What the EU approved, and when
The EMA's record of procedures after authorisation lists two steps. A grouped variation updating the product information with results from two phase 3b studies received a CHMP opinion on 11 December 2025 and a European Commission decision on 16 February 2026. A separate extension adding a 7.2 mg single-dose pen received an opinion on 21 May 2026 and a Commission decision on 14 July 2026. The current product information lists Wegovy 7.2 mg solution for injection in a pre-filled pen, and says the 7.2 mg dose can be given as one 7.2 mg injection or three 2.4 mg injections depending on the device. Your pharmacist explains which device you have.
Who the product information says it is for
Section 4.2 of the EU product information says the dose can be increased to 7.2 mg once weekly, if needed, after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg, in adults whose BMI was 30 or more at the start of treatment. If there is no additional clinical improvement in body weight on 7.2 mg, the dose should be lowered to 2.4 mg. For adolescents, doses above 2.4 mg are not recommended. The standard schedule still starts at 0.25 mg and rises over 16 weeks to 2.4 mg, so 7.2 mg is not a starting dose.
Why the regulator limited it
The EMA's assessment report found the extra benefit of 7.2 mg may be clinically relevant for some patients, an estimated 7 to 15% of the total population, but not for the majority. The CHMP judged its benefit-risk positive only for patients who need additional weight loss. People with a BMI between 27 and 30 were not studied at this dose, and the report says they should not be treated with it. Side effects described as dysaesthesia, changes in skin sensation, were reported by 22% of people in the 7.2 mg group, and the report says the long-term effects are unknown.
What the trial showed
In STEP UP, 1,407 adults with obesity were treated for 72 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. Average body weight fell by 18.7% on 7.2 mg, 15.6% on 2.4 mg and 3.9% on placebo, counting everyone regardless of whether they stopped treatment. These are averages, not a prediction for any one person. The patient leaflet says hair loss and changes in skin sensation may happen more often with 7.2 mg.
Can you get it in Ireland?
An EU authorisation covers Ireland, but it does not show that a particular pharmacy has stock. On 10 October 2026, Healthwave, a pharmacy in Dundrum, Dublin, listed Wegovy 7.2 mg at €380 on its Wegovy page, against €295 for 2.4 mg, and described the 7.2 mg dose as a pack of four single-dose pens. myBMI, an online consultation service whose Wegovy is dispensed by its partner pharmacy ePharm NI in Northern Ireland, published a 7.2 mg total of €326.49, made up of a €169 consultation, a €149 ePharm NI treatment price and €8.49 courier, against €222.49 for 2.4 mg. Medicine dispatched from Northern Ireland is a cross-border supply route, not a Republic of Ireland pharmacy. These are the sellers' own published figures, not quotes or stock confirmation. The HSE says Wegovy is not covered by the medical card, Long-Term Illness Scheme or Drugs Payment Scheme.
Questions for your prescriber
These questions help you understand a prescriber's recommendation. They are not a reason to change your own dose.
- Does my BMI at the start of treatment meet the threshold for 7.2 mg?
- How will we judge whether 7.2 mg gives additional benefit, and when?
- Which side effects should I report, including changes in skin sensation?
- Which device will the pharmacy supply, and how many injections is each dose?
- What will each 4-week supply cost at 7.2 mg compared with 2.4 mg?