A semaglutide dosage chart maps out the stepwise dose levels approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (chronic weight management), and Rybelsus (oral type 2 diabetes). All three brands share the same active ingredient but differ in form, dose range, and titration timing. This guide is a reference tool; only your clinician can set your actual schedule.
What Semaglutide Does
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It increases insulin release when blood glucose is high, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. The drug has a half-life near seven days, which is why the injections are weekly and the tablet is daily. For broader context, our prediabetes treatment hub describes where GLP-1 drugs sit among other options.
The Core Semaglutide Dosage Chart
The table below consolidates the FDA-approved titration for each semaglutide product. Steps usually last four weeks unless side effects require a longer pause.
| Week | Ozempic (weekly) | Wegovy (weekly) | Rybelsus (daily) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg | 0.25 mg | 3 mg |
| 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg | 0.5 mg | 7 mg |
| 9 to 12 | 0.5 or 1 mg | 1 mg | 7 or 14 mg |
| 13 to 16 | 1 mg | 1.7 mg | 14 mg |
| 17 to 20 | 1 or 2 mg | 2.4 mg | 14 mg |
| Maintenance | 1 or 2 mg | 2.4 mg | 7 or 14 mg |
Clinicians often extend the 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg steps if nausea is severe, so real-world titration can take longer than the label suggests.
Uses by Indication
Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes and reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with diabetes and known cardiovascular disease. Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, and in 2024 the FDA added a cardiovascular-risk indication. Rybelsus is indicated for type 2 diabetes only. Semaglutide is not FDA-approved for prediabetes alone, although clinicians may discuss off-label use; for that conversation, understanding A1C levels helps set realistic goals.
Benefits Reported in Trials
The SUSTAIN program showed A1C reductions of 1.5 to 1.8 percentage points at Ozempic 1 mg; the STEP program demonstrated average 15 percent body-weight loss at Wegovy 2.4 mg over 68 weeks, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. PIONEER trials found Rybelsus 14 mg reduced A1C by 1.0 to 1.4 points.
Side Effects Across Doses
- Common: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, belching
- Less common: gallstones, injection-site reactions (for injectables), dyspepsia
- Serious: pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy complications, severe allergic reactions
- Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents; contraindicated with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
According to the FDA Wegovy approval, side effects are most intense during dose escalation and usually improve at a stable maintenance dose.
Using the Chart Wisely
A dosage chart is not a prescription. It is a way to understand what your prescriber is aiming for and to recognize when something looks off, such as skipping a titration step without a clear reason. Combine medication with lifestyle strategies from our diet and nutrition guide, and keep a symptom log to share at follow-up visits.
When Titration May Be Slowed
Some patients cannot tolerate a four-week step up and need eight or even twelve weeks at each dose level to settle gastrointestinal symptoms. This is not a failure; it is a normal adjustment. Common triggers for a slower ramp include persistent nausea, vomiting, dehydration, gallbladder symptoms, or acid reflux. Your clinician may also hold a dose longer if A1C is at target and additional weight loss is not needed.
Missed Dose Guidance
- Ozempic and Wegovy: take as soon as remembered within 5 days; after that, skip and resume the usual schedule
- Rybelsus: skip the missed tablet and take the next one the following morning as usual
- Never double up to “catch up”; that drives severe nausea
- If you miss multiple weeks, contact your prescriber before restarting, since re-titration is often advisable
Storage and Handling Reminders
Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. After first use, pens can typically stay at room temperature for up to 56 days (check each product label). Do not freeze. Rybelsus tablets stay in their blister until use because the absorption enhancer is moisture-sensitive. Travel with pens in an insulated bag and avoid direct sunlight.
The Bottom Line
A semaglutide dosage chart gives you a clear picture of how Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are titrated toward their FDA-approved maintenance doses. The steps exist to protect you from severe gastrointestinal side effects while the drug’s benefits build. Use the chart as an educational reference and let your clinician set, supervise, and adjust your individual dose. This article is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
