Galway has been listed as having one of the highest uptakes of Ozempic in the country.
The Irish Independent today reports 35,000 patients received the drug for diabetes treatment last year. Ozempic, an injectible medication for type 2 diabetes, helps control blood sugar levels, but is also used privately to aid weight loss.
Last year’s figure of 35,000 fell under the Medical Card and Long Term Illness scheme for diabetes.
Nearly 2,100 people in Galway were prescribed the drug last year, while Roscommon recorded the lowest with 494.
The bill for the state under these schemes was 41 million euro, while a patient paying privately can expect to pay 120 a month.
This comes as Mountjaro, another injection designed to treat obesity or type 2 diabetes, awaits approval from the HSE for pricing and reimbursement.