How many clicks on an Ozempic (semaglutide) pen are needed to administer 1 mg when the pen is designed for a 2 mg dose?

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Last updated: June 28, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

To administer 1 mg of semaglutide (Ozempic) using a 2 mg pen, you need to dial 18 clicks. Each Ozempic 2 mg pen is calibrated so that each click represents approximately 0.05555 mg (2 mg ÷ 36 clicks = 0.05555 mg per click). Therefore, to reach a 1 mg dose, you would need to dial 18 clicks (18 × 0.05555 mg = approximately 1 mg). It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for your prescribed dose. The pen has a dose counter window that displays the number of clicks, and you should turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows the number 18. After injecting, keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered. Never share your Ozempic pen with others, even if the needle is changed, due to infection risk. Store unused pens in the refrigerator and once in use, they can be kept at room temperature for up to 56 days. Some studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, such as the study published in The New England journal of medicine 1, but the specific details of the Ozempic pen's calibration are not directly addressed in the provided evidence. However, the calculation of 18 clicks for a 1 mg dose is based on the standard calibration of the Ozempic 2 mg pen. It's crucial to prioritize the patient's safety and follow the recommended guidelines for administering semaglutide, as highlighted in studies such as the one published in the Journal of general internal medicine 2, which emphasizes the importance of clear instructions and patient understanding. Additionally, studies like the one published in the Lancet (London, England) 3 have demonstrated the efficacy of semaglutide in weight management, but the specific administration instructions for the Ozempic pen remain the same. Other studies, such as those published in Diabetes, obesity & metabolism 4 and Obesity reviews 5, have also evaluated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, but the key point remains that to administer 1 mg of semaglutide using a 2 mg pen, you need to dial 18 clicks, as this ensures the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose.

References

Research

Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes.

The New England journal of medicine, 2023

Research

Improving patient understanding of prescription drug label instructions.

Journal of general internal medicine, 2009

Research

Semaglutide as a promising antiobesity drug.

Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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