Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to:
The active drug in Ozempic is semaglutide. Ozempic is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist). Ozempic isn’t currently available as a generic.
Ozempic is given as a subcutaneous injection.
For information about the dosage of Ozempic, including its form, strengths, and how to use the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Ozempic, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Ozempic provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Ozempic, always follow the dosage instructions prescribed by your doctor.
The Ozempic dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on the type and severity of the condition you’re using Ozempic to treat. They’ll prescribe the smallest effective dosage that works to lower your blood sugar levels.
Keep reading for an Ozempic dosage guide for common dosages.
Ozempic comes as a liquid solution in prefilled single-patient-use pens. The drug is given as a subcutaneous injection. After a healthcare professional has shown you how to inject Ozempic correctly, you may be able to give yourself the injections at home.
Ozempic prefilled single-patient-use pens are available in three strengths:
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
The dosing schedule for Ozempic is as follows:
Ozempic is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ozempic is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about Ozempic dosages.
Ozempic prefilled single-patient-use pens have different strengths and dosages. For details, see “Ozempic strengths” in the “Ozempic dosage” section above.
If you’re outside of the United States, you may hear Ozempic referred to as Ozempic DualDose. This refers to the pen that delivers 0.25-milligram (mg) or 0.5-mg doses.
To learn more about Ozempic’s dosages, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss. But the drug may be prescribed off-label for this use. “Off-label” use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than one it’s approved for.
The active drug in Ozempic, semaglutide, is also the active drug in the medication Wegovy. And Wegovy is approved for weight management.
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use both Ozempic and Wegovy at the same time. Because both medications contain semaglutide, using Ozempic and Wegovy could increase your risk of side effects.
If you’re interested in learning more about using Ozempic or Wegovy for weight management, talk with your doctor.
Ozempic comes as a liquid solution in prefilled single-patient-use pens. The drug is given as a subcutaneous injection. After a healthcare professional has shown you how to inject Ozempic correctly, you may be able to give yourself the injections at home.
Ozempic may be injected just under the skin of your:
If you also self-inject insulin for type 2 diabetes, you can inject Ozempic and the insulin in the same body part, such as your upper thigh. But you should not use the same spot for both injections. Using different spots can help you prevent skin irritation. And keep in mind that you should not mix insulin and Ozempic together into the same injection.
Be sure to inject Ozempic on the same day each week. But you can take your dose at any time of day, with or without food.
For instructions about how to self-inject Ozempic, see the drug’s medication guide. You can also see detailed instructions and a dosage video on the manufacturer’s site.
If you have additional questions about how to use Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you miss a dose of Ozempic, try to take it as soon as you remember. You can take a missed dose up to 5 days after you were originally supposed to take it.
If more than 5 days have passed since your missed dose, skip the missed dose. Wait and take your next dose at the regular time. You can then resume your usual dosing schedule with Ozempic.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.
It’s important that you don’t use more Ozempic than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Ozempic. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Ozempic for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Ozempic without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Ozempic that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Ozempic. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Last medically reviewed on May 15, 2022
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