Wegovy is a proven weight loss drug available in different once-weekly doses.
You take your weekly dose of Wegovy as a subcutaneous injection using a premixed injector pen containing your prescribed dosage. Your Wegovy dosage starts low and increases gradually to achieve optimal weight loss. Your doctor will tailor your initial dose of Wegovy and how long you will be on the drug to your medical history, current BMI, and specific weight loss goals.
Recommended Wegovy dosing schedule
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions. The maximum effective dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg, administered once a week. Your dosage of Wegovy will likely start at less than the maximum dose and increase gradually to this level over several weeks to help you adjust to the medication. The typical titration of dosage is as follows:
- First Month: 0.25 mg once weekly (starting dosage)
- Second Month: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Third Month: 1 mg once weekly
- Fourth Month: 1.7 mg once weekly
- Fifth Month: 2.4 mg once weekly (target maximum dosage)
It does not matter what time of day or night you take your once-weekly injection. However, doctors and pharmacists suggest that whatever time you choose, you do your injection at the same time each week.
Device and dose
Wegovy is available in different strengths ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg per the monthly schedule listed above. The medication comes in a pre-filled pen that you inject under the skin (subcutaneously) of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Each dose comes in a different colored pen, so you can tell the different strengths and be sure you are giving yourself the proper dose of Wegovy. Each pen is prefilled with a single measured dose for a single use. Discard the pen after use.
Wegovy 0.25 mg solution for injection
Each single-dose pre-filled pen contains 0.25 mg semaglutide in 0.5 mL solution. One mL of solution contains 0.5 mg of semaglutide.
Wegovy 0.5 mg solution for injection
Each single-dose pre-filled pen contains 0.5 mg semaglutide in 0.5 mL solution. One mL of solution contains 1 mg of semaglutide.
Wegovy 1 mg solution for injection
Each single-dose pre-filled pen contains 1 mg semaglutide in 0.5 mL solution. One mL of solution contains 2 mg of semaglutide.
Wegovy 1.7 mg solution for injection
Each single-dose pre-filled pen contains 1.7 mg semaglutide in 0.75 mL solution. One mL of solution contains 2.27 mg of semaglutide.
Wegovy 2.4 mg solution for injection (Maximum Dose)
Each single-dose pre-filled pen contains 2.4 mg semaglutide* in 0.75 mL solution. One mL of solution contains 3.2 mg of semaglutide.
What happens if you miss a dose of Wegovy?
If you miss a dose of Wegovy, you should take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. In that case, you should skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. It’s important not to take extra doses to make up for a missed one. Missing one week of Wegovy should not significantly impact your overall weight loss.
What if you take too much Wegovy?
An overdose of Wegovy could potentially lead to an increased risk of side effects. If you suspect you’ve taken more than the prescribed dose, you should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or gastrointestinal distress.