Here’s the fact that surprises almost everyone who asks us: Ozempic and Wegovy are the same medicine. Both are semaglutide, made by the same company. The differences — and they do matter — are in the licence, the doses, and the price. This is the plain-English comparison our pharmacists give at the counter in Portlaoise.
Same molecule, different jobs
| Ozempic | Wegovy | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide (different molecule) |
| Licensed for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes and weight management |
| Maximum dose | 2mg weekly | 2.4mg weekly | 15mg weekly |
| How it works | GLP-1: slows digestion, reduces appetite | Same — at higher weight-loss doses | GLP-1 + GIP: dual action, strongest trial results |
| Guide price at Laois Pharmacy | from €130/month | from €240/month | from €238/month |
In plain terms: Wegovy is “Ozempic for weight loss, at weight-loss doses, with the weight-loss licence.” Mounjaro is the newer dual-action alternative that has shown the strongest average weight loss in head-to-head trials.
Which conversation should you have with your GP?
This isn’t a prescription — it’s about walking into your GP appointment informed.
The part that matters more than the brand name
Every one of these medicines is prescription-only, GP-led, and a long-term commitment — the medicine does the appetite work, but the results that last come from the habits built alongside it. That’s why our weight management service is built GP-first: your own doctor decides if treatment is right; we dispense from stock (usually same day), answer every question about injection technique and side effects, and stay with you month to month. Affordable prescription routes like SmartScripts.ie (€20) exist if seeing your own GP is difficult.
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Ozempic vs Wegovy FAQs
Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same drug?
Yes — both are semaglutide. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2mg weekly); Wegovy is licensed for weight management at higher doses (up to 2.4mg weekly).
Which works better for weight loss — Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Wegovy’s higher doses outperform diabetes-dose Ozempic for weight loss, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has shown the strongest average weight loss in trials. Which suits you is a GP decision based on your health picture.
Do I need a prescription for Ozempic or Wegovy in Ireland?
Always. These are prescription-only medicines. Your GP is the right starting point — Laois Pharmacy dispenses from stock, usually same day, once you have a valid prescription.
Is Ozempic covered on the medical card?
For type 2 diabetes it may be covered under your scheme. Prescribed for weight loss, it’s generally private. Bring your prescription in and we’ll confirm exactly what it costs under your circumstances.
Reviewed by Deirdre O’Donovan MPSI, pharmacist (registered since 1981), Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise, July 2026. Prices are guide prices and can change with supply.
