How many pens of Ozempic (semaglutide) are needed per month for a patient taking 0.5 mg once weekly?

How Many Pens of Ozempic Are Needed Per Month

For a patient taking Ozempic (semaglutide) 0.5 mg once weekly, one pen will last 4 weeks (one month), as each Ozempic pen for the 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose contains enough medication for 4 weekly doses. 1

Ozempic Pen Details and Dosing

Ozempic comes in prefilled, dial-a-dose pens that are designed for specific dose ranges:

• The 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg pen contains 2 mg of semaglutide total and delivers doses of either 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg 1
• Each pen is designed to provide 4 weekly doses at the prescribed strength

Dosing Schedule

According to the FDA label, the recommended dosing schedule for Ozempic is:

• Start with 0.25 mg subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks (initiation dose)
• After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg once weekly
• If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose, the dosage may be increased to 1 mg once weekly 1

Administration Considerations

• Ozempic should be administered on the same day each week, although the day can be changed if necessary as long as the time between two doses is at least 2 days (>48 hours) 1
• If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose 1
• Injections can be administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and the injection site should be rotated each week 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Not checking pen type before prescribing: Make sure to prescribe the correct pen type based on the patient's dose (0.25/0.5 mg pen vs. 1 mg pen)

2. Improper storage: Remind patients that:

   • Unused pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F)
   • After first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 56 days (8 weeks)
   • The pen should never be frozen

3. Inadequate supply planning: Since each pen lasts exactly 4 weeks at the 0.5 mg dose, patients should have their next prescription filled before the current pen is empty to avoid missing doses

4. Needle handling: Always use a new needle for each injection to reduce the risk of contamination, infection, leakage of medication, and blocked needles 1

By understanding that one Ozempic pen at the 0.5 mg dose will last for exactly one month (4 weekly doses), healthcare providers can ensure appropriate prescribing and patients can maintain consistent therapy.