Semaglutide Dosage Chart: Complete Guide for Ozempic & Wegovy
Universal semaglutide dosing guide covering brand-name Ozempic and Wegovy, comparison of diabetes vs weight loss dosing, maximum dose differences (2mg vs 2.4mg), when to use which brand, compounded semaglutide options, and comprehensive dosing table showing all available options.
Quick Dosing Reference
All semaglutide products (Ozempic, Wegovy, compounded) start the same way:
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg weekly (starting dose for all formulations)
- Weeks 5+: 0.5mg weekly (first therapeutic dose)
- After that: Dosing diverges based on indication and brand
MAXIMUM DOSES BY BRAND:
- Ozempic (diabetes): 2mg weekly maximum
- Wegovy (weight loss): 2.4mg weekly maximum
- Compounded semaglutide: Can go higher (some up to 3-5mg for weight loss)
Complete Semaglutide Dosage Chart (All Options)
This comprehensive chart shows all available semaglutide doses across different brands and formulations:
| Dose | Ozempic (Diabetes) | Wegovy (Weight Loss) | Compounded | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Starting dose | Starting dose | Starting dose | Weeks 1-4 |
| 0.5mg | First maintenance option | Month 2 | Available | Weeks 5-8 |
| 1mg | Standard maintenance | Month 3 | Available | Weeks 9-12 |
| 1.7mg | Not available | Month 4 | Available | Weeks 13-16 |
| 2mg | Maximum dose | Not available | Available | Week 17+ |
| 2.4mg | Not available | Maintenance dose | Available | Week 17+ |
| 2.5-5mg | Not available | Not available | Some providers offer | Off-label |
KEY INSIGHTS:
- All start the same: 0.25mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5mg
- Ozempic stops at 2mg: FDA-approved only for diabetes
- Wegovy goes to 2.4mg: FDA-approved for weight loss
- 1.7mg is Wegovy-only: Not available in Ozempic pens
- Compounded offers flexibility: Can access any dose including 2.4mg and sometimes higher
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head Comparison
While both are semaglutide, there are important differences between Ozempic and Wegovy:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| FDA Indication | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management |
| Starting Dose | 0.25mg for 4 weeks | 0.25mg for 4 weeks |
| Available Doses | 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg | 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg |
| Maximum Dose | 2mg weekly | 2.4mg weekly |
| Titration Speed | Flexible (4+ weeks between increases) | Monthly increases |
| List Price | $935-$1,000/month | $1,350/month |
| Insurance Coverage | Good for diabetes, poor for weight loss | Variable (40-60% of plans) |
| Savings Programs | $25/month with savings card (diabetes only) | $0-$225/month with WeGoTogether |
| Pen Design | Single-dose pens (4 per box) | Single-dose FlexTouch pens (4 per box) |
When to Use Ozempic:
- You have type 2 diabetes (insurance will cover)
- You want diabetes control as primary goal with weight loss as bonus
- You can get $25/month copay with Ozempic savings card
- You don't need doses above 2mg
- Your insurance covers Ozempic but not Wegovy
When to Use Wegovy:
- Weight loss is your primary goal (with or without diabetes)
- You want to reach 2.4mg for maximum weight loss
- You don't have diabetes (Ozempic won't be covered)
- Your insurance covers weight loss medications
- You want FDA-approved dosing for obesity
When to Use Compounded Semaglutide:
- Insurance won't cover Ozempic or Wegovy for your indication
- You can't afford $900-$1,350/month brand-name prices
- You want 2.4mg without paying Wegovy prices
- You want flexibility to access any dose (0.25mg to 2.4mg+)
- You want flat-rate pricing regardless of dose
Semaglutide Dosing by Indication
How to dose semaglutide based on whether your primary goal is diabetes control or weight loss:
FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES (Ozempic Dosing)
Standard Titration Schedule:
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg weekly
- Week 5+: Increase to 0.5mg
- If A1C not at goal after 4+ weeks: Increase to 1mg
- If A1C still not at goal after 4+ weeks: Increase to 2mg (maximum)
Expected A1C Reduction:
- 0.5mg: -1.4% average
- 1mg: -1.5% to -1.6% average
- 2mg: -1.7% to -1.9% average
GOAL:
Use lowest effective dose that achieves A1C <7% (or your individualized target). Many patients achieve goal at 0.5mg or 1mg.
FOR WEIGHT LOSS (Wegovy Dosing)
Standard Titration Schedule:
- Month 1: 0.25mg weekly
- Month 2: 0.5mg weekly
- Month 3: 1mg weekly
- Month 4: 1.7mg weekly
- Month 5+: 2.4mg weekly (maintenance)
Expected Weight Loss:
- 0.5mg: ~6% body weight
- 1mg: ~9-10% body weight
- 1.7mg: ~12-13% body weight
- 2.4mg: ~15-18% body weight (at 68 weeks)
GOAL:
Reach 2.4mg maintenance dose for maximum weight loss. Most people tolerate the full titration well when increasing monthly.
FOR WEIGHT LOSS WITH DIABETES (Either Brand)
Recommended Approach:
- Start with Ozempic if you have diabetes (insurance coverage)
- Titrate up to 2mg following Ozempic dosing
- If you want 2.4mg: Switch to Wegovy or use compounded semaglutide
- Alternatively: Start with Wegovy if insurance covers it
DUAL BENEFITS:
You'll get both excellent A1C reduction AND significant weight loss. Higher doses (1.7-2.4mg) provide best weight loss while maintaining superior glycemic control.
Compounded Semaglutide Dosing Options
Compounded semaglutide offers more flexibility than brand-name options:
Available Compounded Semaglutide Doses
| Dose | Availability | Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | All providers | Starting dose | Standard across all forms |
| 0.5mg | All providers | First therapeutic dose | Maintenance for some |
| 1mg | All providers | Standard maintenance | Common long-term dose |
| 1.7mg | Most providers | Weight loss escalation | Wegovy dose, available compounded |
| 2mg | All providers | Max Ozempic dose | Good for diabetes + weight loss |
| 2.4mg | Most providers | Max weight loss dose | Wegovy equivalent |
| 2.5-5mg | Select providers | Off-label high dose | For plateau breakers, not FDA-studied |
Advantages of Compounded Semaglutide:
- Cost savings: $99-$599/month vs $900-$1,350 for brand-name
- Access to all doses: Can get 2.4mg without Wegovy prices
- Flexible dosing: Can adjust doses based on response
- Flat-rate pricing: Some providers charge same price for all doses
- No insurance needed: Pay cash, often cheaper than copays
- Higher doses available: Some providers offer 2.5mg+ for plateaus
Considerations for Compounded:
- Not FDA-approved: The compounded product itself isn't FDA-approved (the active ingredient is)
- No insurance coverage: Must pay cash
- Quality varies: Use only FDA-registered 503B pharmacies
- Different delivery: May be vials vs pens (some providers offer pens)
- Shortage-dependent: Availability depends on brand-name shortages
Typical Compounded Dosing Schedule:
For weight loss (most common):
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg
- Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg
- Weeks 9-12: 1mg
- Weeks 13-16: 1.7mg or 2mg
- Week 17+: 2.4mg (or higher if needed and provider offers)
Weight Loss & A1C Results by Dose
Comprehensive data showing both weight loss and A1C reduction across all semaglutide doses:
Complete Results Table
| Dose | A1C Reduction | Weight Loss % | Example (200 lbs) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Minimal | 1-3% | 2-6 lbs | Starting only |
| 0.5mg | -1.4% | 4-6% | 8-12 lbs | Mild diabetes, minimal weight goals |
| 1mg | -1.5 to -1.6% | 9-11% | 18-22 lbs | Standard diabetes + good weight loss |
| 1.7mg | ~-1.7% | 12-14% | 24-28 lbs | Weight loss focus |
| 2mg | -1.7 to -1.9% | 12-15% | 24-30 lbs | Max Ozempic dose, diabetes focus |
| 2.4mg | ~-2.0% | 15-18% | 30-36 lbs | Maximum weight loss |
Which Semaglutide Option Should You Choose?
Decision guide based on your situation:
CHOOSE OZEMPIC IF:
- You have type 2 diabetes (insurance will likely cover)
- You can get $25/month copay with savings card
- A1C control is your primary goal
- You don't need doses above 2mg
- You want FDA-approved diabetes treatment
CHOOSE WEGOVY IF:
- Weight loss is your primary goal
- You want to reach 2.4mg for maximum results
- Your insurance covers weight loss medications
- You can afford $1,350/month or qualify for WeGoTogether savings
- You want FDA-approved weight loss treatment
CHOOSE COMPOUNDED SEMAGLUTIDE IF:
- Insurance won't cover Ozempic or Wegovy for your indication
- You can't afford $900-$1,350/month
- You want access to 2.4mg without Wegovy prices
- You want flat-rate pricing (some providers)
- You're comfortable with compounded medications from reputable pharmacies
- You may need doses above 2.4mg (some providers offer)
Get Semaglutide at Any Dose for One Low Price
At CoreAge RX, we provide compounded semaglutide with access to all doses (0.25mg through 2.4mg) at one flat monthly rate.
What You Get:
- Premium compounded semaglutide for just $99/month
- All doses same price (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2mg, 2.4mg)
- For diabetes, weight loss, or both
- Medical consultation and prescription included
- Provider support for dose optimization
- Free shipping directly to your door
- Save $800-$1,250/month vs brand-name
WHY CHOOSE COREAGE RX:
- Same flat price whether you're at 0.5mg or 2.4mg
- Access to Wegovy-equivalent 2.4mg dose without Wegovy prices
- Flexibility to adjust doses based on results and tolerance
- Medical team helps you navigate Ozempic vs Wegovy dosing strategies
Takes 5 minutes. All semaglutide doses. One low price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Yes, both contain semaglutide. The difference is the FDA-approved indication (diabetes vs weight loss) and maximum dose (2mg vs 2.4mg). The medication, mechanism, and side effects are identical.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy or vice versa?
Yes, easily. If you're on Ozempic 1mg and switch to Wegovy, you'd continue at 1mg then increase to 1.7mg and 2.4mg following Wegovy's schedule. If switching from Wegovy to Ozempic, stay at your current dose (up to 2mg max for Ozempic).
How do I get to 2.4mg if I'm on Ozempic?
Ozempic pens only go to 2mg. To get 2.4mg, you need to switch to Wegovy or use compounded semaglutide. Many providers prescribe compounded semaglutide 2.4mg for patients who were on Ozempic but want higher doses for weight loss.
Is compounded semaglutide as safe and effective as brand-name?
When sourced from FDA-registered 503B compounding pharmacies, yes. The active ingredient (semaglutide) is pharmaceutical-grade and identical to Ozempic/Wegovy. Quality control at reputable 503B pharmacies meets strict FDA standards. Effectiveness is the same—it's the exact same molecule.
Why is there a 1.7mg dose in Wegovy but not Ozempic?
Wegovy's FDA approval included a more gradual titration schedule for weight loss patients (monthly increases). The 1.7mg dose serves as a stepping stone between 1mg and 2.4mg. Ozempic was approved earlier with a simpler schedule (0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg).
Can I take more than 2.4mg of semaglutide?
This is off-label and not FDA-studied. Some compounding providers offer 2.5-5mg doses for patients who plateau at 2.4mg, but there's no clinical trial data on safety or effectiveness at these doses. Discuss with your provider—most people achieve excellent results at 2.4mg or below.
How long does it take to reach the maximum dose?
For Ozempic (2mg): Minimum 12 weeks (0.25mg for 4 weeks, 0.5mg for 4 weeks, 1mg for 4 weeks, then 2mg). For Wegovy (2.4mg): 17 weeks following the monthly titration schedule. You can stay at any dose longer if needed—these are minimums.
The Bottom Line
All semaglutide products—Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded—start at 0.25mg and contain the same active ingredient. The differences lie in FDA-approved indications, maximum doses, and cost.
Key takeaways:
- Ozempic: For diabetes, max 2mg, often covered by insurance
- Wegovy: For weight loss, max 2.4mg, variable insurance coverage
- Compounded: For diabetes or weight loss, all doses available, cash pay
- Same medication: All are semaglutide with identical effects
- Dose-dependent results: Higher doses = better A1C and weight loss
- Individualize dosing: Use lowest effective dose for your goals
Work with your healthcare provider to choose the right semaglutide option and dose for your individual needs, whether that's diabetes control, weight loss, or both.