Semaglutide Dosage Guide
95/100 confidenceComplete guide to Semaglutide dosing protocols, administration methods, and safety considerations for research purposes.
NOT Medical Advice
The dosage and calculator information provided is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides are not approved by the FDA for human use. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to peptide research or use.
Dosage Overview
Dose per Injection
250 mcg – 2.4 mg
Frequency
Once per week
Route
subcutaneous or oral
Cycle Length
16–52 weeks
Detailed Dosage Information
For weight management (Wegovy)
start at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, escalate to 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, and finally 2.4 mg weekly.
Each escalation lasts 4 weeks.
Maintenance dose is 2.4 mg weekly.
For type 2 diabetes (Ozempic)
start at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg.
May increase to 1 mg, then 2 mg if additional glycemic control is needed.
Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus)
3 mg daily for 30 days, then 7 mg daily.
May increase to 14 mg daily.
Oral Wegovy
3 mg daily for 4 weeks, escalate to 7 mg, 14 mg, and 25 mg daily.
Take on empty stomach with no more than 4 oz of water, 30 minutes before food.
Administration Method
Injectable: subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. Store pens refrigerated (36-46°F) before first use; after first use, store at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 56 days. Oral: take on an empty stomach with a sip of plain water (no more than 4 oz). Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. Do not split, crush, or chew tablets.
Research Backing
STEP 1-5 trials (weight management), SUSTAIN 1-10 trials (T2D), SELECT trial (cardiovascular outcomes, NEJM 2023). Over 10,000 clinical trial participants across pivotal studies. FDA-approved since 2017 (Ozempic), 2021 (Wegovy).
Side Effects to Monitor
Very common (>10%): nausea (up to 44%), diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain. These are typically mild-to-moderate and decrease over time with dose escalation. Common (1-10%): headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, bloating, flatulence, GERD, gastroenteritis. Notable: 'Ozempic face' (facial volume loss due to rapid weight loss), hair loss (telogen effluvium, reported in 25-33% of users in some studies), injection site reactions.
Safety Considerations & Risks
Black box warning: thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies. Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Risk of pancreatitis — discontinue if suspected. Potential for gallbladder-related events (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis). Risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Muscle loss: 20-40% of weight lost may be lean mass. Suicidal ideation reports are under FDA review. Not recommended in pregnancy.