Once weekly·Injectable pen

Wegovy Dosing Guide

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved once-weekly injectable for chronic weight management, delivered via single-dose pre-filled pens. It uses a 5-step dose escalation over 16 weeks before reaching the full maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Each dose level has its own dedicated pen, and your Weight Method provider will prescribe the appropriate strength as you progress through the schedule.

0.25mg0.5mg1mg1.7mg2.4mg
Updated March 2026Medically reviewed by licensed providers

Wegovy dosing starts at a low dose and gradually increases over 16-20 weeks to minimize side effects. Weight Method providers create personalized titration schedules. Treatment starts at $297/month with direct-to-door shipping.

Key Fact

Wegovy titration: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg, each step lasting 4 weeks (16 weeks to maintenance). Once-weekly subcutaneous injection. The gradual escalation minimizes nausea and other GI side effects.

Source: Wegovy FDA prescribing information

What is the dosing schedule?

Wegovy follows a 5-step escalation: 0.25mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, up to 2.4mg maintenance — one injection weekly over 16 weeks total.

The 5-step escalation begins at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg for 4 weeks, 1 mg for 4 weeks, 1.7 mg for 4 weeks, and finally 2.4 mg weekly as the maintenance dose. This gradual approach over 16 weeks helps your body adjust and reduces gastrointestinal side effects. Inject on the same day each week — you may change the day as long as at least 2 days separate consecutive doses. Your Weight Method provider may slow the escalation if side effects are significant.

How do you administer the injection?

Inject subcutaneously once weekly in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Each pen is single-use and pre-set — no dialing required. Hold for 5-10 seconds until the click.

Inject Wegovy subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Each pen is single-use and pre-set to deliver the correct dose — no dialing required. Clean the injection site, remove the pen cap, place the pen flat against your skin, unlock, and press the injection button. Hold for 5-10 seconds until you hear a second click confirming full delivery. Rotate injection sites weekly.

What should you do if you miss a dose?

If less than 5 days late, take the missed dose immediately. If more than 5 days, skip it and resume your regular schedule. Missing several weeks may require restarting escalation.

If you miss your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose, skip it and resume on your next regularly scheduled day. Do not double up on doses. If you miss several consecutive doses, contact your Weight Method provider — you may need to restart at a lower dose to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

How should you store the medication?

Store unused pens refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Out of the fridge, pens last up to 28 days at room temperature. Do not freeze. Each pen is single-use.

Store unused Wegovy pens in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze, and discard any pen that has been frozen. After removing from the refrigerator, pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 86 degrees F / 30 degrees C) for up to 28 days. Keep pens in original carton to protect from light. Each pen is single-use — discard after injection even if liquid remains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wegovy reaches a higher maintenance dose (2.4 mg vs. 1 mg standard for Ozempic), so the 5-step escalation over 16 weeks gives your body more time to adjust. This gradual ramp-up significantly reduces nausea and other GI side effects at the higher dose levels.

Your Weight Method provider may recommend a slower escalation if you're responding well at a lower dose. However, clinical trials showed the greatest weight loss at the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose, so reaching the target dose is generally recommended.

Contact your Weight Method provider. They may extend your current dose level for an additional 4 weeks before increasing. Eating smaller meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding high-fat foods can also help manage nausea during escalation.

Yes. Each Wegovy dose strength (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg) comes in its own color-coded pen. Your pharmacy will dispense the correct pen for your current escalation step. Never attempt to combine pens to adjust your dose.

Wegovy pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 86 degrees F) for up to 28 days. After 28 days out of refrigeration, the pen must be discarded. Mark the date you remove it from the fridge to track this window.

Most patients report minimal discomfort. The Wegovy pen uses a thin, hidden needle. Injecting at room temperature and rotating sites helps reduce any sensation. If you experience persistent pain or bruising, notify your Weight Method provider.

If you've been off Wegovy for more than a few weeks, your Weight Method provider will likely restart you at the 0.25 mg dose and repeat the full escalation. Jumping back to a higher dose can cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic (long-term) weight management, meaning it is designed to be taken indefinitely. The STEP 1 extension study showed that patients who stopped treatment regained approximately two-thirds of lost weight within a year. Most providers recommend ongoing use for sustained results, with regular check-ins to monitor health and adjust dosing as needed.

No. Each Wegovy pen is pre-set to a single dose, so self-adjustment is not physically possible with the pen design. You must follow your provider's prescribed escalation schedule. If you feel the current dose is too strong or not effective enough, contact your Weight Method provider rather than attempting to skip or double doses.

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