One thing Santa won’t bring this year is new supplies of Ozempic, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. of “Miracle drug” Its popularity has skyrocketed as an appetite suppressant, but it has become best known for its weight loss effects above all else.
Many people suffering from type 2 diabetes are frustrated by the price of their medications, and worse, the lack of consistency from pharmacy to pharmacy. The HSE says Olympic prices are determined and not set between pharmacies and suppliers.
EVOKE looked at Ozempic prices across the country to find out which counties are charging the most and which counties are charging the least for the in-demand drug.
Perhaps surprisingly, Dublin did not appear to be charging the highest prices for weekly injections. Overall, the price of Ozempic appears to be between 133 and 155 euros, but some outliers have the drug charging as much as 185 euros.
Additionally, this drug is extremely difficult to obtain. Almost all the pharmacies that shared the prices also added that there are so many people trying to get their hands on the product that they don’t have any left in stock.
One pharmacist told EVOKE that the drug’s supplier sent a letter to retailers across the country stating that Ozempic would no longer be stocked this fall or winter. Pharmacies selling the drug this fall should already have it in stock. The prices being charged for Ozempic nationwide are as follows…
dublin
North side:
If you’re hoping to find Ozempic in north Dublin, you’re out of luck. A pharmacist at Edward McManus Pharmacy in Ballymun explained: “It’s very difficult to get hold of and we can only admit patients with a medical card.” The company charges €150 for a month’s supply of the drug.
The low-dose drug, which normally costs €142, is also sold out at McCabes Pharmacy in Altan.
South side:
In south Dublin, it costs about the same to get a month’s supply of Ozempic. Meaghers Pharmacy on Baggot Street costs €159 per month.
At Lloyds in Donnybrook, the drug costs €154 for a month’s supply. Boots seems to be cheaper than its competitors, at a flat rate of 133.69 euros.
Kildare
There is also a severe shortage of drugs in Kildare. McCabe’s Pharmacy in Athy charges €140 each for the drug when it is available, which is €2 less than the pharmacy in Dublin.
Meanwhile, at Connolly’s Pharmacy in Kildare Town, it costs €150 to buy a month’s worth of essentials.
county laois
If you were thinking of heading to Midland to get Ozempic cheaper, go back to square one. You will never notice that drug prices have fallen too low.
At Lloyds Pharmacy in Portlaoise I paid €140, €14 cheaper than at a pharmacy in Dublin 4. But if you go to Abairex, you could end up paying 155 euros to get Ozempic.
limerick
The drug appears to be slightly cheaper in Munster, with Limerick appearing to be the cheapest city to buy it. Lloyds pharmacies in the area cost €130 for a month, €24 cheaper than their sister store in Donnybrook.
O’Malleys Pharmacy charges €134.95 and explains that the prices set by each pharmacy “vary depending on their structure and dispensing”. This is the choice we made because it is very expensive and not covered by any scheme. ”
kelly
If you’re looking for Ozempic in County Kerry, expect to pay more.
O’Sullivan Pharmacy in Killarney charges €185 for a month’s supply, explaining: “It depends on demand and the price you pay for it depending on where you get it from.”
galway
In Galway, Whelan’s Pharmacy costs €140 and Boots costs €133.69, so prices are fairly in line with competitors.
mayo
If you’re heading west for Ozempic, O’Donnell’s Total Health Pharmacy in County Mayo will charge you €150 for a month’s supply, while Treacy’s Pharmacy sells it for €140.
Offaly
You’ll be hard-pressed to find Ozempic in Offaly for less than €150. “I don’t understand how a chemist can charge €130 for a month’s worth of medicine,” one pharmacist explained. They said the drug could act as a loss leader and cause customers to buy something else when they come.
Stratus Healthcare Pharmacy’s price is 155 euros, while Haven Pharmacy’s price is 150 euros.
Patients using Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes should be aware that it may be reimbursed by the HSE under the Long Term Sickness Scheme. However, people who use the drug to treat other illnesses are not entitled to a refund.
