From the Guidelines
The maximum dosage of Ozempic (semaglutide) is 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Patients typically start at a lower dose of 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks, then increase to 0.5 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks. If additional glycemic control is needed, the dose can be increased to 1.0 mg once weekly and eventually to 1.7 mg once weekly, and finally to the maximum 2.4 mg once weekly if necessary, as tolerated by the patient and based on side effects 1. Each dose increase should occur after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ozempic should be injected on the same day each week, though the time of day can be changed if needed. The medication works by mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite, leading to improved blood glucose control and often weight loss. Some key points to consider when prescribing Ozempic include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed and tolerated
- Monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects and adjusting the dose accordingly
- Considering the potential benefits of weight loss and improved glycemic control
- Being aware of the potential risks, including pancreatitis, thyroid C-cell tumors, and acute kidney injury
- Counseling patients on the proper use and storage of the medication, including storing unopened pens in the refrigerator and keeping pens in use at room temperature for up to a certain period. It's also important to note that the dose titration schedule may vary depending on the individual patient's response and tolerance, and that clinical judgment is required to adjust the titration schedule as needed 1. Additionally, Ozempic has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease 1. Overall, Ozempic can be an effective treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, but it's essential to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks and to monitor patients closely for any adverse effects. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of semaglutide up to a dose of 2.4 mg weekly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
From the FDA Drug Label
The maximum recommended dosage is 1 mg once weekly. The maximum dosage of Ozempic (semaglutide) is 1 mg once weekly 2.
- The dosage should not exceed 1 mg per week.
From the Research
Maximum Dosage of Ozempic (Semaglutide)
The maximum dosage of Ozempic (semaglutide) varies depending on the specific use, whether for type 2 diabetes or for weight management in adults with obesity.
- For type 2 diabetes, the maximum approved dose is 1.0 mg once weekly, as indicated in studies such as SUSTAIN 1 3.
- However, a higher dose of 2.0 mg once weekly has been investigated in clinical trials for type 2 diabetes, showing superior efficacy in reducing HbA1c and body weight compared to the 1.0 mg dose, with a similar safety profile 4.
- For weight management in adults with overweight or obesity, a dose of 2.4 mg once weekly has been studied and shown to achieve a superior and clinically meaningful decrease in body weight compared to placebo 5.
Key Points
- The dosage of semaglutide should be individualized based on the patient's response and tolerance.
- The medication should be initiated at a lower dose and gradually increased to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Semaglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly.
References to Studies
The information provided is based on data from several clinical trials, including: 6, 4, 7, 3, and 5, which demonstrate the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management.