This article describes Ozempic’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Ozempic. If you want to know more about Ozempic, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Ozempic is a brand-name medication that comes as a liquid solution that you inject under your skin. It isn’t available in a generic version.
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer
Ozempic has a boxed warning for the risk of certain types of thyroid tumors and cancers. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Form and strengths of Ozempic
Ozempic comes as follows:
- Form: a liquid solution that you inject under your skin
- Strengths:
- 2 milligrams per 3 milliliters (mg/mL) pen for 0.25-mg or 0.5-mg doses
- 4 mg/3 mL pen for 1-mg doses
- 8 mg/3 mL pen for 2-mg doses
Dosage of Ozempic
This article describes the recommended dosages for Ozempic. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Ozempic without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Ozempic in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Ozempic. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Ozempic that gives the desired outcome.
Ozempic is used to manage blood sugar and lower the risk of heart disease in certain people with type 2 diabetes. Below are its usual dosages:
- Starting dosage: 0.25 mg once weekly
- Maintenance dosage: 0.5–2 mg once weekly
- Maximum dosage: 2 mg once weekly
Note: The 0.25 mg dose is only used to start treatment. It is not effective in managing your blood sugar. Your doctor will likely increase your dose after 4 weeks if you’re not experiencing side effects from Ozempic.
Dosage adjustments for Ozempic
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Ozempic based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other medications you’re taking
- other health conditions you may have
- whether you experience any side effects of the drug
Missed dose of Ozempic
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within 5 days. If it’s been longer than 5 days, skip the missed dose. In both cases, continue taking your next dose on your regular once-weekly schedule.
If you have questions about taking a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Ozempic and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Ozempic and its dosage.
Can Ozempic be used for weight loss? If so, what is the dosage?
Ozempic is not approved to be used for weight loss. But weight loss is a side effect of the drug.
Your doctor may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about Ozempic and weight loss.
How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
There are four doses in each Ozempic pen. So each pen should last 4 weeks (28 days).
Depending on your dose, you’ll be given an Ozempic pen with a different strength. For example, if you’re taking:
- 0.5 mg once weekly, the strength of your pen will be 2 mg/3 mL
- 1 mg once weekly, the strength of your pen will be 4 mg/3 mL
- 2 mg once weekly, the strength of your pen will be 8 mg/3 mL
An exception to this is when you start taking Ozempic. You will use the 2 mg/3 mL pen for the 0.25-mg once weekly dosage. This pen may have more than four doses of the drug.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how long your Ozempic pen should last.
Is Ozempic used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Ozempic as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should use Ozempic, talk with your doctor.
How Ozempic is used
You’ll inject Ozempic under your skin once weekly at any time of day. It can be injected into your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. Ozempic can be injected with or without meals.
Your doctor may advise that you use this medication on the same day each week. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Ozempic coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Ozempic when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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