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18th September 2024
10:11am BST
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has expressed interest in expanding the availability of Ozempic in Ireland.
When asked about the supposed 'wonder drug', Donnelly agreed that he'd consider opening the drug up to millions like the NHS is considering in the UK.
Donnelly described Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, as a 'wonder drug'.
Semaglutide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it is also used for weight loss and to help people with long-term weight management.
According to The Independent, Donnelly said he "absolutely" believes in giving more people access to the drug.
"[Ozempic] is authorised for diabetes, but there are people who are taking it or would like to take it for dietary reasons and for weight loss.
"There’s emerging evidence that actually, it might be some kind of wonder drug," Minister Donnelly continued.
"So the process is, the company can apply for different uses, the HSE have the teams in place who then evaluate that and do the cost-benefit analysis," he shared.
People who take Ozempic for reasons other than diabetes currently spend around €150 on the drug per month.
Donnelly is open to supplying the drug under the Drugs Payment Scheme.
The Minister's remarks come after the public was warned against purchasing fake weight loss injections in Ireland.
The HPRA revealed that 656 units of fake Ozempic were seized in Ireland within the first five months of 2024.
You can only get Ozempic in Ireland if your GP prescribes it for diabetes or weight loss.
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