meals.
- Supports Dietary Adherence: When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, these actions facilitate meaningful weight loss.
Usage and Wegovy Doses
Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. For optimal results, please follow these guidelines:
- Consistent Administration: Inject on the same day each week.
- Site Rotation: Alternate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to minimise local skin reactions.
- Follow Medical Advice: Always adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dose adjustments and administration technique.
Wegovy Side Effects
As with any medication, Wegovy may cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.
- Injection Site Reactions: Redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site.
- Other Effects: Some patients may experience headaches or fatigue.
These side effects are typically mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If side effects persist or worsen, please consult your healthcare provider.
Storage and Handling
To maintain the effectiveness of Wegovy, please observe the following storage guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Unopened pens should be stored between 2°C and 8°C.
- Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the medication.
- Pre-Injection Preparation: If advised by your healthcare provider, allow the pen to reach room temperature for a short period before injection.
- Safe Disposal: Dispose of used pens and needles in a designated sharps container in accordance with local regulations.
How to get Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is only available with a prescription from a doctor. To get a prescription you can talk to your GP or use an online doctor who will check if you meet the criteria for Wegovy.
Once a prescription has been sent to us electronically via Healthmail from your doctor we can start processing your order.
Note: our pharmacists will perform their own checks to ensure Wegovy is safe for you.
Weight Loss Medication Comparison
Saxenda, Mounjaro & Wegovy are all used for weight management but have distinct characteristics:
| Feature | Saxenda | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Liraglutide (GLP‑1 receptor agonist) | Tirzepatide (Dual GIP & GLP‑1 receptor agonist) | Semaglutide (GLP‑1 receptor agonist) |
| Dosing Frequency | Daily injection | Once weekly injection | Once weekly injection |
| Mechanism of Action | Reduces appetite and promotes satiety via GLP‑1 receptor activation | Reduces appetite and promotes satiety through dual GIP & GLP‑1 receptor activation | Reduces appetite and delays gastric emptying via GLP‑1 receptor activation |
| Indications | Approved for weight management | Approved for weight management with specific eligibility criteria | Approved for weight management in patients with obesity or weight‑related conditions |
Wegovy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy works by activating GLP‑1 receptors, which help reduce appetite, delay gastric emptying, and support weight loss.
Is Wegovy available in Ireland?
Yes, Wegovy is available in Ireland for weight management under prescription.
What is the dosing schedule for Wegovy?
Wegovy is started at a low dose (0.25 mg once weekly) and is gradually increased over several weeks to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
How is the Wegovy injection administered?
Wegovy is administered subcutaneously using a prefilled pen. Patients are advised to rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
What is the Wegovy Ireland price?
Wegovy costs between €240 and €355 per month depending on the dose.
It is currently not covered on the medical card or Drugs Payment Scheme.
What are common side effects of Wegovy?
Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and injection site reactions.
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
While Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same ingredient (semaglutide) and are used in the same way, Wegovy is officialy licensed for weight loss in Ireland while Ozempic is not.
Wegovy is also available in higher doses than Ozempic.
How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?
Clinical studies have shown that when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Wegovy can lead to significant weight loss over time.
Prescription Information
A valid prescription is required before we supply any prescription medications.
Choice of treatment
Your GP or specialist will prescribe the most suitable product for you based on your medical history and other medications.
The information on this page has been written by our pharmacist team and is intended to be used in consultation with your doctor to make an informed treatment plan.