NEW SERVICE
Weight Management Programme
Medically supervised weight management support, available at Laois Pharmacy in Portlaoise. Speak with one of our expert pharmacists today.
What is the Weight Management Programme?
At Laois Pharmacy, we understand that managing your weight can be challenging. Our pharmacist-led Weight Management Programme is designed to support you with expert guidance, lifestyle advice, and where appropriate, medically supervised options.
Our programme combines:
- One-to-one pharmacist consultation — a private, confidential assessment of your health history and weight goals
- Lifestyle and nutrition guidance — practical, evidence-based advice tailored to you
- Medication review — understanding whether prescription weight management treatments may be appropriate for your situation
- Ongoing support — regular check-ins to track your progress and adjust your plan
GLP-1 Medications & Weight Management Treatments
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (such as Wegovy and Ozempic) have transformed the treatment of obesity and overweight in recent years. These medications are available on prescription in Ireland and are subject to strict prescribing criteria.
Our pharmacists can advise you on eligibility criteria, how these treatments work, side effects, and how to access them safely through your GP or specialist. We do not prescribe medication directly, but we can guide you through the process and answer your questions in a private, professional setting.
⚠️ Important: Weight management medications are prescription-only products and must be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Our pharmacists can provide information and guidance, but prescribing decisions are made by your GP or specialist.
Who is this service for?
Our weight management programme may be suitable for you if:
- You have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
- Your BMI is 25 or above and you have weight-related health concerns
- You have been advised by your GP to manage your weight
- You want professional, confidential guidance from a healthcare expert
How to Get Started
Simply visit us at 1 Dunamaise House, Portlaoise or call us on 057 86 61999 to arrange a private consultation with one of our pharmacists. There is no need for a GP referral to speak with us.
You can also send us a message on WhatsApp if you’d prefer to ask questions privately before visiting in person.
Speak to a Pharmacist Today
Our expert team is here to help you take the first step towards a healthier weight.
Available Weight Loss Medications
Select a tab below to explore each treatment in detail
Injected once weekly
How it works
Mounjaro is the newest and most effective weight management injection available. It uniquely activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors — two gut hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. This dual-hormone action delivers greater weight reduction than single GLP-1 medications.
Available strengths
Dosing schedule
- Start: 2.5mg once weekly
- Increase by 2.5mg every 4 weeks
- Maximum dose: 15mg weekly
- Injected into abdomen, thigh or upper arm
Who it’s for
Adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
Injected once weekly
How it works
Wegovy mimics GLP-1, a natural gut hormone that signals fullness to your brain. It reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and is specifically licensed for chronic weight management — not just diabetes.
Available strengths
Dosing schedule
- Start: 250mcg once weekly
- Increase every 4 weeks
- Maintenance: 2.4mg weekly
- Injected subcutaneously once per week
Who it’s for
Adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition. Specifically licensed for weight management in adults.
Dial-a-dose pen design
How it works
Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that acts on appetite-regulating centres in the brain — reducing hunger and increasing the sense of fullness. It was the first GLP-1 injection approved for weight management in Ireland.
Dose levels
Dosing schedule
- Week 1: 0.6mg daily
- Increase by 0.6mg each week
- Maintenance: 3mg daily (by week 5)
- Each pen lasts approximately 6 days at maintenance dose
Who it’s for
Adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related conditions. Suits those who prefer a predictable daily injection routine.
Injected once weekly
How it works
Ozempic contains semaglutide — the same active ingredient as Wegovy — and works by mimicking GLP-1 to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar. It is primarily licensed for type 2 diabetes management.
Available strengths
Dosing schedule
- Start: 0.25mg weekly for 4 weeks
- Increase to 0.5mg weekly
- May increase to 1mg or 2mg as directed by your doctor
Who it’s for
Primarily adults with type 2 diabetes. A doctor will determine if it is appropriate for weight management in your individual case.
Naltrexone 8mg + Bupropion 90mg
How it works
Mysimba combines naltrexone (opioid antagonist) and bupropion (dopamine reuptake inhibitor) to target both appetite regulation and the brain’s reward system simultaneously. It reduces food cravings and increases energy expenditure. No injections required.
4-week dose titration
- Week 1: 1 tablet each morning
- Week 2: 1 tablet morning + 1 tablet evening
- Week 3: 2 tablets morning + 1 tablet evening
- Week 4+: 2 tablets morning + 2 tablets evening (maintenance)
Who it’s for
Adults with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidities) who prefer an oral option, or for whom injectable medications are not suitable.
1 capsule with each main meal
How it works
Xenical works differently to GLP-1 medications. It blocks the enzyme (lipase) that digests dietary fat in your gut, preventing approximately 30% of eaten fat from being absorbed. The blocked fat passes out naturally. It is non-hormonal with decades of proven clinical use.
Dosing
- Take 1 capsule (120mg) with each of your 3 main meals
- Take during or up to 1 hour after each meal
- Skip dose if a meal is missed or contains no fat
- Follow a reduced-calorie, balanced diet for best results
Who it’s for
Adults with BMI ≥28 with at least one weight-related risk factor. Ideal for a non-hormonal, non-injectable approach with a long safety record.
Not sure which medication is right for you?
Our expert pharmacists can walk you through every option and help you have the right conversation with your doctor — in complete confidence.