0.25 mgThe usual introductory weekly strength; it is not intended to be rushed.
Semaglutide dose escalation
Wegovy dosage guide
Wegovy is usually introduced gradually through 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg once weekly. These stages are not an automatic instruction to increase: the prescriber reviews progress, symptoms, side effects and tolerability before changing the dose.
Once weeklyUse the exact prescribed pen on the agreed day and never add a catch-up dose.
2.4 mgA usual maintenance target where appropriate and tolerated—not a target everyone must reach.
Usual escalation pathway
Start low, review, and increase only when appropriate
The chart shows the usual staged sequence. Some patients stay on one strength for longer than four weeks, and a dose should not increase while important side effects or poor intake are unresolved.
Assess response
Review appetite, weight trend, nutrition, hydration and clinical goals.
Review tolerability
Discuss nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux or abdominal pain.
Choose the next step
Continue, delay an increase, investigate symptoms or change the plan with the prescriber.
The usual escalation sequence
Treatment commonly begins at 0.25 mg once weekly and rises in stages. One month at each strength is a usual schedule, not a deadline. Some patients remain on a dose for several months when that is the safer individualized plan.
When not to increase
Do not increase simply because another person did. Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, dehydration or poor intake should be reviewed before any increase.
Changing the injection day or restarting
A change may be possible when the required interval is respected, but confirm against the current leaflet and your prescription. After a treatment break, ask the prescriber whether a lower restart dose is needed.
!
Safety first
Use only the exact prescribed presentation
Do not count clicks, split a pen, combine strengths, borrow another person’s pen or improvise a dose. Seek advice if the label, pen or instructions do not match your plan.
Call 112 for a life-threatening emergency.
Common questions
Wegovy dosage guide: questions
Must I increase every four weeks?
Not necessarily. Four-week stages describe the usual pathway, but the clinician may delay an increase according to tolerability and clinical response.
What if I have side effects before an increase?
Contact the prescriber first. Persistent digestive symptoms, dehydration or poor intake may require a delay, review or different plan.
Is 2.4 mg right for everyone?
No. The appropriate maintenance plan is individual and must follow the authorised product information and prescription.
Can I remain on the same dose for longer?
Sometimes. A clinician may keep a patient at a tolerated dose for longer when symptoms, response or another clinical factor makes that appropriate.
What if I miss a dose?
Follow the current leaflet and contact the prescriber when the timing is uncertain. Do not take extra medicine to compensate.
Can I change my weekly injection day?
A change may be possible when the required interval is respected. Check the current leaflet and your prescribed plan first.
Can I restart at my old dose after a break?
Do not assume so. Contact the doctor because a lower restart dose may need consideration depending on the break and previous tolerability.
Can I use an Ozempic pen instead?
No self-substitution. Wegovy and Ozempic have different authorised uses and presentations.
Clinical source: EMA — Wegovy product information. General patient information; it does not replace an individual consultation.
Medically reviewed
Dr Ben Harry Clegg
General practitioner · Málaga registration 292911940 · Nerja Medical Center NICA 55712
Clinical review date: 9 August 2026
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