Wegovy (semaglutide) is available in multiple strengths. When you start taking Wegovy, your healthcare provider will always start you on the lowest dose, which will gradually increase. 

Each Wegovy dose comes in a different coloured pen, making it easier to tell them apart.  

Are there different Wegovy strengths? 

There are five different strengths of Wegovy. The starting dose is 0.5mg once a week for 4 weeks. After starting on the lowest dose, you will slowly build up to the maintenance dose.  

Your healthcare provider will decide your maintenance dose, which isn’t always the highest. The maintenance dosage is generally between 1mg and 2.4mg. 

Wegovy is available in the following doses: 

• 0.25mg  

• 0.5mg 

• 1mg  

• 1.7mg  

• 2.4mg  

When does Wegovy start working? 

Wegovy starts working from the first dose of 0.5mg. After your first injection, it will work inside your body after a few days. However, feeling a change of appetite can take a few days to a few weeks. 

The time it takes for your weight loss to become visible will depend on your starting weight, height and body type. Most people who take Wegovy will experience weight loss within the first four weeks of using the medication. Ensuring you have a healthy diet and active lifestyle will help you see results faster. 

Weight loss results and appetite suppression are typically more noticeable as your dosage increases. Therefore, you can expect to see the best results once you reach your maintenance dosage. 

What if my Wegovy dose is too strong? 

If you think your Wegovy dosage is too strong, then you should contact your prescriber, who might advise that you lower your dosage for a further 4 weeks so that you can increase the titration period. 

Increasing the titration period allows your body more time to adjust to the medication. You should monitor your side effects and weight loss progression, as this will indicate whether you are on the correct dose.  

It’s not uncommon for people to stay on the lower doses of Wegovy; this depends on the individual, the side effects they might experience, and how well they respond to the medication. 

How many doses are in a Wegovy pen? 

As Wegovy is a once-weekly medication, each pen contains four doses, lasting 4 weeks. The pens are designed to deliver the entire dose at once, and each dose will be the same for the month you are using that pen. You will need to use a new pen for each dose of Wegovy.  

Although you will only be using one pen each month, you will need to insert a new needle every time you inject. For further information on how to use Wegovy, myBMI has many useful guides. 

What is the Wegovy dosage schedule? 

Typically, you will increase your Wegovy dosage until week 17 unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. 

In weeks 1-4, you will take your starting dose of 0.25mg. After 4 weeks, the following dosage you will receive will be 0.5mg, which will be taken in weeks 5-8. At weeks 9-12, your dosage will be 1mg. When you get to weeks 13-16, then you will take 1.7mg of Wegovy. Finally, from week 17 onwards, you will take 2.4mg.  

It is important to remember that your titration journey might be different to the above.

So, you will now be aware that Wegovy is available in different doses and that you will increase your dose on average every 4 weeks.   

You will stop increasing your dosage once you reach your maintenance dose, even if you aren’t on the highest dose. However, in some cases, depending on how well your body reacts to the medication, your doses may be adjusted.