Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that’s used for weight loss and to lower risk of cardiovascular problems. The drug comes as a liquid solution for injection under your skin. It’s usually given once weekly.
As part of a treatment plan that includes a low calorie diet and exercise, Wegovy may be prescribed to:
- lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in adults who have cardiovascular disease and are overweight or have obesity
- help with weight loss and long-term weight management in:
- adults who are overweight and have a weight-related health condition
- adults and children 12 years and older who have obesity
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. Wegovy belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
This article describes the dosages of Wegovy, as well as its strengths and how to use it. To learn more about Wegovy, including its limitations of use, see this in-depth article.
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 details.
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 |
* If you have serious or bothersome side effects on the 2.4-mg dose, your doctor may lower your maintenance (ongoing) dose to 1.7 mg.
What is Wegovy’s form?
Wegovy comes as a liquid solution in a single-dose prefilled injection pen. You’ll receive 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 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 for adults. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. For children’s dosages, see the “What’s the dosage of Wegovy for children?” section below.
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 delay increasing your dose 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 lower your dosage to 1.7 mg per week. Or they 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.
What’s the dosage of Wegovy for children?
Wegovy’s dosage for children 12 years and older who have obesity is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Wegovy?” section above.
For more information about Wegovy’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
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.
Can I start Wegovy with a 0.5, 1.7, or 2.4 mg dose?
No, Wegovy is usually started at a dosage of 0.25 mg per week. This allows your body to get used to Wegovy, lowering the risk of side effects. After 4 weeks, your doctor will typically raise your dose to 0.5 mg per week. They’ll continue to increase your dose, up to 1.7 mg per week or 2.4 mg per week.
See “What are the usual dosages of Wegovy?” above for details.
If you miss your weekly injection of Wegovy and your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away, give yourself or your child the missed dose. But if the next scheduled dose is less than 48 hours away, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose at the usual time. Then, continue with the usual weekly schedule.
If you or your child misses weekly Wegovy injections 2 weeks in a row, contact your doctor. They can discuss options to get you or your child back on track with the dosing schedule.
For help remembering Wegovy injections, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
The price you’ll pay for Wegovy can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, the pharmacy you use, and any insurance coverage you have.
To save money on your Wegovy treatment, explore the coupon options below.
Save on your Wegovy prescription
Save on Wegovy without insurance.
Enter your information:
Location
47201
Dosage
4 wegovy (1 Package)
Save money without using insurance
Simply show the Optum Perks coupon at your preferred pharmacy or order online and instantly save up to 80% without using insurance. The coupon doesn't expire, so be sure to save it for refills.
Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.
Optum Perks and Healthline are subsidiaries of RVO Health.
Pricing source:Perks.optum.com
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.
If your child is prescribed Wegovy, you may administer the drug for them. Or, depending on how old your child is, their doctor could teach them how to give themselves injections.
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 how you respond to Wegovy treatment, such as whether you have side effects that are bothersome or severe.
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
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 America’s Poison 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:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
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.