Semaglutide
Also known as · Wegovy · Ozempic · Rybelsus · GLP-1 analog
- EvidenceApproved
- CategoryGLP-1 & incretin
- RoutesubQ
- Half-life~1 week (~7 days)
01 / Dosing schedule
Cited dosing
The FDA-approved Wegovy schedule titrates from 0.25 mg up to a 2.4 mg weekly maintenance dose over 17 weeks. The slow escalation is the label's central risk-management tool.
Wegovy — weight-management titration
| Phase | Dose & frequency |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1.0 mg once weekly |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg once weekly |
| Week 17 onward | 2.4 mg once weekly — maintenance |
Source · FDA label — Wegovy (2021) ↗
Source indication · Chronic weight management in adults (Wegovy label).
- Injection frequency
- Once weekly, same day each week, any time of day, with or without meals.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
02 / Reconstitution
Reconstitution reference
A typical research-grade prep is a 5 mg lyophilized vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, yielding 2.5 mg/mL (2500 mcg/mL). At that concentration, a 0.25 mg starter dose is 0.1 mL = 10 units on a U‑100 syringe.
03 / Overview
Protocol overview
Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and stimulating glucose-dependent insulin release.
It is the same molecule across Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. The formulations differ only in FDA-approved dose escalation and maximum maintenance dose. Wegovy titrates higher (2.4 mg) for weight loss; Ozempic caps at 1.0 mg for glycemic control.
The ~1-week half-life is what enables once-weekly dosing. The FDA label notes semaglutide will remain in circulation for roughly five weeks after the last dose.
The slow, multi-month escalation is the label's central risk-management tool. Jumping doses is associated with more nausea, vomiting, and dehydration in the STEP and SUSTAIN trials.
04 / References