Prescribing 'King Kong' of weight-loss pills could see drugs budget jump to €10bn
The State's drugs budget could more than double to €10bn if a treatment known as the 'King Kong' of weight-loss drugs is approved for everyone eligible, a doctors' conference has heard.
Some 'difficult decisions' are needed about the rising costs of all new drugs as soon as next year, clinical director of the National Centre of Pharmacoeconomics Professor Michael Barry warned.
The drugs budget has been rising for the last decade, Prof Barry said.
'I think our drugs budget is at €4bn. I got it wrong in the past, I thought it would be €4bn by 2027, it won't, it's here today,' he said.
He agreed with an estimate of one million people being eligible for these drugs, a figure raised by obesity expert Professor Donal O'Shea.
This is based on them having a BMI of over 30.
'That would in effect add €6bn to the drugs budget, which would then take it to €10m,' he said.
'It's unaffordable, it's not going to happen, and I don't see it happening in my opinion,' Prof Barry said.
The HSE is 'very close' to budget expansion limits, he told doctors at the Irish Medical Organisation's AGM in Killarney.
Two drugs — Mounjaro and Wegovy — are under assessment for weight-loss and other benefits.
However, he raised concerns about the potential impacts of increased spending.
'I anticipate that the assessment will be complete by the end of the year or the start of next year by the latest, then that is when the decision-making will need to be made,' he said.
The question is 'do we fund them?' or 'do we fund them only for a sub-group of people who could benefit from them?' so it depends, they will be big decisions.
Prof Barry also hit out at claims by pharma companies the HSE is to blame for delays bringing new cancer drugs to patients.
'Do [the companies] launch the product in Ireland first? Of course they don't. They go where the money is, the big markets — Germany, France, Italy, Spain,' he said.
'The HSE has nothing to do with this. The launching strategy of the pharmaceutical industry is up to themselves, that's why we've delays in access to medicines in this country.'
He urged: 'All I'm asking for is an honest debate about this. It's always portrayed, in any article I read, there's a delay of up to two years and it's the HSE's fault.
'What I said today, clearly is it's not. I have no problem defending this — these are high-cost drugs and we should be asking about the value for money before we pay tax-payers' money.
'I think people need to be honest, and acknowledge a significant amount of the delay is down to the company themselves.'
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The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to Advertisement 4 A mum-of-two has explained that in addition to hair loss, she has experienced a very unexpected side effect since using Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Chloe claimed that since using Mounjaro, her new hairs have been growing in GREY Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Sun GP Advertisement Read more on fat jabs But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking As she held a huge pile of Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, This is usually a result of a rapid Advertisement Not only this, but in All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Advertisement Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that t hese observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, Advertisement Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Numerous other It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' Advertisement A third commented: 'I've had the longest and Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough Advertisement Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using The injections are licensed for patients with 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Advertisement The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Irish Times
Frustration in Government over continual revelations from CHI
For weeks the Government had been bracing for more trouble at Children's Health Ireland (CHI), the embattled group that runs paediatric hospital services in Dublin . There has been frustration over waiting times for children who need orthopaedic surgery and a scandal over the implantation of unauthorised springs into three children. By mid-May another significant controversy was brewing; a review indicated that up to 60 per cent of a type of hip operations carried out at Temple Street Hospital were not necessary. However, just days after the hip report, real trouble came out of left field, with questions raised over the use of special waiting list clinics. The Sunday Times highlighted an internal CHI report that alleged potential irregularities in the State's initiative to tackle waiting lists. The Department of Health has said it had never seen or heard of the unpublished report, which dates back to 2021/22. Health Service Executive (HSE) chief Bernard Gloster also said he was unaware. But in recent days CHI told Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill that its content had been 'discussed' at performance management meetings with a senior HSE executive. READ MORE The report said a doctor, identified only as Consultant D, had been paid €35,800 for seeing patients at special clinics paid for by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The report questioned whether the special NTPF clinics were needed and suggested the children could have been treated using other capacity in the public system. [ Audit of CHI waiting lists ordered to ensure productivity in public hospitals, Minister for Health says Opens in new window ] The report was devastating on several levels. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is a champion of the NTPF, which forms part of Government initiatives that have seen €1.6 billion spent in recent years trying to curb hospital waiting times. Any suggestion of irregularity could undermine the wider system. Senior management across the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF maintain they were completely blindsided. Senior figures have acknowledged it is possible there were 'miscommunications' but insist that CHI never flagged any serious issues. Oireachtas committees will, undoubtedly, seek to pursue what the HSE was told about the CHI report in 2021 or 2022. Gloster, in a pre-arranged interview with RTÉ's 'This Week' programme on May 25th, described the CHI report as 'absolutely shocking'. 'I assure you if anything connected with, or near connected with alleged people ingratiating themselves financially in the public health system, the first step I'll be taking is to refer that matter to the gardaí,' he said. Gloster demanded to see the report from CHI the next day, and the HSE passed it to Carroll MacNeill. The report caused consternation, with worrying findings made about the NTPF clinics. More importantly, the report raised issues about patient safety. In the Department of Health there was concern that architecture put in place in the health service to deal with issues regarding the safety of patients had apparently not been utilised. [ Hip surgery audit: Almost 70% of operations in two children's hospitals 'unnecessary' Opens in new window ] The HSE is understood to have pressed CHI to refer the report to the Medical Council, the regulatory body for doctors. It warned that it would make the referral itself if the CHI did not. Last Thursday the HSE said it would bring the issues to the Medical Council, as well as to gardaí. The NTPF suspended funding to CHI pending an investigation. The report also deals with rows between staff in a particular unit. The findings are stark: 'CHI has a broken culture, created by dysfunctional relationships and challenging behaviour, negatively impacting service delivery, department dynamics and staff experiences and has the potential to put patients at risk.' The new controversy arriving after issues of hip surgery and spinal implants adds to the governance problems at CHI, which is preparing to take on operation of the new €2 billion national children's hospital. On May 27th the Minister confirmed three members of the CHI board had resigned. Another had stepped down the previous week. The Taoiseach told the Dáil it was clear the environment was 'not optimal for safety'. He said it was absolutely critical that there should be fundamental reform at CHI. Separately, the Minister for Health said 'toxic behaviours' developed over time within CHI as individuals had not got along with its board and executive. The report found there were 'significant concerns' about the prudent and beneficial management of NTPF funding and a lack of oversight of access initiatives, which are ultimately not in keeping with the memorandum of understanding between CHI and the NTPF. Carroll MacNeill sought answers from CHI about the report. Sources said CHI appeared to view the report as identifying internal human resource management issues that were addressed internally. 'They don't seem to understand there is an issue,' one senior figure told The Irish Times. The Opposition demanded publication of the report but the Attorney General advised the Minister that such a move was up to CHI. However, over last weekend this argument became rather moot. On Monday The Irish Times reported details directly from the report . It found a 'negative and toxic' work culture at a CHI hospital, with multiple staff complaining of 'unprofessional and disruptive behaviour from consultants'. It said this contributed to the undermining of care and treatment for sick children. Challenging behaviours regarding one particular part of the organisation 'appear to be the norm', the report stated. It revealed one that consultant had taken a defamation action against another and stated that it was reasonable to assume this could only arise as a result of fraught relationships within this particular unit. In a statement issued at about 9.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, CHI said the issues raised in the report had been addressed 'and the team in question are working well'. Effectively congratulating itself, the group said: 'This is an example of taking action when issues are identified in line with good HR practice.' [ Doctors say they warned CHI of toxic behaviour by several senior medics Opens in new window ] On Wednesday The Irish Times revealed that the consultant at the centre of the review for allegedly referring patients to the NTPF-funded clinic did not fulfil his on-call hours for more than three years due to 'health issues'. He had run five weekend clinics for which he was paid an additional €35,800. The consultant was seeing twice the number of patients in the weekend clinic than during his regular weekday equivalent. CHI had brought in a locum to cover the consultant's on-call hours, at a cost of around €450,000. 'It needs to be explored how one consultant can undertake a series of NTPF-funded clinics over numerous Saturdays and during these clinics see a much greater number of patients than they are able to see in their routine public clinics, working at a very fast pace with significant throughput – a substantial undertaking of additional work – yet is unfit for any on-call duties for the past three years,' the report stated. [ CHI consultant at centre of review did not fulfil on-call hours for three years due to 'health issues' Opens in new window ] In the meantime the Minister and the Department of Health were going through answers provided by CHI, particularly on whether the report's recommendations had been implemented. CHI told the department that monthly meetings had taken place, with actions tracked and the majority 'closed out'. Separately the HSE chief executive commissioned an audit of governance and equity in patient access and waiting-list management at CHI. This aimed to look at the balance between public and private patients' access to care. A pre-scheduled meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on health discussed the CHI issue on Wednesday . Ministers were told the HSE had referred the CHI report to gardaí who will determine what steps to take. In the meantime the service level agreement between the HSE and CHI, which underpins funding, is to be strengthened. Under new HSE structures, regional executive officers have greater responsibilities for running services in their areas. The regional chief executive for Dublin and the Midlands will have a greater involvement in working with management in CHI. But the key issue for the Government is whether it believes CHI is the body that should be given responsibility for the new children's hospital. The Minister expressed confidence in current CHI management, and some in Government believe it may be too late to implement radical change before commissioning of the hospital begins. [ CHI unable to move in to national children's hospital due to continued delays Opens in new window ] Still, frustrations remain in Government at the succession of crises involving the children's hospital group. And a further report on spinal surgery is awaited.
Agriland
14 hours ago
- Agriland
Farmers get shoulder-to-shoulder for Men's Health Week
A variety of events will be be held next week for Men's Health Week in coordination with the 'Taking Stock' campaign designed to reach farmers. The free events in counties Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon will have a range of information stands, free health and wellbeing checks, and consultations. Everyone is welcome to attend the following health fairs: Balla Mart, Co. Mayo: June 7, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m; Ballina Mart, Co. Mayo; June 10, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m; Roscommon Mart, Co. Roscommon: June 13, 10:30a.m.-1:30p.m; Maam Cross Mart, Co. Galway: June 14, 08:30a.m.-12:30p.m; This year's theme is 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health', highlighting the importance of community and connection in supporting men's wellbeing. From Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 15, across the three counties, a diverse programme of events will offer men of all ages the chance to engage, learn and to take proactive steps towards better health. Health Service Executive (HSE) regional project lead for Men's Health Week, Laurence Gaughan, said; 'Men's Health Week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of preventable health problems, support men and boys to live healthier lives and encourage them to seek help or treatment at an early stage'. Men's mental help initiatives Croí Hearth and Stroke Charity carried out an initiative last year, screening approximately 1,200 men, and found that a significant number of them had medical issues such as high blood pressure. Gaughan said: 'Based on this previous research, this is a critical need.' He added that the aim of this health week is to 'bring the message of men's mental health to them (farmers), not to have them wait to get information.' A free online seminar on Wednesday, June 11 at 07.00p.m. will talk about men's mental health. Anyone wishing to sign up can scan the QR code in the poster below. The programme is also carrying out a free online retirement webinar which will be held at Portershed, Market St, Galway city at 7.00p.m Thursday, June 12. To sign up, scan the QR code below. The 'Taking stock' initiative began last March with the goal of educating farmers about mental health, succession, financial planning, and cardiovascular diseases. There is now a joint effort by the HSE, Croí, Healthy Galway, Healthy Mayo, Healthy Roscommon, and the local marts to prioritise men's – in particular farmers' – health.
