Wegovy dosage guide

Standard Wegovy Dosing Schedule

Below is a typical dosing programme (in milligrams of semaglutide):

Wegovy doses come in five different strengths to match each step as shown in the list above. The target (and maximum) dose for weight loss is 2.4 mg once a week. It's important not to begin at this level. Instead, the dose is built up slowly over a 17-week period with the guidance of your healthcare provider.

• Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly
• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
• Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg once weekly
• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once weekly
• Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance dose)

How Many Doses Does a Wegovy Pen Contain?

Each Wegovy pen is designed to last four weeks at each step in your dosing schedule. One pen contains four doses, and you set the correct dose on the pen each time before you inject. A separate pen is used for each dose level (for example, the 0.25 mg pen for the first 4 weeks, then the 0.5 mg pen for the next 4 weeks, and so on).

Wegovy pens should be stored and handled exactly as described in the instructions supplied with your medicine. The pens are best kept in the refrigerator. Do not use a pen that has been frozen, damaged, or dropped. Do not inject Wegovy into a vein or muscle.

Once you have used all four doses from a pen, it should be disposed of safely in a sharps container or as advised by your pharmacist. Never use the same needle twice. Each injection requires a fresh needle.

How Frequently is Wegovy Injected?

Wegovy is injected once a week, at the correct dose for your current step in the programme at a time suits you, as long as you keep to the same day each week. You don't need to eat before or after taking Wegovy.

How Long Does Wegovy Remain in Your Body?

Wegovy's active ingredient, semaglutide, remains in your body for some time after each injection. Less than half of the dose remains after seven days, but it takes around 40 days for it to be fully cleared from your system. Any changes to your dosage should always be done in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Missed a Wegovy Dose? Here's What to Do

What you should do after missing a dose depends on when your next injection is due:

Go ahead and inject the missed dose when you remember. Then return to your usual injection day going forward.

Leave out the missed dose and take your next one at the normal time. Never double up or inject twice in one day to compensate.

Do not restart Wegovy on your own. Contact your healthcare provider for advice. They may suggest starting again on a lower dose and building back up slowly.

If you’re still not sure what to do, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before your next injection. Always follow their guidance and the directions that come with your medicine.

Wegovy® is used for weight loss and weight maintenance in addition to diet and physical activity in adults and adolescents aged 18 years and above who meet certain Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria. Wegovy® is also indicated to reduce the risk of a heart disease–related event in addition to standard of care if you are an adult with a history of heart disease and have a BMI ≥27 kg/m² without established diabetes. Wegovy® contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is available in the following dose forms: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg. The two lower-dose pens contain 1.5 mL of liquid each, while the three higher-dose pens contain 3 mL each. Wegovy® has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare provider if Wegovy® is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you experience side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. Side effects of Wegovy® include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, and fatigue. Please refer to the Wegovy® Consumer Medicine Information available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/w/wegovy.pdf

• More than 2 days (48 hours) before your next dose is due:
• Less than 2 days (48 hours) until your next dose:
• More than 2 weeks without a dose:

Important safety information

Prescription medicine.