HSE patient information includes both semaglutide and tirzepatide among medicines used in obesity treatment.
Who may be eligible?
Current HSE patient guidance states that Wegovy may be prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above together with at least one weight-related health problem. HSE gives the same broad adult BMI criteria for tirzepatide. Individual prescribing still requires clinical assessment.
BMI is only part of the assessment. A doctor will also consider your weight history, medical conditions, current medication, previous weight-management attempts, pregnancy plans, side-effect risk and weight-related complications.
How do these medicines work?
These medicines influence hormonal pathways involved in appetite, fullness, food intake and glucose regulation. They can make people feel fuller with less food and reduce hunger. Tirzepatide additionally acts through GIP as well as GLP-1 pathways.
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide, but they are authorised and used for different indications. HSE describes Ozempic as a treatment prescribed for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is the semaglutide product used for weight management in eligible patients. They should not be treated as interchangeable consumer products.
What side effects are common?
Gastrointestinal side effects are particularly common. HSE lists effects including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion or heartburn, abdominal discomfort, vomiting and fatigue. Tirzepatide may also cause dizziness or low blood pressure in some people.
Why does the dose increase gradually?
Gradual dose escalation allows the body time to adapt and can improve tolerability. Trying to rush to a higher dose because you want faster weight loss is not a good strategy. The right dose balances effectiveness, tolerability and safety.
What can help nausea?
- Eat smaller meals.
- Eat slowly and stop when you feel full.
- Keep well hydrated.
- Reduce very fatty or fried meals if they worsen symptoms.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
Persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with your prescriber rather than simply endured.
Do I stay on treatment forever?
Obesity is increasingly treated as a chronic condition rather than a short diet. Some patients remain on medical treatment long term. Stopping medication can allow appetite and other physiological drivers of weight to return, so discontinuation should ideally be planned with clinical support.
What about pregnancy?
Weight-management medicines are not appropriate during pregnancy. Anyone planning pregnancy or who may be pregnant should discuss treatment with their prescriber.
Are these medications covered in Ireland?
HSE patient information currently states that Wegovy and tirzepatide for obesity are not covered by the Medical Card, Long-Term Illness Scheme or Drugs Payment Scheme. Reimbursement policy can change and should be checked at the time of prescribing.
Should I buy weight-loss injections online?
Use only a legitimate healthcare service involving an identifiable registered prescriber, proper clinical assessment, genuine prescription medication, an authorised pharmacy and a clear follow-up process. Unverified sources can expose patients to counterfeit or unsafe medicines.
| PrivateGP.ieIf you would like to know whether prescription weight-management treatment may be suitable for you, PrivateGP.ie offers private online consultations with Irish GPs. The consultation assesses eligibility, safety, medical history and follow-up rather than simply supplying an injection. |
When should I speak to a GP?
- Weight is affecting your health.
- Previous approaches have been unsuccessful.
- You want to know whether medication is suitable.
- You have developed side effects.
- Weight loss has stalled.
- You are considering stopping treatment.
- You have another condition such as hypertension, prediabetes or PCOS.
References and further information