Last updated: 09-02-2024
Semaglutide comes in various dosages. It is a medicine used to help people lose weight. The brand names are Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. They come in different forms and varying dosages. Taking the correct dosage is key to weight loss.
Semaglutide: A powerful body weight loss treatment
Semaglutide therapy was first designed to manage type II diabetes. It’s now also used as a tool to help people lose excess weight. It does so by lowering a person’s appetite and reducing the number of calories they consume.
About Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic and Wegovy are two injectable forms of Semaglutide. They help with long-term weight control in adults. While they are used to achieve similar goals, there are differences in the dosage and how they are taken.
Both brands are taken once per week. The medicine is usually injected into the stomach, thigh or arm.
Ozempic was originally created to treat diabetes. It can also help people lose weight.
Wegovy comes in higher strengths than Ozempic. These higher strengths are designed to achieve weight loss.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is the first semaglutide treatment that can be taken by mouth. Wegovy and Ozempic are only available as injections. Rybelsus comes in pill form.
Treatment usually starts at 3 mg. This amount is taken for one month, then it is slowly increased. Eventually, the patient is given the amount most suited to their response and tolerance. This step-by-step approach to increasing the amount of medicine taken helps avoid negative side effects.
Semaglutide options overview
Brand |
Ozempic |
Wegovy |
Rybelsus |
Reason developed |
Developed for diabetes treatment. Is also good as a weight-loss treatment. |
Specifically for weight loss |
Specifically for weight loss |
Dosage |
Lower than the other options |
Higher than Ozempic. Designed to achieve weight loss |
Higher than Ozempic. Designed to achieve weight loss |
Frequency |
Once per week |
Once per week |
Once per month |
Injection sites |
Stomach, arm or thigh |
Stomach, arm or thigh |
Given in pill form. Taken by mouth |
Primary goal(s) |
Diabetes treatment and weight loss |
Weight loss |
Weight loss |
Avoid switching between weight-loss medicines if you don’t need to. If you’re switching to a semaglutide-based product, be careful. The dosages and means of taking the medicines can often be quite different. This is also true when switching between different semaglutide-based products.
Always speak to your GP before changing to a different weight loss medication. They will help you find the right starting dose and guide you through increasing it over time. This will help make sure the treatment works well and has fewer side effects.
As you are going through the process, pay close attention to the way your body reacts to the change in medication.
Semaglutide dosage Schedule
Your GP will decide your dosage schedule. Generally, you start by taking 0.25 mg once a week and increase the dosage every four weeks.
To see the best effect, you should follow your dosage schedule. You should also eat a balanced diet and increase the amount of exercise you do. Starting with a low dose of semaglutide helps your body get used to the medicine. This will help avoid side effects.
In summary:
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Start with a low amount (usually 0.25 mg).
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Slowly increase the amount over several weeks.
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Gradually reach the desired dosage (this usually takes between 16 and 20 weeks).
Talk to your GP and follow the dosage schedule they prescribe. Never adjust the dosage yourself without getting advice from your GP.
Semaglutide dosage chart:
Weeks |
Wegovy |
Ozempic |
1-4 |
0.25 mg once weekly |
0.25 mg once weekly |
5-8 |
0.5 mg once weekly |
0.5 mg once weekly |
9-12 |
1 mg once weekly |
0.75 mg once weekly |
13-16 |
1.7 mg once weekly |
1 mg once weekly |
17-20 |
2.4 mg once weekly |
1 mg once weekly |
Maintenance |
2.4 mg once weekly |
1 mg once weekly |
This chart shows the dosage schedule for Wegovy and Ozempic. It covers the process from the start to the maintenance phase.
Please remember that these dosages are general guidelines. Your GP will tell you what your actual dosage will be.
Using a semaglutide dosage schedule
It’s good to use a semaglutide weight-loss dosage chart. It shows you how to increase your dosage over time. People who use a schedule are more likely to take the medicine properly.
What happens if I miss a dose of Semaglutide?
Missing a dose can affect the treatment. If this happens to you, here is what you should do:
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If the next dose is more than two days away, take the missing dose immediately.
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If the next dose is less than two days away, skip the missed one and take the next one as normal.
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Note that Rybelsus is taken every day. If you miss a dose, take it if you remember on the day you were supposed to take it. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Always seek advice from your GP if you forget to take your weight-loss medicine.
What pen should I use for semaglutide injections?
Use the correct pen to give your injections of Wegovy or Ozempic. Each pen is designed to give the proper dosage, so using the wrong pen may give you the wrong dosage.
Taking the correct dosage means that you get the best effect from the medicine and minimises any side effects.
Double check your pen and the dosage before you give yourself the medicine. Talk to your GP immediately if either seem incorrect.
Pen expiry dates
Wegovy and Ozempic pens both have specific shelf lives.
They should not be used beyond six weeks after first use. They need to be stored properly (usually in the fridge). Make sure you keep track of when you first used the pen. This will help you get the best results from your treatment.
Using the pens beyond their expiry date may mean that the medicine doesn’t work as well. Always check the expiry date before giving yourself a dose.
Conclusion
Semaglutide is very good at achieving weight loss. Make sure you follow your GP’s advice and stick to the dosage schedule. These medicines should be combined with a good diet and suitable exercise. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns or need advice about your treatment.