Wegovy Dosage Chart: Schedule, Storage & Safety Tips

Professional () hero image with SHORT (≤42 chars): 'Wegovy dosage chart', white on a navy panel, centered with 8% safe

Last updated: November 2, 2026

Table of Contents - [Open] ➨

Quick Answer

Wegovy dosing starts at 0.25 mg weekly and climbs in four-week steps to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, with a newer 7.2 mg high-dose option now available for some patients [1][2]. This Wegovy dosage chart covers the full titration schedule, storage rules, missed-dose guidance, and safety warnings you need before your first injection.

Nine out of ten people searching for a Wegovy dosage chart already know the drug works. What they actually need is the fine print: exactly which dose to inject in week six, whether the pen needs refrigeration on a flight, and what happens if they skip a Tuesday injection. I’ve spent time digging through the official prescribing information and patient guides so you don’t have to piece it together from forum posts. This article lays out the Wegovy dosage chart in plain language, along with the schedule, storage rules, and safety tips that actually matter for day-to-day use.

Our Top GLP-1 Providers

7 Best GLP-1 Providers Ranked: Accreditation, Flexibility & Support Compared (2026 Update)

32,000+ Patients Can't All Be Wrong: See the Top-Rated GLP-1 Providers. We compared the leading online GLP-1 providers based on program features, clinical support, convenience, and overall value.

✓ Quick comparison: See which provider best fits your needs.

★ Our Top Pick

BMI MD

BMI MD GLP-1 Microdosing Plan

Best for: Microdosing & maintenance

Specialized microdosing options, including sublingual drops and low-dose injections
Designed for people interested in maintaining weight or gradually adjusting treatment
Bundled program structure without a separate monthly platform membership
Online access makes the process convenient from home

4.9

★★★★★

32,200+ Reviews

Check BMI MD

See current program options

DirectMEDs

DirectMeds Weight Loss Solutions

Best for: Straightforward online access

Online weight-loss program with a straightforward patient experience
Compounded medication options through state-licensed compounding pharmacies
Includes clinical consultation as part of the process
Provides shipping updates to help patients track their orders

4.8

★★★★★

2,100+ Reviews

Explore DirectMEDs

View current program details

MEDVi

MEDVi Flat-Rate Telehealth

Best for: Predictable program structure

Flat-rate telehealth approach designed for easier budgeting
No dosage-based pricing increases within the advertised program structure
Offers injectable and oral thin-film delivery options
Includes medical screening and asynchronous provider consultations

4.6

★★★★☆

1,800+ Reviews

Explore MEDVi

See current treatment options

ShedRx GLP-1

Gala GLP-1 Care Program

Best for: Ongoing clinician messaging

Text-based access to state-licensed clinicians
Cold-chain medication shipping included in the program
Month-to-month program structure
Designed for people who value convenient ongoing support

4.5

★★★★☆

1,400+ Reviews

Start Assessment

See if the program fits

Measured

Measured GLP-1 Metabolic Health

Best for: Metabolic health tracking

Comprehensive metabolic health screening and intake analysis
Designed around longer-term metabolic health management
Responsive dashboard with integrated health tracking tools
Useful option for patients who value a more data-focused experience

4.3

★★★★☆

900+ Reviews

Explore Measured

Review the complete program

Gala GLP-1

Refills GLP-1 (TryRefills Plan)

Best for: Side-effect support

Clinical guidance designed to help patients manage common treatment concerns
Includes foundational nutritional strategies alongside medication
Designed around predictable ongoing treatment
No hidden startup or processing fees according to the program information provided

4.2

★★★★☆

450+ Reviews

Explore Refills

View current program details

Refills GLP-1

AltRx GLP-1 Transactional Reorders

Best for: Experienced patients

Transactional reorder model without recurring auto-billing
Designed for patients who already understand their treatment routine
Fast text-to-order process for convenient reorders
Offers injectable and fast-dissolving tablet variations

4.1

★★★★☆

280+ Reviews

Explore Refills

See current options

Key Takeaways

Wegovy titration runs through five dose levels over roughly 16 weeks before reaching the standard 2.4 mg maintenance dose [3][4].
A 7.2 mg high-dose version is now available after the standard maintenance dose stops producing enough results [1].
Unrefrigerated pens stay usable for up to 28 days at room temperature below 86°F [3][5].
A missed dose can usually be taken within 5 days; beyond that, skip it and resume the regular schedule [3].
Wegovy carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors and is not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 [1][2].
An oral tablet version of semaglutide is also available, dosed daily rather than weekly [1][6].

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Actually Work?

Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in adults and some adolescents with obesity or excess weight plus a related health condition [1]. It works by mimicking a gut hormone that slows stomach emptying and signals fullness to the brain, which reduces appetite and calorie intake.

The drug is injected once weekly, on the same day each week, using a prefilled pen [3][4]. Unlike older weight-loss drugs that target metabolism directly, Wegovy changes eating behavior by making you feel satisfied with smaller portions. For a side-by-side look at how semaglutide doses are measured in mg versus units, see this semaglutide dosage chart for weight loss.

Choose Wegovy if your doctor has confirmed you meet the BMI and health criteria for chronic weight management and you’re prepared for a long-term commitment, not a short course of treatment.

Wegovy Dosage Chart: Dosage, Schedule, Storage & Important Safety Tips at Each Titration Step

The core Wegovy dosage chart moves through five increasing dose levels, each held for four weeks, before landing on the maintenance dose [3][4][7]. This gradual ramp-up gives your body time to adjust and reduces nausea and other digestive side effects.

Step	Dose	Duration	Purpose
1	0.25 mg	Weeks 1-4	Starting dose, builds tolerance
2	0.5 mg	Weeks 5-8	First increase
3	1 mg	Weeks 9-12	Mid-level increase
4	1.7 mg	Weeks 13-16	Approaching target dose
5	2.4 mg	Week 17 onward	Standard maintenance dose
Optional	7.2 mg	After maintenance, if needed	Higher-dose option for inadequate response [1][2]

Common mistake: jumping ahead to a higher dose because weight loss feels slow. The schedule exists to limit side effects, and skipping steps increases the risk of vomiting and severe nausea. If a dose causes side effects you can’t tolerate, your doctor may have you stay at that level longer before moving up [3][7]. For full injection pen instructions, see this guide to the Wegovy weekly injection pen.

How Much Weight Can You Realistically Lose on Wegovy?

Weight loss results vary by individual, and the exact percentage depends on dose, duration, and lifestyle habits alongside the medication. Semaglutide is intended to be combined with reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity, not used alone [1][5].

Results differ based on:

Starting body weight and metabolic health
Consistency with the weekly injection schedule
Diet and activity changes made alongside treatment
How long someone stays at the maintenance dose

Real patient experiences vary widely; read firsthand accounts in these Wegovy reviews before setting expectations.

What Are the Side Effects at Each Dose Level?

Side effects tend to be mildest at the starting dose and can intensify temporarily each time the dose increases. The most frequently reported effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and stomach pain [1][2][5].

0.25-0.5 mg: mild nausea, occasional headache
1-1.7 mg: increased nausea, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue
2.4 mg and above: digestive symptoms may persist; some people experience gallbladder issues or injection site reactions [2]

Edge case: if diarrhea or constipation becomes disruptive, it’s often manageable with dietary adjustments rather than stopping the drug. For practical relief strategies that apply to semaglutide-class drugs, see this guide on GLP-1 diarrhea and constipation relief tips.

Is Wegovy Right for Me, or Who Shouldn’t Take It?

Wegovy is intended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise [1]. It is not appropriate for everyone, and some people should avoid it entirely.

Do not take Wegovy if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), due to a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies [1][2]. Also avoid it if you have a known serious allergy to semaglutide or any pen ingredient.

Talk to your doctor first if you have a history of pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease, or suicidal thoughts, since these require closer monitoring [1][2].

How Does Wegovy Dosing Compare to Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but they’re approved for different purposes and use different maximum doses. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes management and tops out at a lower standard dose, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management and reaches higher doses, including the newer 7.2 mg option [1][8].

Ozempic: typically maxes at 2 mg weekly for diabetes control
Wegovy: titrates up to 2.4 mg, with 7.2 mg available for some patients [1][2]
Both use similar pen devices and weekly injection timing

Choose Wegovy over Ozempic if weight management is the primary goal and your doctor confirms you meet the obesity-related eligibility criteria, not diabetes criteria.

What If I Miss My Weekly Wegovy Injection?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within 5 days of the missed day. If more than 5 days have passed, skip that dose entirely and inject your next scheduled dose on the usual day [3][5].

Never double up to make up for a missed injection
If you’ve missed more than 2 doses in a row, call your doctor, since you may need to restart at a lower dose
Set a recurring phone reminder to avoid missed doses altogether

Quick example: if your injection day is Monday and you forget until Thursday (3 days later), you can still take it. If you don’t remember until the following Monday (7 days later), skip it and inject on schedule that day.

How Much Does Each Wegovy Dose Cost?

Wegovy pricing varies by pharmacy, insurance coverage, and manufacturer savings programs, and it changes often enough that specific dollar figures should be confirmed directly with your pharmacy or the manufacturer’s current savings card program. Costs are generally similar across dose strengths since pricing is typically per pen box rather than per milligram.

Insurance coverage depends heavily on your plan’s formulary and prior authorization requirements
Manufacturer savings programs may lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients
Ask your pharmacist about current cash-pay and copay assistance options before assuming a price

Can You Take Wegovy If You Have Diabetes or Kidney Disease?

Semaglutide can be used in people with type 2 diabetes, though Wegovy itself is approved specifically for weight management rather than glucose control, and your doctor will coordinate it with any diabetes medications you take [1]. People with kidney disease need closer monitoring, especially if gastrointestinal side effects cause dehydration.

Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea can worsen kidney function, so staying hydrated during titration matters
Combining Wegovy with insulin or sulfonylureas raises the risk of low blood sugar, requiring dose adjustments
Always disclose your full kidney and diabetes history before starting treatment

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make With Wegovy?

The most common mistakes involve rushing the titration schedule, injecting into the same spot repeatedly, and stopping treatment abruptly without a doctor’s guidance. Each of these increases side effects or undermines results.

Increasing the dose early because weight loss feels slow
Reusing the same injection site every week instead of rotating between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm [3][5]
Skipping meals entirely, which can worsen nausea rather than help it
Forgetting to check the pen’s expiration date or storage time at room temperature
Stopping cold turkey without discussing a tapering plan

What Are Alternatives to Wegovy for Weight Loss?

Several other GLP-1 and combination medications are approved for weight management, and the right alternative depends on tolerance, cost, and insurance coverage. Options include other semaglutide formulations, tirzepatide-based drugs, and older appetite-suppressant medications, each with different dosing schedules and side effect profiles.

Oral semaglutide tablets, dosed daily instead of weekly, are now available for some indications [1][6]
Tirzepatide-based injectables work through a dual-hormone mechanism
Non-GLP-1 options exist but generally produce more modest results

How Long Do You Have to Stay on Wegovy?

Wegovy is designed for long-term, often indefinite use, since weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 medications. Your doctor will periodically assess whether continuing treatment, adjusting the dose, or stopping is appropriate based on your response and health status.

Most clinical use models treat obesity as a chronic condition requiring ongoing management, not a short course
Maintenance dosing continues as long as the medication remains effective and well tolerated
Regular check-ins with your prescriber help determine if a dose change or discontinuation makes sense

What Happens If You Stop Taking Wegovy Suddenly?

Stopping Wegovy abruptly can lead to a return of appetite and gradual weight regain, since the appetite-suppressing effect fades once the drug clears your system. It does not typically cause acute withdrawal symptoms, but the loss of its appetite-control effect is the main concern.

Weight regain after discontinuation has been observed in patients who stop treatment
Discuss a plan with your doctor rather than stopping on your own, especially if you have related health conditions
Lifestyle habits built during treatment, like portion control, can help slow regain even after stopping

How Do You Properly Store and Handle Wegovy Pens?

Wegovy pens should be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F before first use, but can be kept at room temperature, below 86°F, for up to 28 days once in use [3][5]. Never freeze a pen, and discard it if it has been frozen.

Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect it from light
Travel tip: if you’re flying, pack the pen in your carry-on with an insulated case rather than checked luggage
Always check the liquid is clear and colorless before injecting; discard if cloudy or discolored

For a deeper comparison of refrigeration rules across GLP-1 medications, see this guide on whether Ozempic needs to be refrigerated and travel storage rules, which applies similar logic to semaglutide pens.

Can You Take Wegovy While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy, and you should stop using it at least two months before a planned pregnancy due to the time it takes to clear the body [1][2]. There isn’t enough data to confirm safety during breastfeeding, so most doctors advise against use while nursing.

Discuss alternative weight management approaches with your doctor if you’re planning pregnancy
If you become pregnant while on Wegovy, contact your doctor immediately to discuss discontinuation
Birth control planning should factor in the drug’s extended clearance time

7 Best GLP-1 Providers Ranked: Accreditation, Flexibility & Support Compared (2026 Update)

32,000+ Patients Can't All Be Wrong: See the Top-Rated GLP-1 Providers: Compared on accreditation, plan flexibility, and patient support — updated for 2026.