Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg once weekly. The maintenance dose is 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg once weekly, set by blood sugar control (1 mg for type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease), and the maximum is 2 mg once weekly. Each increase comes after at least 4 weeks on the current dose and only if blood sugar needs more control. 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg are all maintenance doses.
Ozempic dose at a glance
| Form | Multi-dose prefilled pen, subcutaneous injection |
|---|---|
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg once weekly |
| Maintenance | 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg once weekly, set by blood sugar control (1 mg for type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease) |
| Maximum | 2 mg once weekly |
| How often | Once weekly, same day each week, any time of day, with or without meals |
Checked against the Ozempic FDA label dated June 1, 2026. How long it keeps out of the fridge is on the Ozempic storage page.
Ozempic (semaglutide) dosing chart
FDA-labeled titration schedule — the standard step-up most prescribers follow to limit nausea. Your prescriber may adjust the pace to your tolerance.
| Phase | Dose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg/week | Starting dose, meant to limit stomach side effects. |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg/week | — |
| After 4+ weeks on 0.5 mg | 1 mg/week | Only if blood sugar needs more control. |
| After 4+ weeks on 1 mg | 2 mg/week | Maximum dose, only if more control is needed. |
Maximum approved Ozempic dose: 2 mg once weekly. Source: FDA prescribing information.
Your Ozempic titration calendar
Enter your start date to see the exact dates your dose steps up — and when to reorder so you don't run out mid-titration. Built from the FDA-labeled schedule above.
Reorder tip: a pen typically covers ~4 weeks, so request your next fill about a week before you run out to avoid a gap during titration. This calendar is the standard label schedule — your prescriber may titrate slower for tolerability. General information, not medical advice.
How to inject Ozempic
- Inject under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, using a different spot each week when you stay in the same area.
- Use only if the solution is clear and colorless.
- If you also use insulin, give them as separate injections and never mix them. They can go in the same area, but not next to each other.
What if you miss a dose?
Inject the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days of the missed day. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and inject on your usual day.
Ozempic pen colors — which pen is which dose
Ozempic is a multi-dose pen — the label color marks the strength; you dial your dose on the pen. Always confirm the strength printed on your carton; formats can change.
| Dose strength | Pen / cap color |
|---|---|
| 0.25 / 0.5 mg pen | red label |
| 1 mg pen | blue label |
| 2 mg pen | navy label |
Storage: Refrigerate before first use; after first use, up to 56 days at ≤86°F. Quick check: Dial should click in 0.25-mg increments. If dial spins freely without clicks, pen is defective — return to pharmacy.
FAQ about Ozempic dosage
Can I change the day or time I take Ozempic?
You can move your weekly day as long as the two doses are at least 2 days (more than 48 hours) apart.
What happens if I take too much Ozempic?
Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or get medical care. Semaglutide has a half-life of about a week, so the label says observation and treatment may need to last longer.
Is Ozempic dosed differently for kidney or liver problems?
No dose change for kidney or liver impairment, including kidney failure.
Can children take Ozempic?
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.
Always follow your prescriber's specific dosing instructions over generic guides. Full medical disclaimer.