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WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG Wegovy is now available in Ireland.
Wegovy, which is manufactured by the same company behind diabetes drug Ozempic, is a weekly injection which suppresses people’s appetites and makes users feel full.
Those with a prescription for the drug will be able to purchase the pre-filled injector pen at pharmacies, but it will not be available for medical card holders for some time.
It contains the same active substance of Ozempic, semaglutide, which is used to treat obesity and diabetes, according to the HSE. The dose included in Wegovy injector is more than double than what is in Ozempic, to maximise the effect it has on users’ weight.
Donal O’Shea, the HSE’s lead expert on obesity, confirmed on Newstalk Breakfast today that the drug is now available in the Irish market. While he stressed that no drug should be seen as a ‘wonder drug’ to treat obesity, he did say that Wegovy would help patients.
“The obesity programme in the HSE want these treatments to be available in Ireland,” he said. He added that launching the treatment is the “first step” in that process, and the HSE will work to get the medicines covered under healthcare schemes.
It has been widely reported that manufacturer Novo Nordisk is open to offering Wegovy on the community drug scheme for medical card holders.
O’Shea warned that side effects – including nausea, constipation and vomiting – can be experienced, especially if the drug is not appropriately prescribed.
Medical experts hope that the cost of the drug, which could priced at up to €200, will be reduced overtime.
Pharmacist and host of WonderCare podcast Sheena Mitchell has called on the Department of Health and the government to create policies so that the drug can become more accessible. She also called for better preventative frameworks.
Meanwhile, O’Shea said the HSE will assist those who require the drug for high-risk cases. Like many drugs, he said, prices will begin to reduce once the patent is issued more broadly.
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This is great news, semaglutide is one part of the three-prong approach, exercise and good diet are still required for long-term benefit. A great early side-effect is also reduction in opioid, alcohol and nicotine consumption. It also improves cardiovascular function through it’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This drug has the potential to be a true game-changer and massively ease the burden on our healthcare system in the future.
@Jacintha Dumbrell: it killed off Operation Transformation, so its already a legend.
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: That one benefit outweighs all the others combined! (excuse the pun?).
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: you’d miss Karl Henry’s ad break challenge.
@Jacintha Dumbrell: we need to take a broad perspective.
@Setanta O’Toole: the challenge was to come back after the ad break…
I’m just here for all the insulting and uneducated comments regarding obesity.
They are such a joy.
@Fiona Wyse: Waaaaah! Mammy! Want WeGovy! Huggies too tight! – said every incel boxroom keyboard jockey on here.
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: mammy,socks,incelboi is basically your response to every comment,yawn change the record bro
@Fiona Wyse: obesity itself is insulting, excuses are weak.
@Darran Macken: ok that’s what you feel, but I don’t have to make any excuses for my biological makeup, that’s up to my parents too answer for.
However with two half marathons under my belt I’m not going to feel too bad about my biological makeup because I know I’m healthy and I’m doing literally everything that I can.
Currently injured and panicking massively because somebody like me needs constant exercise so have a think about what your words mean to other people in this situation.
You have no idea what some people go through to try and maintain it somewhat healthy weight for themselves.
@Buster Lawless: If you are on a GLP1 medication and you’re able to eat Wendy’s all day long fair play to you I’d hate to see the toilet after ya!
Wouldn’t be for me thanks.
@Fiona Wyse: how many calories do you eat in a day?
In the USA without insurance this will cost $1K. This is prescribed for medical necessity. Weight loss, working out and genetics aren’t always in balance. Drugs like this get demonized because the wellness industry (trillions of $ industry) lobbies against it, just like anti vax. This is positive news for Ireland, be thankful medicines and their use are well regulated in an ethical fashion in Ireland. Éire Abú!
I suppose gym membership or walking and eating less and healthy is out of the question……:()
@J Cronin: keep up dearie…….top professor in hse said these things don’t work in most people anymore
@Clare Power: Any source? Because what I have seen and been reading was, that about 15% is genetics. The other 85% contributing to being overweight it simply wrong food and lifestyle.
This does mean, even IF you have some form of genetic pre-condition, it’s vastly outweigh by the rest.
@Wolfgang Bonow: There is plenty of research, message me on Facebook I’ll happily hook you up with some solid research.
@Clare Power: not true
@J Cronin: you are right but its really really really hard to beat obesity with diet and excersise. And its really really really easy to put on weight. Highly palatable, calorie dense and cheap food is everywhere.
Walkings free and won’t reduce your lifespan.
A wonderful, synthetic replacement for those outdated wight-loss drugs, vegetables.
Drew Harris has procured 1 million doses as priority to Garda new recruits. Speaking to The Journal, he said it is a priority that Garda can easily put two feet in front of themselves and start to wean off soddies and bacon butties.
@Phose: what’s a soddies? Is that a euphemism for butt seks?
In macdonald’s soon. Do you want a Wegovy with that jumbo meal.
@Ichabod Crane: Are the O’Zempic Shamrock Shakes sold out?
So when will patent be issued more broadly?
@Mr “JonnieBoy” Johnson: More broadly? It’s supposed to prevent that.
Any chance of a jab for incels?
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: yawn incel mammy socks,
Medical experts hope that the cost of the drug, which could priced at up to €200, will be reduced overtime.
Yeah course it will.
@sharonkelly…..sorry tried to tag my misses
Kids goodbye to your fat and bone density.
@Dave Grant: completely incorrect however you absolutely should be lifting weights when on this medication.
In fact medication aside, everybody needs to lift weights to maintain muscle mass and bone density because that is what’s going to keep you out of a nursing home for as long as possible
@Fiona Wyse: But, given that this is a drug, there are some potential downsides to consider, too. New research published in JAMA Network Open links GLP-1 receptor agonists—a class of medications that includes semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—to a loss of bone density.19 Sept 2024
@N J: this is not a new drug glp1 medications have been in operation since around 2005.
@N J: Highly recommend the Docs Who Lift podcast very informative.
@Fiona Wyse: I never said it was a new drug, just new research. I’ve watched a few podcasts where these weight loss drugs are discussed and all of them mentioned loss of bone density as a side effect. I agree with your other comment that weight lifting is a workaround for this issue.
MeatCanyon on YouTube did a great video of this drug… :P
Fatties. EAT LESS
@Kieran Mac C:
Very ignorant comment Kieran. There are many medical disorders and medications that cause significant weight gain. Do a bit of research. Google hypothalamic disorders. A little bit of education and you won’t sound so thick.
Some people will inject anything into their body . Lazy people will luv this .
This is a disgrace. Did Gerry Ryan die in vain?
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: he died for your sins. And his own.
Send some to Gérard Depardieu before he bursts. There’s not a jail that could hold him when he’s convicted. France’s very own Rapey McRapeface.
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: pot kettle black?
@Luas Vuitton – Penneys Drag Queen: three posts at once. You work for The Journal? You a click bait poster?
Dust. Anybody? No? Dust.
@Daniel Skelton: is that you Marjorie?
@Daniel Skelton: ah I miss Little Britain!
have your say