If you’re searching for weight management options, you might consider asking your doctor about Wegovy. It’s a prescription drug used along with lifestyle management (low calorie diet and exercise) for long-term weight loss in adults.
A doctor may prescribe Wegovy if:
- you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or
- you have a health condition related to weight (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia) and a BMI of 27 or higher
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Wegovy comes as a liquid solution in a prefilled single-dose injection pen. You’ll give yourself the drug as an injection under your skin.
This article describes the dosages of Wegovy, as well as its strengths and how to use it. To learn more about Wegovy, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Wegovy’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Wegovy, always inject the dose your doctor prescribes.
Below is information about the usual dosages of Wegovy.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Wegovy’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.
Wegovy Dosing Schedule
| Dose | Schedule |
| 0.25 milligram (mg) | Weeks 1 to 4 (starting dose) |
| 0.5 mg | Weeks 5 to 8 |
| 1 mg | Weeks 9 to 12 |
| 1.7 mg | Weeks 13 to 16 |
| 2.4 mg | Week 17 and beyond |
What is Wegovy’s form?
Wegovy comes as a liquid solution in a single-dose prefilled injection pen. You’ll give yourself your dose as an injection under your skin. Each pen is used one time and then thrown away.
What strengths does Wegovy come in?
Wegovy is available in multiple strengths. These include:
- 0.25 mg per 0.5 milliliters (mL) of solution (0.25 mg/0.5 mL)
- 0.5 mg/0.5 mL
- 1.0 mg/0.5 mL
- 1.7 mg/0.75 mL
- 2.4 mg/0.75 mL
What are the usual dosages of Wegovy?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Your doctor will likely start you on the lowest dosage of Wegovy, which is 0.25 mg once weekly. If you do well with this treatment, they’ll likely increase your dosage gradually every 4 weeks. This will continue until you reach the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg once per week. (See the “Wegovy Dosing Schedule” chart above for the usual dosing routine.)
If you experience certain side effects, your doctor may stop your treatment for 4 weeks. Then, they’ll slowly increase your dosage until you reach the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg once weekly.
If you experience serious side effects at the 2.4 mg dose, your doctor may lower your dosage to 1.7 mg per week for 4 weeks. Then, they’ll again increase your dosage to 2.4 mg per week. If you still can’t tolerate the 2.4 mg dose, your doctor may have you stop Wegovy treatment.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels before you begin Wegovy and throughout your treatment.
Is Wegovy used long term?
Yes, Wegovy is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you miss your scheduled weekly injection of Wegovy and it’s been less than 48 hours, give yourself the missed dose. But if your next scheduled dose is in less than 48 hours, skip the missed dose and give yourself your next dose at the usual time. Then, you’ll continue with your weekly schedule.
If you miss your weekly Wegovy injections 2 weeks in a row, call your doctor. They can discuss your options with you to get you back on track with your dosing schedule.
If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Wegovy on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Below is dosage and administration information for Wegovy.
Wegovy comes as a liquid solution in a single-dose prefilled injection pen. You’ll give yourself your dose as an injection under your skin. You should keep Wegovy in the refrigerator until you’re ready to inject your dose.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself Wegovy injections. You’ll then do this once per week as directed by your doctor. You should inject your dose on the same day and at the same time each week. This will help keep a consistent level of the drug in your body.
Always dispose of Wegovy injection pens in a sharps container or some other sturdy container, such as one made of thick plastic with a tight-fitting lid.
To learn more about how to inject Wegovy, see these instructions from the manufacturer.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Wegovy, see this article.
The dosage of Wegovy you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your body mass index (BMI)
- how you respond to Wegovy treatment
- other health conditions you may have
Do not inject more Wegovy than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- severe nausea
- severe vomiting
- severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause
- loss of consciousness
What to do in case you inject too much Wegovy
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Wegovy. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Wegovy for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Wegovy without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Wegovy exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is my dosage based on my weight?
- Would my dosage change if I experience serious side effects?
- Can my dosage interval be adjusted to every other week?
To learn more about Wegovy, see these articles:
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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.