Semaglutide Dosage Chart (2026): Weekly Schedule, Titration and Syringe Units
Semaglutide dosage chart: the Wegovy escalation from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg in four-week steps, plus the 2 mg Ozempic ceiling, and how many units each dose is on a U-100 insulin syringe for the two common vial and water combinations. Once-weekly injections.
| Week | Dose | Units on a U-100 syringe, 5 mg vial in 2 mL (2.5 mg/mL) | Units on a U-100 syringe, 10 mg vial in 2 mL (5 mg/mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg once weekly | 10 | 5 | Initiation dose; tolerance building only, no weight or glycaemic effect intended |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg once weekly | 20 | 10 | First step where appetite suppression typically becomes noticeable; Ozempic's starting therapeutic dose |
| Weeks 9 to 12 | 1 mg once weekly | 40 | 20 | Meaningful GLP-1 activity; clear appetite and portion changes for most |
| Weeks 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg once weekly | 68 | 34 | Intermediate step unique to the Wegovy schedule |
| Week 17 onward | 2.4 mg once weekly | 96 | 48 | Wegovy maintenance dose, the approved maximum for obesity |
| Ozempic ceiling | 2 mg once weekly | 80 | 40 | Maximum Ozempic dose, approved for glycaemic management; used off label for weight |
Units on your syringe: the two unit columns assume the vial and water shown in each heading, and a U-100 insulin syringe where 100 units is 1 mL. For any other vial size or water volume, the semaglutide calculator on peptulator.com gives the exact mark for your mix.
Quick facts
- Drug class
- GLP-1 receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1 RA)
- Branded forms
- Ozempic (type 2 diabetes, SC), Wegovy (obesity, SC), Rybelsus (diabetes, oral)
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm); oral tablet for Rybelsus
- Injection frequency
- Once weekly (SC forms)
- Half-life
- Approximately 1 week; steady-state reached at 4-5 weeks
- Starting dose
- 0.25 mg once weekly (all SC indications)
- Max approved dose
- 2.4 mg once weekly (Wegovy, obesity); 2 mg once weekly (Ozempic, diabetes)
- Escalation cadence
- Every 4 weeks at minimum; physician may slow if GI side effects are significant
- Primary mechanism
- Activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, brain, and GI tract; increases insulin release, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite
- Compare to
- Tirzepatide dosage guide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist)
What Is Semaglutide and How Does It Work?
Best vendor for glp 1 right now: Amino Club
10mg vial, $49.99 per vial ($5.00 per mg), list price checked 2026-09-08. The vendor Bureau readers order from most this year, lowest price per mg on most of what we track, batch COA on every product page. Partner code 100 at checkout takes 20% off a first order there, and keeps the order counted for the Bureau. Research use only.
Check price at Amino Club Compare all vendorsSemaglutide is a synthetic analog of human GLP-1, a hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. Natural GLP-1 has a half-life of roughly 2 minutes because the enzyme DPP-4 rapidly degrades it. Semaglutide achieves a half-life of approximately one week through two structural modifications: substitution of alanine at position 8 with alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (conferring DPP-4 resistance) and attachment of a C18 fatty diacid chain via a linker at position 26 (enabling albumin binding and extended plasma half-life).
This long half-life is what makes once-weekly dosing pharmacologically viable and why steady-state concentration is not reached until 4-5 weeks of regular injections, regardless of the dose. The early weeks of a semaglutide course are not at therapeutic steady-state even if the dose is adequate on paper.
At the receptor level, semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors across several tissues simultaneously:
- Pancreatic beta cells: glucose-dependent insulin secretion increases; glucagon from alpha cells decreases
- Hypothalamus and brainstem: appetite-regulating centers receive satiety signals that reduce food intake and shift food preferences away from high-calorie options
- Gastric smooth muscle: gastric emptying slows, extending the feeling of fullness after meals
- Liver: hepatic glucose production decreases through glucagon suppression
The appetite and gastric emptying effects are central to weight loss. In the STEP trial program, Wegovy at 2.4 mg produced an average body weight reduction of approximately 15% over 68 weeks, compared to about 2.4% with placebo, with both groups on lifestyle intervention.
The Official Escalation Schedule
The slow escalation protocol exists for one reason: the GI tract needs time to adapt. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are dose-dependent and most intense when the dose is raised quickly. Both Ozempic and Wegovy use a phased ramp-up, though the target doses differ by indication.
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| Weeks | Dose | Pen label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25 mg/week | Dose 1 | Initiation dose; not intended for glycemic or weight effect -- tolerance building only |
| 5-8 | 0.5 mg/week | Dose 2 | First step where some appetite suppression typically becomes noticeable |
| 9-12 | 1 mg/week | Dose 3 | Meaningful GLP-1 activity; most patients notice clear appetite and portion changes |
| 13-16 | 1.7 mg/week | Dose 4 | Intermediate step unique to the Wegovy schedule (not in Ozempic progression) |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg/week | Dose 5 | Maintenance dose; FDA-approved maximum for obesity indication |
If GI side effects are significant at any escalation step, the prescribing physician may delay the next dose increase by an additional 4 weeks. Spending 8 weeks at a given dose before escalating is a recognized strategy for improving tolerability, particularly in patients with a history of GI sensitivity. The maintenance effect does not require reaching 2.4 mg in all patients: some respond well at 1 mg or 1.7 mg and may continue at a lower maintenance dose if the physician and patient agree.
Ozempic (Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes)
| Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25 mg/week | Initiation; not a therapeutic dose |
| 5+ | 0.5 mg/week | Starting therapeutic dose for glycemic management |
| If additional control needed | 1 mg/week | Next step if 0.5 mg is insufficient after at least 4 weeks |
| If additional control needed | 2 mg/week | Maximum Ozempic dose; approved for glycemic management only |
Ozempic doses of 1 mg and 2 mg are used off-label for weight management in clinical practice when Wegovy is unavailable or when a physician is managing both diabetes and obesity in the same patient. The pharmacology is identical; only the approved indication differs.
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Injection Technique and Timing
Where to inject
Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously into the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), the front of the thigh, or the upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week to reduce local lipodystrophy and injection site reactions. Avoid injecting into scar tissue, bruised skin, or areas with significant subcutaneous lipomas.
Which day of the week
Any consistent day works. Most people anchor it to a day with a reliable anchor (the same day each week, a specific morning routine). If a dose is missed: inject as soon as remembered if there are at least 5 days until the next scheduled dose. If less than 5 days remain, skip the missed dose and resume on the next scheduled day. Never double-dose.
Time of day
Semaglutide's once-weekly half-life means time of day does not materially affect the pharmacokinetic profile the way it does with peptides that have short half-lives. However, many patients find morning injection preferable because peak nausea (typically 1-4 hours post-injection) then falls during waking hours when it is easier to manage rather than disrupting sleep. Evening injection is also reported as workable when morning routines are disrupted. This is user preference, not clinical requirement.
With or without food
Semaglutide can be injected regardless of food intake. Unlike short-acting GLP-1 agonists such as exenatide, which are specifically dosed before meals, semaglutide's continuous receptor engagement means meal timing relative to injection is not pharmacologically meaningful for a weekly formulation.
Storage and travel
Branded pens and syringes go in the refrigerator, with different room temperature allowances for each form. The label figures are in does Ozempic need to be refrigerated and does Wegovy need to be refrigerated, including what TSA says about flying with a pen.
Managing Side Effects Through Dosing Strategy
The most common side effects of semaglutide are GI-related: nausea (very common, especially in weeks 1-12 and at each escalation), vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These typically decrease after 4-8 weeks at a stable dose as the GI tract adapts. Strategies supported by clinical experience and patient reports:
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Open the semaglutide calculator peptulator.com, the Bureau's independent tool| Side effect | Dosing/behavioral approach |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Eat smaller portions; stop eating before satiety; avoid fatty, spicy, or very sweet foods around injection day; sit upright after meals; eat slowly; ginger tea or crackers can help acutely |
| Vomiting | If persistent (more than 2-3 episodes per week consistently), discuss slowing escalation with prescriber; stay hydrated with electrolytes; BRAT diet temporarily |
| Diarrhea | Usually resolves within 4-8 weeks; increase soluble fiber gradually; stay hydrated; avoid high-fat foods which worsen GI transit changes |
| Constipation | More common than diarrhea in some patients due to slowed gastric emptying; increase fiber and fluid intake; gentle movement/walking after meals; MiraLax if persistent |
| Fatigue on escalation | Often tied to caloric restriction (eating significantly less); ensure adequate protein (1.2-1.6 g/kg) and maintain hydration; usually resolves in 2-3 weeks at stable dose |
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Dosing Comparison
Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic)
- Mechanism: pure GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Starting dose: 0.25 mg/week
- Maximum dose: 2.4 mg/week (Wegovy)
- Escalation steps: 5 (over 16 weeks minimum)
- Average weight loss at max dose: ~15% in STEP trials
- Cardiovascular outcome trial (SELECT): reduced major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity/overweight
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
- Mechanism: dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg/week
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/week
- Escalation steps: 6 (over 20 weeks minimum)
- Average weight loss at max dose: ~22% in SURMOUNT trials
- Head-to-head with semaglutide: SURPASS-2 showed greater HbA1c and weight reduction at all doses
The dose numbers are not directly comparable between the two drugs because they have different molecular weights, receptor selectivities, and affinities. Comparing 2.4 mg semaglutide to 15 mg tirzepatide numerically is not meaningful. What matters clinically is the effect profile: tirzepatide has shown greater average weight loss in trials, largely attributed to the added GIP receptor activity. See the full semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Compounded Semaglutide: 2026 Context
Between 2022 and 2025, FDA-declared shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy allowed compounding pharmacies and 503B outsourcing facilities to produce semaglutide for dispensing. The FDA lifted the shortage designation for Wegovy in early 2025, and subsequent enforcement action against compounders has narrowed access to compounded semaglutide significantly by mid-2026.
Where compounded semaglutide is still legally accessible through 503A or 503B compounders, the base molecule is the same semaglutide free acid or sodium salt. However, compounded formulations are not FDA-approved, have not undergone the same sterility and stability testing, and may vary in concentration and excipient composition. Dosing instructions for compounded semaglutide often use mcg rather than mg (e.g., 250 mcg = 0.25 mg) and require careful calculation when the vial concentration differs from branded pen concentration.
The branded Ozempic pen delivers preset doses at a fixed concentration (0.34 mg/mL or 1.34 mg/mL depending on pen). Compounded vials require drawing a specific volume based on concentration, which introduces calculation risk. If using a compounded form, confirm the vial concentration with the dispensing pharmacy and verify the draw volume before injection.
What this costs at Amino Club
Amino Club codes the GLP compounds: semaglutide is GLP-1 SM, tirzepatide is GLP-2 TR and retatrutide is GLP-3 RT. List prices on 2026-09-08, before any code; Amino Club is the vendor Bureau readers order from most and the lowest per-mg price we track on most of these. Partner code 100 at checkout takes 20% off a first order there, and keeps the order counted for the Bureau. Research use only.
Semaglutide (GLP-1 SM) 10mg · $49.99When to Expect Results
Semaglutide's long half-life means meaningful steady-state plasma concentration is not reached until 4-5 weeks of consistent weekly dosing. Patients on the initiation dose (0.25 mg) for the first four weeks are primarily building tolerance, not achieving therapeutic effect. The timeline for common benchmarks:
- Weeks 1-4: GI adaptation; minimal weight effect at 0.25 mg; some patients notice reduced hunger
- Weeks 5-12: First measurable weight loss at 0.5 mg and 1 mg doses; early body weight changes of 2-5% reported in trials
- Weeks 13-20: Approaching or at 2.4 mg maintenance; appetite suppression well-established; cumulative weight loss 8-12% in responsive patients
- Months 6-12: Peak weight loss curve in STEP trials; 12-15% average in the semaglutide arm with lifestyle support
- Beyond 12 months: Weight is largely maintained with continued treatment; discontinuation is associated with weight regain in most patients
Important Safety Considerations
Semaglutide carries a black box warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies. The relevance to humans is not established, but patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use semaglutide. Additional contraindications and cautions include pancreatitis history (discuss risk/benefit with physician), severe gastroparesis, and severe GI disease.
Hypoglycemia risk is very low with semaglutide as monotherapy because its insulin-stimulating effect is glucose-dependent (it does not trigger insulin release at normal or low glucose levels). Risk increases when semaglutide is combined with sulfonylureas or insulin, in which case those medications may need dose reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units is 0.25 mg of semaglutide on an insulin syringe?
A 5 mg vial mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water is 2.5 mg/mL, so 0.25 mg is 0.1 mL, which reads as 10 units on a U-100 syringe. A 10 mg vial in 2 mL is 5 mg/mL and the same dose is 5 units. Compounded and research vials differ in concentration, so confirm the vial strength and the water you added before drawing; the chart at the top of this page covers both common mixes.
What is the starting dose of semaglutide?
For both Ozempic and Wegovy, the starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for the first four weeks. This is an initiation dose intended for tolerance building, not for achieving glycemic control or weight loss. Therapeutic effect begins at 0.5 mg and above.
What is the maximum dose of semaglutide?
For weight management with Wegovy, the FDA-approved maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once weekly. For type 2 diabetes with Ozempic, the maximum approved dose is 2 mg once weekly. The 2.4 mg level is specific to the obesity indication.
What day of the week should I inject semaglutide?
Any consistent day works. Because semaglutide has a half-life of approximately one week, the day itself does not affect efficacy as long as injections are spaced roughly 7 days apart. Pick a day you can reliably remember and stick with it.
How do I reduce nausea on semaglutide?
Eat smaller meals, stop before you feel full, avoid high-fat and spicy foods especially around injection day, stay hydrated, and sit upright after eating. Nausea is typically worst in the first 4-8 weeks and at each dose escalation. If it is severe enough to affect daily function, your prescriber can slow the escalation schedule.
How does semaglutide compare to tirzepatide in dosing?
Both are weekly subcutaneous injections that escalate over several months. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) escalates from 2.5 mg to 15 mg; semaglutide (Wegovy) escalates from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. The raw dose numbers are not directly comparable. Head-to-head trials show tirzepatide producing greater average weight loss, largely attributed to its additional GIP receptor activity on top of GLP-1. See the full comparison for details.
Semaglutide prices by vendor
| Vendor | Vial | Price | Per mg | Ships from | Testing / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amino Club Readers' pick | 10mg | $49.99 | $5.00 | US | Every batch runs an 8-assay panel at an ISO 17025 lab |
| PSPeptides | 10mg | $64.99 | $6.50 | US | Batch-specific COA on every product page |
| Ascension Peptides | 5mg | $65.00 | $13.00 | US | Batch-specific third-party COA |
| Apollo Peptide Sciences | 5mg | $79.99 | $16.00 | US | Third-party tested every batch |
Amino Club list price checked 2026-09-08, the others 2026-09-05; prices change, the link shows the live price. Readers' pick is the vendor Bureau readers have ordered from most this year; code 100 takes 20% off a first order there. PSPeptides prices checked 2026-09-08. Code PEPTIDEBUREAU takes 10% off at PSPeptides and keeps the order counted for the Bureau. It is the only vendor here that ships outside the US. Ascension links open the vendor storefront rather than the product page. Bold row is the lowest price per mg among the vendors with a published vial size. Where a vendor sells several vial sizes, the table shows the smallest; larger vials are usually cheaper per mg.
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