What the HSE says about who prescribes
The HSE says you can only get obesity medicines on prescription, that they should be prescribed by a doctor or some specialist nurses, and that you get the medicine from a pharmacy. It says Wegovy can be prescribed by your doctor if you have a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with at least one weight-related health problem such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or high cholesterol. It gives the same BMI criteria for tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in adults and says tirzepatide cannot be prescribed for children and young people. Meeting these criteria does not oblige a doctor to prescribe; the doctor assesses whether the medicine is suitable for you.
Your GP, an online doctor or a specialist
Your own GP already holds your medical history and can arrange checks such as blood tests and blood pressure, which the HSE lists among the things a doctor may use to assess weight-related health. Online consultation services are another route. The Medical Council's patient guide notes that a telemedicine consultation does not involve a physical examination, and that a prescription is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. The HPRA says selling prescription medicines online in Ireland is illegal, so an online consultation with a doctor and an online medicine sale are different things. For specialist care, the Medical Council says doctors can only practise independently as specialists if they hold specialist registration.
Will it be a private prescription?
For weight management, yes in most cases. The HSE says Wegovy and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are not covered by the medical card, the Long-Term Illness Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, so you pay the pharmacy's price. Saxenda (liraglutide) is different: the HSE says it may be covered by the medical card or DPS for adults aged 18 to 74 with a BMI of 35 or more, pre-diabetes and high risk of heart attack or stroke, initially for up to six months. Our HSE reimbursement guide tracks where the Wegovy and Mounjaro funding applications stand.
What to have ready for the appointment
The HSE says a doctor may assess your BMI, your waist-to-height ratio if your BMI is under 35, and weight-related health problems. It lists topics the doctor may ask about, and things to tell them before starting an obesity medicine. The Medical Council suggests having a list of your medicines and the name and address of your pharmacy ready for an online consultation.
- How your weight affects your life, and how it has changed over time
- Weight-related health problems, and your family history
- Your sleep, diet, physical activity, stress, smoking and alcohol
- Every medicine you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements
- Whether you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- Any past allergic reaction to a medicine
- Your pharmacy's name and address
Check who is prescribing
The Medical Council says all doctors must by law register with it to practise in Ireland. Its registration number often appears on prescriptions and clinic websites. Open the doctor's full record by clicking the registration number: the Council warns that a name search alone can miss conditions, undertakings or a suspension.
After a prescription
The HSE says you will need regular check-ups while taking an obesity medicine, to confirm it is still working and to review side effects. It advises talking to your doctor before changing a dose, changing medicine or stopping. GLP-1.ie is not a clinic and does not give medical advice; your prescriber decides what is suitable for you.