Wegovy in Ireland — The Complete Guide
Semaglutide for weight loss — available in Ireland since March 2025.
~15%
average body weight lost
€220+
per month in Ireland
March 2025
launched in Ireland
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide 2.4mg, a once-weekly injectable medication approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults. It was developed by Novo Nordisk — the same company behind Ozempic — and launched in Ireland in March 2025.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating. This signals the brain that you are full, slows the passage of food through your stomach, and reduces the impulse to eat. The result is a significant and sustained reduction in calorie intake — without the hunger and cravings that typically accompany traditional dieting.
In the STEP-1 clinical trial, adults taking Wegovy 2.4mg lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. For someone starting at 100kg, that is roughly 15kg of weight loss.
Wegovy vs Ozempic — Why They Are Different
A common question: is Wegovy just Ozempic rebranded? The answer is no — they share the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but are distinct products:
- Wegovy (2.4mg): Licenced for weight management. Higher dose. For people with obesity or overweight with health complications.
- Ozempic (up to 2mg): Licenced for type 2 diabetes only. Lower dose. For people with poorly controlled blood sugar.
In Ireland, only Wegovy can be prescribed for weight loss. Ozempic is restricted to diabetes patients. If you are looking for semaglutide for weight management, Wegovy is the correct product.
Wegovy Dose Schedule
Wegovy uses a gradual dose-escalation protocol to minimise side effects. You start on the lowest dose and increase every 4 weeks:
| Dose | Treatment Phase | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg weekly | Month 1 (Weeks 1–4) | Starter dose. Tolerance building. Minimal weight loss. |
| 0.5mg weekly | Month 2 (Weeks 5–8) | Appetite reduction more noticeable. |
| 1mg weekly | Month 3 (Weeks 9–12) | Weight loss typically begins in earnest. |
| 1.7mg weekly | Month 4 (Weeks 13–16) | Near-maintenance dose for some patients. |
| 2.4mg weekly | Month 5+ (maintenance) | Full maintenance dose. Average ~15% body weight loss over 68 weeks. |
How Much Does Wegovy Cost in Ireland?
Wegovy is available only as a private prescription in Ireland. The approximate monthly cost is:
- myBMI: €220+ per month (includes coaching support)
- SmartScripts: Available — exact pricing on application
- ZAVA: Available — exact pricing on application
- LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor: TBC — check site for current pricing
Consultation fees vary by provider (€20–€109) and are typically charged separately to medication costs. Ongoing monthly consultations may be included in some plans.
Is Wegovy Covered by the HSE or Health Insurance?
Currently, Wegovy is not covered by the HSE Drug Payment Scheme or GMS card for weight loss in the general population. It is also not routinely covered by private health insurance in Ireland.
This may change as evidence for cardiovascular benefits builds (the SELECT trial showed a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events). However, for now, Wegovy remains a private cost for most Irish patients.
How to Get Wegovy in Ireland
You do not need a GP referral. The process through any of the providers below is:
- Complete a health questionnaire — covering your weight history, medical conditions, and current medications
- Doctor review — a registered doctor reviews your information and determines suitability
- Prescription issued — if suitable, a prescription is issued electronically to a pharmacy
- Delivery — Wegovy is delivered to your home within 1–3 business days
- Ongoing monitoring — providers typically offer monthly check-ins to adjust your dose
Provider Comparison — Wegovy in Ireland
| Provider | Consultation | Mounjaro | Wegovy | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SmartScripts Cheapest Consult | €20 | €300–€475/mo | Available | Cheapest consultation. Online-only service. Irish-based. | Visit Site → |
ZAVA | €21.50 | TBC | Available | Pan-European digital health provider. Strong patient support. | Visit Site → |
myBMI Most Established | €109 (plan incl.) | Available | €220+/mo | Most established Irish weight loss clinic. Coaching included. | Visit Site → |
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor | TBC | Available | Available | Trusted pharmacy brand. Prescription service with pharmacist support. | Visit Site → |
BeyondBMI Premium | TBC | Available | Available | Premium medically-led programme. GP-supervised treatment. | Visit Site → |
WeightLossInjections.ie | TBC | Available | Available | Ireland-specific service. Focused exclusively on injectable weight loss. | Visit Site → |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Wegovy launch in Ireland?
Wegovy became available in Ireland in March 2025 via private prescription. It is now stocked by several regulated online providers and can be delivered nationwide.
How much does Wegovy cost in Ireland?
Wegovy costs approximately €220+ per month in Ireland. The exact price varies by provider and dose. Some providers include the consultation fee in the monthly plan; others charge it separately.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but they are different products with different licences. Wegovy is licenced for weight management at a higher dose (up to 2.4mg weekly). Ozempic is licenced only for type 2 diabetes (up to 2mg weekly).
Is Wegovy available on the HSE?
Not currently for the general population. Wegovy is a private prescription medication in Ireland. It may become available via the HSE for specific high-risk groups in future, but there is no confirmed timeline.
How long do you stay on Wegovy?
Wegovy is intended as a long-term treatment. Clinical evidence shows that weight regain occurs in most people who stop taking it. Most providers recommend staying on maintenance dose indefinitely, or until guided otherwise by a doctor.
What is the Wegovy dose schedule in Ireland?
Wegovy is started at 0.25mg weekly and increased every 4 weeks: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg (maintenance). The escalation takes approximately 16–20 weeks.
Get Wegovy in Ireland
Start with an online consultation today — no GP referral needed.
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