Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 27, 2024 · 8 min read
A Simple Guide To Wegovy Dosing & Titration: When & How To Take The Semaglutide Injection For Weight Loss
Wegovy has become a popular option for people looking for an effective weight loss treatment. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on Wegovy dosing and titration, including the dosage schedule and the strengths available. We will answer frequently asked questions about Wegovy, ensuring you have all the information you need for a smooth treatment journey. Wegovy is injected once a week on the same day each week, and the dose is gradually increased every four weeks to help minimise side effects. By Week 17, you will reach the full dose, which will be maintained for the remainder of your treatment.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about Wegovy and its dosing schedule:
Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, is an increasingly popular and effective treatment for weight loss.
The dosing schedule involves starting with a low dose and incrementally increasing every four weeks until reaching the full dose of 2.4 mg per week by Week 17.
Wegovy is available in five strengths from UK Meds (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg).
It is recommended to inject Wegovy once a week on the same day each week.
Gradually increasing your dosage will help to minimise the risk of side effects.
What is the Wegovy dose schedule?
The Wegovy dose schedule is designed to help your body gradually adjust to the medication, minimising the risk of side effects. Below is a table that highlights the dosing schedule of Wegovy:
Dosage Strength | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18 | Week 19 | Week 20 |
| 0.25 mg | Use as normal | Use as normal | Request next pen | Pen finished | ||||||||||||||||
| 0.5 mg | Use as normal | Use as normal | Request next pen | Pen finished | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 mg | Use as normal | Use as normal | Request next pen | Pen finished | ||||||||||||||||
| 1.7 mg | Use as normal | Use as normal | Request next pen | Pen finished | ||||||||||||||||
| 2.4 mg | Use as normal | Use as normal | Request next pen | Pen finished |
What is the Wegovy dose for weight loss?
The standard dose of Wegovy for weight loss is 2.4 mg once a week. However, you should not start with this dose immediately. Instead, you will gradually increase the dose over a period of 17 weeks. This gradual increase helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects. By following the prescribed dosing schedule, you will safely reach the full 2.4 mg dose, which you will then continue to take once a week for the duration of your treatment.
What are the available dosage strengths of Wegovy?
Wegovy is available in five different strengths to support a gradual increase in dosage during your treatment. These strengths you can get from UK Meds are:
0.25 mg
0.5 mg
1 mg
1.7 mg
2.4 mg
You will typically start with 0.25 mg each week for the first four weeks. The dose is then increased every four weeks until you reach the full dose of 2.4 mg per week. This approach helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects.
Below is a chart that indicates the dosage of Wegovy at different intervals:
Wegovy Dosage Chart
Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | Month 5 |
| 0.25mg per week Green Pen | 0.5mg per week Pink Pen | 1mg per week Brown Pen | 1.7mg per week Blue Pen | 2.4mg per week Black Pen |
| Starter Dose | Titration Dose | Titration Dose | Titration Dose | Maintenance Dose |
Wegovy Dosage FAQs
Below are a selection of answers to the most asked questions from UK Meds customers about Wegovy dosing.
How long can I take Wegovy for?
Wegovy is approved for long-term use to support weight loss and maintenance in overweight or obese adults. Regular reviews with your healthcare provider will help determine if it remains effective and suitable for your needs. If it stops working or causes side effects, your doctor may suggest alternatives.
Here are key points to consider about taking Wegovy long-term:
Duration: Wegovy can be taken as long as it provides benefits and doesn’t cause significant side effects.
Effectiveness: Regular medical reviews will assess whether it’s still helping you achieve your weight goals.
Safety: If you experience intolerable side effects, your doctor may adjust your treatment or recommend stopping.
Lifestyle: Combining Wegovy with a healthy diet and regular exercise improves results and supports long-term success.
Alternatives: If Wegovy is no longer suitable, your healthcare provider can discuss other weight management options.
Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
What is the titration of a medication?
Titration of a medication means gradually increasing the dose over days, weeks, or months. This helps to find the right dose that is effective for you while minimising side effects. By starting with a lower dose and slowly increasing it, your healthcare provider can monitor how your body reacts to the medicine and adjust the dosage accordingly. This approach is safer because people may not be able to tolerate a full dose immediately. Titration ensures that you receive the most benefit from the medication with the least risk of adverse effects (Pope, 2022).
Will I need to titrate to the highest possible dose of semaglutide?
No, you may not necessarily need to titrate up to the highest dose of semaglutide during your treatment. The decision to increase to the highest dose depends on how your body responds to the treatment and your weight loss progress. Your healthcare provider will assess your response to the medication and adjust the dose accordingly based on your feedback and weight loss results. This approach ensures that you receive the most effective treatment tailored to your specific needs and response to the medication.
Can I start at the highest possible dose of Wegovy?
No, you should not start at the highest possible dose of Wegovy right away. It's important to begin with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it over time, or to follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding dosage. If you were to start with the highest dose you might experience more severe side effects because your body hasn't had time to adapt to the medication. You should always follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage for Wegovy and all other medications you are using.
Can I Start Wegovy at 1.7mg?
No, you cannot start Wegovy at 1.7mg. The recommended starting dose is 0.25mg per week, which is gradually increased over time to allow your body to adjust to the medication. Jumping straight to a higher dose, like 1.7mg, can increase the risk of serious side effects, including nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Why is the dose increased gradually?
Body Adjustment: Starting at a low dose helps your body adapt to Wegovy and reduces the likelihood of side effects.
Dose Progression: After the initial 0.25mg dose, your doctor will gradually increase it over several weeks to reach the effective maintenance dose of 1.7mg or 2.4mg per week.
Safety First: Skipping the lower doses can lead to adverse reactions, making the treatment harder to tolerate.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and the prescribed dosing schedule for Wegovy. This gradual approach ensures the medication works effectively while keeping you safe.
How often should I inject Wegovy?
You should inject Wegovy once a week on the same day each week. This helps to maintain steady levels of the medication in your body. It's important to note that Wegovy does not need to be taken with food which may influence when you choose to take it.
How many doses does a Wegovy pen contain?
Each Wegovy pen contains four doses of medication. It's important to note that you will have a separate pen for each Wegovy strength. You will need to adjust the pen to the correct dose yourself before you inject it. For detailed usage instructions, please refer to the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.
How long does Wegovy stay in my system?
Wegovy remains in your system for an extended period of time. After seven days, less than half of the active drug remains in your body. However, due to the slower clearance rate, it can take over 40 days for your body to completely eliminate semaglutide from your system. This prolonged presence helps Wegovy to maintain its therapeutic effects which makes it more effective for weight loss.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
If you miss a dose of Wegovy, what you do depends on when your next dose is scheduled. If your next dose is due within 48 hours, you should not take the missed dose. You should simply continue with your next dose at the regular time. However, if your next dose is scheduled more than 48 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. After you have taken this dose you should go back to your regular schedule. If you miss multiple doses for more than 2 weeks then you should consult with your healthcare provider for advice.
Why are dosage amounts for Wegovy different from dosage amounts for Ozempic?
The dosage amount for Wegovy will differ due to them being used to treat different conditions. Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is used to aid weight loss. As mentioned Wegovy’s dosage gradually increases up to 2.4mg. Ozempic on the other hand will not exceed 1mg. For both medications, it is crucial that you stick to the dosage instructions that you have been provided by your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the medication.
Should I consult my doctor for Wegovy dosage advice?
Yes, it is important to consult with your doctor when you are starting to use any medication, including Wegovy. If you need dosage advice your doctor will be able to provide you with it tailored to your specific wants and needs.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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Sources
Wegovy® Dosing Schedule | Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg
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