Wegovy Dosage Guide: Schedule, Strengths & How It Works

Wegovy is an injectable weight loss treatment that contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone to aid weight loss.

The medication has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, helping patients achieve substantial weight loss when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.

However, understanding and following the correct Wegovy dosage schedule is crucial for treatment safety and effectiveness. Following the correct dose escalation can reduce the risk of experiencing side effects and can help achieve the best results.

Understanding Wegovy dosing

Wegovy follows a carefully designed weekly injection schedule that sets it apart from daily medications. The medication is administered via a pre-filled, single-use pen injector, making it convenient for patients to self-administer at home. For more information on how specifically to inject the treatment, read our helpful guide to administering Wegovy.

Wegovy is available in the following dosages:

• Wegovy 0.25mg (starting dose)
• Wegovy 0.5mg (step-up dose)
• Wegovy 1mg (step-up dose)
• Wegovy 1.7mg (step-up dose)
• Wegovy 2.4mg (maintenance dose)

The Wegovy dosage schedule starts with a lower dose (0.25mg) and gradually increases over time. This approach, known as dose titration, is designed to help your body adapt to the active ingredient and to help reduce the risk of experiencing side effects.

Wegovy dosage schedule

Wegovy 0.25mg (weeks 1-4): The starting dose of Wegovy contains 0.25mg of semaglutide. This dose is suitable for individuals who have never taken Wegovy and should be used once a week for weeks 1-4 of treatment. This initial phase allows the body to begin adjusting to the medication while minimising potential side effects. It is important to note that you may not notice significant weight loss during this period, which is normal and expected.

If the individual taking Wegovy does not experience any severe side effects from taking the 0.25mg dose after weeks 1-4, they should switch to a higher dose of Wegovy 0.5mg to continue with their weight loss treatment.

Wegovy 0.5mg (weeks 5-8): Wegovy 0.5mg is typically prescribed for individuals who have finished taking the starting dose of Wegovy 0.25mg during weeks 1-4 and have not experienced any severe side effects. Wegovy 0.5mg is typically taken during weeks 5-8.

Patients often begin to experience reduced appetite and initial weight loss during this phase. It is also common to experience mild gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea as you adjust to the treatment.

If the individual taking Wegovy does not experience any severe side effects from taking the 0.5mg dose after weeks 5-8, they should switch to a higher dose of Wegovy 1mg to continue with their weight loss treatment.

Wegovy 1mg (weeks 9-12): Wegovy 1mg is typically prescribed for individuals who have finished taking Wegovy 0.5mg during weeks 5-8 and have not experienced any severe side effects. Wegovy 1mg is typically taken during weeks 9-12.

If the individual taking Wegovy does not experience any severe side effects from taking the 1mg dose after weeks 9-12, they should switch to a higher dose of Wegovy 1.7mg to continue with their weight loss treatment.

Wegovy 1.7mg (weeks 13-16): Wegovy 1.7mg is typically prescribed for individuals who have finished taking Wegovy 1mg during weeks 9-12 and have not experienced any severe side effects. Wegovy 1.7mg is typically taken during weeks 13-16.

If the individual taking Wegovy does not experience any severe side effects from taking the 1.7mg dose after weeks 13-16, they should switch to a higher dose of Wegovy 2.4mg to continue with their weight loss treatment.

Wegovy 2.4mg (weeks 17+): Wegovy 2.4mg is the maximum dose and is typically prescribed for individuals who have finished taking Wegovy 1.7mg during weeks 13-16 and have not experienced any side effects. Clinical trials have shown this dose to be optimal for sustained weight loss in most patients. Patients typically remain on this dose for the duration of their treatment, where the exact time frame is determined by the prescriber.

Recommended reading: Wegovy Side Effects: What You Need To Know

What to do if you miss a dose

Missing a Wegovy dose is a common concern among patients. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what to do in case you forget to use Wegovy.

If you miss a dose and it's been less than 5 days since your scheduled injection day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular weekly schedule from that point forward.

If it's been 5 days or more since your missed dose, skip the missed dose entirely and resume your regular schedule on your next planned injection day. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Conclusion

Wegovy's carefully structured dosage schedule represents a scientifically-backed approach to safe and effective weight management. The gradual dose escalation from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg weekly allows patients to achieve optimal therapeutic benefits while minimising side effects, so it’s important that you adhere to your prescribed dose level and follow the weekly treatment schedule.

Ready to start your weight loss journey?

Pharmica is the #1 Weight Loss Service in the UK on Trustpilot, and offers convenient access to Wegovy and other clinically-proven weight loss treatments. Our qualified healthcare professionals provide comprehensive consultations to determine if Wegovy is right for you, ensuring safe and effective treatment tailored to your individual needs.

Why choose Pharmica for your weight loss treatment?

• Licensed UK pharmacy with qualified healthcare professionals
• Convenient online consultations and discreet delivery
• Comprehensive range of weight loss medications
• Ongoing support throughout your treatment journey
• Competitive pricing and flexible payment options