If a patient misses one day of their weekly Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, will it affect its efficacy in controlling blood glucose levels?

Missing One Day of Weekly Ozempic: Impact on Efficacy

If you miss your weekly Ozempic injection by one day, take it as soon as you remember—this will not meaningfully affect its efficacy. 1

Official FDA Guidance on Missed Doses

The FDA-approved prescribing information provides clear instructions for missed doses of Ozempic (semaglutide):

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. 1
• If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose entirely and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. 1
• You may change the day of the week you use Ozempic as long as your last dose was given 2 or more days before. 1

Why Missing One Day Doesn't Compromise Efficacy

The pharmacokinetic properties of semaglutide explain why a one-day delay has minimal clinical impact:

• Semaglutide has a half-life of approximately 7 days (one week), meaning it takes 4-5 weeks to reach steady state in your body. 2
• This extended half-life ensures that therapeutic drug levels remain stable even with minor timing variations. 2
• The medication is specifically designed for once-weekly dosing precisely because of this prolonged duration of action. 3, 2

Practical Management Algorithm

For a 1-day delay (Day 8 instead of Day 7):

• Take your injection immediately when you remember 1
• Resume your regular weekly schedule from this new injection date 1
• No dose adjustment is necessary 1

For a 2-4 day delay (Days 9-11):

• Take your injection as soon as you remember 1
• You can either continue with this new day as your regular injection day, or return to your original schedule as long as at least 2 days pass between doses 1

For a 5+ day delay:

• Skip the missed dose entirely 1
• Take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day 1
• Do not double up or take extra doses to "catch up" 1

Blood Glucose Control Considerations

• Your blood glucose levels should remain adequately controlled with a one-day delay because semaglutide's glucose-lowering effects persist throughout the week due to its long half-life. 2
• Continue checking your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider, especially if you're taking other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. 1
• The risk of hypoglycemia does not increase with a one-day delay in dosing. 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not take two doses within 2 days of each other—this increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting. 1
• Do not skip doses regularly or intentionally delay injections, as this may reduce the medication's effectiveness for both glucose control and weight management. 2
• Do not restart the titration schedule unless you have missed 3 or more consecutive doses. 4

Weight Loss Efficacy Maintained

• The weight loss benefits of semaglutide (14.9% mean weight loss at 68 weeks) depend on consistent weekly dosing over time, but a single one-day delay will not derail your progress. 5
• However, frequent missed doses or prolonged interruptions can lead to weight regain, as discontinuation studies show significant weight regain occurs when the medication is stopped. 4

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

• If you frequently forget doses and need strategies to improve adherence 1
• If you've missed more than 5 days and are uncertain about restarting 1
• If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking a delayed dose 1

Bottom line: Missing your Ozempic injection by one day is not a clinical concern—simply take it when you remember within the 5-day window, and your glucose control and weight loss efficacy will remain intact. 1, 2