From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) should be initiated at a dose of 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks, then increased to 0.5 mg once weekly, and further increased to 1 mg weekly if needed, with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly for weight management, as supported by the most recent evidence 1. The dosing strategy for Ozempic is designed to minimize gastrointestinal side effects while maximizing its therapeutic benefits for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss.
- The initial dose of 0.25 mg once weekly is not therapeutic but helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects, as noted in the study published in Anaesthesia 1.
- After 4 weeks, the dose can be increased to 0.5 mg once weekly, and if additional glycemic control is needed, it can be further increased to 1 mg weekly, as recommended in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings study 1.
- For patients requiring further control, the dose may be increased to 2 mg weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dose, and up to 2.4 mg weekly for weight management, as indicated in the Anaesthesia study 1. The medication works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, making it effective for type 2 diabetes management and, indirectly, weight loss, with common side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which typically improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
- Ozempic should be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm on the same day each week, though the time of day can vary, as stated in the Anaesthesia study 1.
- The pharmacokinetics of semaglutide, including its bioavailability, volume of distribution, and elimination half-life, support its once-weekly dosing regimen, as described in the Anaesthesia study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Your pen is a prefilled, single-patient-use, dial-a-dose pen. It contains 2 mg of semaglutide, and you can select doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg. Your pen is a prefilled, single-patient-use, dial-a-dose pen. It contains 4 mg of semaglutide, and you can only select doses of 1 mg
The recommended doses of Ozempic are 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg for the 2 mg pen, and 1 mg for the 4 mg pen 2, 2.
From the Research
Ozempic Dose Information
- The dose of semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, varies depending on the patient's condition and the desired outcome 3, 4, 5.
- For patients with type 2 diabetes, the approved dose is 1.0 mg once a week 3, 5.
- However, a higher dose of 2.0 mg or 2.4 mg once a week has been shown to be effective in achieving greater weight loss and improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity 4, 5.
- In patients with type 1 diabetes, the use of semaglutide has been shown to be effective in lowering body weight and improving glycemic metrics, although it is not currently approved for this indication 6.
- The dose of semaglutide used in patients with type 1 diabetes in one study was 0.5-1.5 mg once a week 6.
Dosing Considerations
- Semaglutide has been shown to be safe and effective in patients with renal or hepatic disorders, with no dose modification required 3.
- However, gastrointestinal adverse events are common with semaglutide, particularly at higher doses 4, 5.
- Patients should be monitored for adverse events and dose adjustments made as necessary 4, 5.
Clinical Trial Data
- Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes, including the SUSTAIN FORTE trial which compared the efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2.0 mg versus 1.0 mg 5.
- The STEP 2 trial compared the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg versus semaglutide 1.0 mg and placebo in patients with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes 4.