If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Ozempic (semaglutide) as a treatment option for you.

Ozempic is a prescription medication.

  • regulate blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, as part of a treatment plan that includes a healthy diet and exercise
  • reduce the risk of heart-related problems (heart attack and stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

This article describes the dosages of Ozempic, including its form, strengths, and how to use the drug. To learn more about Ozempic, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Ozempic’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Ozempic, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

You receive Ozempic as an injection under the skin of your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

Your doctor will give you instructions when you start treatment. They will show you how to inject the drug. You can give yourself Ozempic at home. The best way to take Ozempic is explained by your pharmacist.

For a detailed dosage guide, visit the manufacturer’s site.

The information below 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.

What is the form of Ozempic?

Ozempic is prefilled disposable pens that you use to inject the drug. The pens have a liquid solution in them.

Ozempic is given weekly. Each pen has a number of doses. The number of doses depends on the dose your doctor recommends.

What strengths does Ozempic come in?

The Ozempic pens have different amounts of drug and the doses they deliver. The strengths and sizes of the pens are described.

Pen strength Dose given per injection Number of doses that can be injected
2 mg/1.5 mL (2 milligrams of semaglutide in 1.5 milliliters of solution), which may also be written as 1.34 mg/mL 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg • Starting doses plus maintenance doses: Four 0.25-mg doses to start, followed by two 0.5-mg doses

• Maintenance doses: Four 0.5-mg doses
4 mg/3 mL (1.34 mg/mL) 1 mg • Maintenance doses: Four 1-mg doses
8 mg/3 mL (2.68 mg/mL) 2 mg • Maintenance doses: Four 2-mg doses

What are the typical dosages of Ozempic?

A starting dosage is the low dosage your doctor will start you on. The low dose allows them to see how you respond to the drug. They will adjust your dose over time to reach the right amount.

When you begin using Ozempic, your doctor will adjust the weekly dose every 4 weeks. This is done until you reach a dose that is effective at managing your blood sugar levels. The maximum dose for Ozempic is 2 milligrams (mg) given weekly.

The doctor will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect.

The following chart shows how your doctor may adjust your dose.

Dosage strength Starting dose Maintenance dose Dosing schedule
2 mg/1.5 mL, used for starting and maintenance dosages 0.25 mg, given for 4 weeks 0.5 mg, given after 4 weeks of the starting dose Once per week, any time of day
4 mg/3 mL, used for maintenance dosages 1 mg, given after 4 weeks of the 0.5-mg dose if blood sugar levels are still unmanaged Once per week, any time of day
8 mg/3 mL, used for maintenance dosages 2 mg, given after 4 weeks of the 0.5-mg dose if blood sugar levels are still unmanaged Once per week, any time of day

The doctor will prescribe the highest dose.

Try to take your Ozempic dose on the same day each week. This helps make sure you have a consistent amount of the drug in your body.

Is Ozempic used long term?

Ozempic is a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ozempic is safe and effective for you, you will likely use it for a long time.

Your doctor can provide more information about Ozempic as part of your complete diabetes treatment plan.

Dosage adjustments

If you take certain drugs, they may affect Ozempic. This applies to certain things. Your doctor might need to adjust your dose of Ozempic. Inform your doctor about any drugs you take.

Changes to your blood sugar levels may also mean your dose needs adjustment. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels while you’re using Ozempic and adjust your dosage if needed. Be sure to check your blood sugar levels regularly, and let your doctor know of any changes.

Below are answers to some questions.

If you have questions about your Ozempic dosage, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What is Ozempic DualDose?

“Ozempic may be marketed outside of the United States. Ozempic isn’t officially available in the U.S.”

There is one option for Ozempic pens that has two different dosages. The pen can deliver 0.25 or 0.5 grams per dose.

Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information about Ozempic products.

Can Ozempic be used for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosing for this use?

Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss, but it may be used off-label for this purpose.

If you use Ozempic with a healthy diet and exercise, you could lose weight.

Losing weight too quickly may cause a drop in your blood sugar levels that can be dangerous. It’s important to keep checking your blood sugar levels regularly. If your levels become too low with your current dose of Ozempic, contact your doctor right away.

If you have questions about weight loss, talk to your doctor.

I have kidney disease. Will I need to have my dosage of Ozempic adjusted?

If you have kidney problems, your doctor will check your kidney function before recommending an Ozempic dose for you.

Studies suggest Ozempic doesn’t require renal dosing adjustments (changes to dose based on kidney function) for people with kidney disease. But if you have severe kidney disease, Ozempic may not be the right drug for you. Your doctor will discuss if Ozempic is safe for you to use and what your dose should be.

Side effects of Ozempic may be worse due to Kidney problems. These include:

If you have kidney problems and you experience serious side effects from Ozempic, contact your doctor right away. And for more information about Ozempic’s side effects, you can read this related article.

Do not use more Ozempic than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects from hypoglycemia (a severe drop in blood sugar levels).

Ozempic is a drug that lasts a long time. It stays in your body longer and requires treatment for low blood sugar.

There are symptoms of hypoglycemic condition.

What to do in case you use too much Ozempic

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Ozempic. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

To maintain a normal blood sugar range, try to follow your prescribed dosing schedule.

If you miss an Ozempic dose and less than 5 days have passed from your last dose, take the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed since your last dose, skip it.

Do not take two doses at once. You could have hypoglycemia (a severe drop in blood sugar levels) that lasts a long time. This is because Ozempic is a long-acting drug that stays in your body for a week.

It’s important to check your blood sugar levels regularly to maintain normal levels.

If you need help remembering to give yourself a dose of Ozempic on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Factors that may affect the Ozempic dosage are listed below. These include:

  • The type and severity of the condition you are treating with Ozempic.
  • Your age.
  • other medications you take, as well as herbs, supplements, and foods (for example, bitter melon or cinnamon)
  • Blood sugar changes are listed under “What is Ozempic\’s dosage?”

Ozempic comes as prefilled disposable injection pens. Your doctor will show you how to inject Ozempic under the skin of your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. After this, you’ll give yourself doses of the medication at home.

Here are a few tips for making sure your Ozempic injection goes smoothly.

  • The instructions on how to give the dose are available here.
  • You can collect your supplies.
  • Before you get your injection, wash your hands.
  • You should see that you clicked to the correct dose on the pen.
  • Use a new needle.
  • If you inject the drug at the wrong place, you could be at risk of pain and infections.

For detailed instructions on how to use Ozempic, you can see the manufacturer’s site. Your doctor or pharmacist can also show you how to use Ozempic pens.

“The drug manufacturer’s typical dosages are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Ozempic, they will prescribe the correct amount.”

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Ozempic without your doctor’s recommendation. Only give yourself Ozempic exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Ask your doctor for more information if you have questions about your Ozempic dosage. Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • If I have liver problems, will my Ozempic dose need to be changed?
  • Will my dose need to be changed if I take other diabetes medications?
  • How many times can I use an Ozempic pen?

For tips on managing your condition and other helpful information, subscribe to Healthline’s type 2 diabetes newsletter. And, you can see advice and stories from others with your condition in the Bezzy T2D community.

Q:

What happens if my blood sugar levels drop while I’m taking the starting dose of 0.25 milligrams (mg) for Ozempic?

Anonymous

A:

0.25 of the drug will be given to you once a week for 4 weeks. This helps your body get used to the medication. The starting dose is not used for managing blood sugar levels.

Your doctor may want you to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. If you have low blood sugar levels, call your doctor. Symptoms can include:

If you develop low blood sugar levels during the first 4 weeks of Ozempic treatment, your doctor may recommend a different medication for your diabetes.

It is important to tell your doctor about other drugs you are taking. Certain medications used to treat diabetes can increase your risk of low blood sugar levels.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.