More than 2,400 were prescribed to use Ozempic for free in the Shannonside region to treat diabetes last year.
Ozempic is an injectable medication for type 2 diabetes that helps control blood sugar but it is also used by people who pay for it privately to aid weight loss.
HSE Figures show that the lowest take-up was in Roscommon at 494 and 612 in Sligo, Leitrim and west Cavan.
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While 1,352 received the medicine in Longford-Westmeath under the medical card or Long Term Illness scheme for diabetes.
The total bill for Ozempic to the state under these schemes in 2024 was €41 million.
Leslie O'Hora and his wife, who live in Carrick-on-Shannon, have lost five stone between them, due to weight-loss medication.
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He's been reacting to the figures:
