Short answer: Ozempic (semaglutide) is injected under the skin once a week, on the same day each week. In the standard schedule of the prescribing information, treatment starts at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks and the next step is 0.5 mg; the schedule also includes 1 mg and 2 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on each dose. The prescriber decides the steps and the timing. Before a new pen is used for the first time, a flow check is done.

Key takeaways

  • Ozempic is injected once a week, at any time of day, with or without meals.
  • Dose steps in the prescribing information: 0.25 mg (start, 4 weeks), 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg.
  • Ozempic is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes; the semaglutide brand approved for weight management is Wegovy.
  • According to the prescribing information, a missed dose is taken within 5 days; after that, it is skipped.
  • A new needle is used for every injection; the prescriber decides the dose and when it goes up.

Ozempic is a prescription medicine containing semaglutide, injected once a week. It comes in a multi-dose pen: you use the same pen for several weeks and attach a new needle each time.

This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Do your first injection the way your doctor, nurse or pharmacist showed you, and follow the Instructions for Use in the carton.

When do you inject Ozempic?

Once a week, on the same day every week. The time of day is up to you, with or without food.

If you need to change your injection day, the US prescribing information says there must be at least 2 days (48 hours) between two doses. For more on picking a day, see which day should you take your GLP-1 injection.

Ozempic dose steps

The dosing decision is your doctor's. The table below reproduces the standard dose schedule in the US prescribing information; it is not a personal treatment plan. Which step to stay on, when to move and whether to step up at all is decided by the prescriber.

Step Weekly dose Role in the prescribing information
1 0.25 mg Starting dose, first 4 weeks
2 0.5 mg First treatment dose
3 1 mg After at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, if needed
4 2 mg After at least 4 weeks on 1 mg, if needed

0.25 mg is a starting dose: it gets the body used to the medicine and helps limit digestive side effects such as nausea. Whether to move to the next step is the prescriber's decision. What to expect when the dose goes up is covered in what happens when your GLP-1 dose goes up.

Using the pen

Here is the general flow; the Instructions for Use for your pen are what count:

  • Wash your hands and check the pen label: right medicine, right dose.
  • Look through the pen window: the medicine should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy or has been frozen.
  • Attach a new needle for every injection.
  • Before the first use of each new pen, do the flow check described in the instructions. It confirms the pen is delivering medicine.
  • Select the prescribed dose, insert the needle, press and hold the button until the dose counter shows 0, then keep the needle in while you count slowly to 6.
  • Remove the needle and put it in a sharps disposal container. Do not store the pen with a needle attached.

Using the pen to take a different amount, for example by counting clicks, is not a use described in the prescribing information. For general pen and needle tips, see how to use a GLP-1 pen.

Where do you inject it?

Under the skin of the stomach area, the thigh or the upper arm. You can keep using the same area, but pick a different spot each week. How and why is covered in GLP-1 injection sites and rotation.

What if I miss a dose?

According to the prescribing information:

  • If 5 days or less have passed since the missed dose, it is taken as soon as it is remembered, and the next dose is taken on the usual day.
  • If more than 5 days have passed, the missed dose is skipped and the next one is taken on the usual day.
  • The prescribing information does not provide for taking two doses at the same time or close together.

If you are unsure in a specific situation, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Before first use, keep the pen in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and do not freeze it. How long a pen can be kept once you start using it, and at what temperature, is covered in how to store GLP-1 injection pens.

Keeping track of your injections

Because one pen lasts several weeks, it is easy to lose track of how many doses are left and where you injected last. Haftra logs each injection with the day, dose and site, counts the doses left in your pen and reminds you on your dose day. It does not suggest doses; it only follows your plan. It is free.

iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Free.

Frequently asked questions

What is the starting dose of Ozempic?

In the standard schedule of the prescribing information, the starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for 4 weeks; the next step in the schedule is 0.5 mg. The prescriber decides when to move.

What time of day should I inject Ozempic?

Any time, with or without food. What matters is keeping the same day each week.

What happens if I miss an Ozempic dose?

According to the prescribing information, if 5 days or less have passed, the dose is taken as soon as it is remembered. If more time has passed, it is skipped and the usual day continues. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do you change the needle on the Ozempic pen?

Yes. Attach a new needle for every injection and remove it afterward. Do not store the pen with a needle on it.

Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same medicine?

Both contain semaglutide, but they are separate products: Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for weight management, and their dose steps differ. See Wegovy dosage for details.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026