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Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine used for weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity. Now available in Ireland up to the 7.2 mg dose, Wegovy is designed to work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Generally, treatment can be suitable for patients with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above if you have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
Am I Eligible?
The standard titration path builds slowly from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg over roughly 16-20 weeks to minimise side effects. 2.4 mg is the maintenance dose for most patients. Adults with a BMI of 30 or more when they started treatment who have been on 2.4 mg for at least 4 weeks may be stepped up to 7.2 mg if their doctor decides it is needed. If there is no further weight improvement at 7.2 mg, the dose is lowered back to 2.4 mg. The 7.2 mg pen is not a starting dose and is not appropriate for everyone.
In the STEP UP trial, people on Wegovy 7.2 mg lost 20.7% of their body weight on average over 72 weeks, and about one in three lost 25% or more. Results vary from person to person. Source: STEP UP (Wharton et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2025) and the Wegovy EU product information, section 5.1; figures are for people who took the medicine as prescribed, alongside diet and exercise changes.
With Bua's programme, the trial average would bring you to 79 kg over 72 weeks, based on the trial average. That's a weight loss of 21 kg. Results vary from person to person.
This projection is based on the average results from large-scale clinical trials and is for informational purposes only.
Individual results vary. These outcomes are based on clinical trial data and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Before first use, your healthcare provider should show you how to inject it. Always read the full "Instructions for Use" leaflet provided with your medicine.
Important Note: Every time you inject, select a new location that is at least a finger's width apart from the previous site. Rotating your injection sites is crucial for preventing the development of persistent, hard lumps (fatty nodules), which can form and reduce how well your medication works.
Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. It's important to be aware of what to look for.
Common (may affect more than 1 in 10): headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, feeling weak or tired. These usually pass over time as your body adjusts.
The 7.2 mg dose has a safety profile consistent with the 2.4 mg dose. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were slightly more common at 7.2 mg but remained mostly mild to moderate. Around 3% of patients on 7.2 mg stopped treatment due to GI side effects, compared with 2% on 2.4 mg.
Rare – seek immediate medical attention:
All medical information on this page has been reviewed by our clinical partners at MedicOnline
The Bua Knowledge Centre
The Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen is now available in Ireland. One weekly injection at the highest-strength dose. What it means for patients: STEP UP trial results, eligibility, and how it compares to Mounjaro.
Read
An evidence-based comparison of Wegovy and Mounjaro in Ireland: mechanism, weight-loss outcomes, side effects, access, cost, and who each treatment may suit best.
Read
A practical guide to Wegovy eligibility in Ireland in 2026: BMI criteria, qualifying conditions, contraindications, expected costs, dose schedule, and what happens if you stop.
Read
The Wegovy pill is EU-approved as of July 2026, but Irish patients still can't get it. Here's what's left and what you can do now.
Read
Thinking about starting Wegovy in Ireland? This guide covers common side effects, serious risks, who should not take it, and what to expect before you begin.
Read
A practical guide to what happens after stopping Wegovy: weight regain timelines, tapering approaches, and long-term management strategies for Irish patients.
Read
Yes, your GP can prescribe Wegovy in Ireland - but practical access, follow-up structure, and ongoing support can vary significantly in real-world care.
ReadWegovy (semaglutide) is available in Ireland on private prescription, including the higher 7.2 mg dose. 2026 guide: Ozempic vs Wegovy, supply, counterfeit risk, dose schedule, 7.2 mg update, pricing by dose, eligibility, and safe access via Bua Health.
ReadThe Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen is now available in Ireland. One weekly injection at the highest-strength dose. What it means for patients: STEP UP trial results, eligibility, and how it compares to Mounjaro.
An evidence-based comparison of Wegovy and Mounjaro in Ireland: mechanism, weight-loss outcomes, side effects, access, cost, and who each treatment may suit best.
A practical guide to Wegovy eligibility in Ireland in 2026: BMI criteria, qualifying conditions, contraindications, expected costs, dose schedule, and what happens if you stop.
The Wegovy pill is EU-approved as of July 2026, but Irish patients still can't get it. Here's what's left and what you can do now.
Thinking about starting Wegovy in Ireland? This guide covers common side effects, serious risks, who should not take it, and what to expect before you begin.
A practical guide to what happens after stopping Wegovy: weight regain timelines, tapering approaches, and long-term management strategies for Irish patients.
Yes, your GP can prescribe Wegovy in Ireland - but practical access, follow-up structure, and ongoing support can vary significantly in real-world care.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is available in Ireland on private prescription, including the higher 7.2 mg dose. 2026 guide: Ozempic vs Wegovy, supply, counterfeit risk, dose schedule, 7.2 mg update, pricing by dose, eligibility, and safe access via Bua Health.
