Ozempic Dosage Chart 2026
Complete Ozempic titration schedule from 0.25mg to 2mg for diabetes and weight loss, plus affordable compounded semaglutide through Coreage Rx.
What Is Ozempic?
Quick Facts:
- Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
- FDA-Approved For: Type 2 diabetes management
- Off-Label Use: Weight loss (many doctors prescribe it for this purpose)
- Medication Type: GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- Same Active Ingredient As: Wegovy (weight loss version)
Ozempic is FDA-approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, because it contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide), many doctors prescribe it off-label for weight loss—especially when insurance won't cover Wegovy.
Complete Ozempic Dosage Chart
The FDA-approved titration schedule for Ozempic gradually increases your dose to optimize blood sugar control and minimize side effects.
| Month/Week | Dosage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 (Weeks 1-4) | 0.25 mg | Starting dose. Allows your body to adjust to the medication. Not intended to control blood sugar or cause significant weight loss yet. |
| Month 2+ (Week 5+) | 0.5 mg | First maintenance dose. Effective for blood sugar control and initial weight loss for many patients. Some stay at this dose. |
| Optional: After 4+ weeks on 0.5mg | 1 mg | Second maintenance dose. For patients needing better blood sugar control or more weight loss. Most common maintenance dose. |
| Optional: After 4+ weeks on 1mg | 2 mg | Maximum dose. For patients still needing additional blood sugar control. Note: Lower than Wegovy's 2.4mg max. |
⚠️ Important Dosing Notes
- The 0.25mg starting dose is NOT a therapeutic dose—it's only for tolerability
- Wait at least 4 weeks before increasing from 0.5mg to 1mg or from 1mg to 2mg
- Many patients achieve excellent results at 0.5mg or 1mg and never need 2mg
- For weight loss specifically, some doctors prescribe Wegovy (up to 2.4mg) instead
- Inject once weekly on the same day each week, any time of day
- Can be injected in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
Ozempic for Weight Loss: Off-Label Use
While Ozempic is only FDA-approved for diabetes, many doctors prescribe it off-label for weight loss because:
- It contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy
- Insurance is more likely to cover Ozempic than Wegovy
- Wegovy has been in short supply, making Ozempic more available
- Clinical trials show similar weight loss results at equivalent doses
Ozempic vs Wegovy for Weight Loss:
The main difference is the maximum dose:
- Ozempic: Max dose 2mg weekly
- Wegovy: Max dose 2.4mg weekly (20% higher)
- Result: Wegovy may produce slightly more weight loss at the highest dose, but both are highly effective
Get Compounded Semaglutide Through Coreage Rx
Why pay $900-1,000/month for brand-name Ozempic when you can get the same active ingredient for 50-70% less?
Ozempic vs Compounded Semaglutide (Coreage Rx)
| Factor | Ozempic (Brand) | Coreage Rx (Compounded) ⭐ |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Monthly Cost (No Insurance) | $900-1,000 | 50-70% Less |
| FDA-Approved For | Diabetes only | Weight Loss (Primary) |
| Maximum Dose Available | 2mg | 2.4mg (higher) |
| Physician Supervision | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telehealth Option | Varies | 100% Online |
| Weight Loss Results | 15-17% body weight | 15-17% body weight |
My Experience with Compounded Semaglutide
I don't have diabetes, so getting insurance to cover Ozempic for weight loss was impossible. Brand-name Wegovy was $1,300/month. That's when I discovered compounded semaglutide through Coreage Rx.
I followed the standard dosing schedule: 0.25mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5mg, then 1mg (where I am now). The appetite suppression was powerful from week 5 onward. I lost 16 pounds in 10 weeks.
Same semaglutide, same results, fraction of the cost—and I can go up to 2.4mg if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ozempic for weight loss if I don't have diabetes?
Yes, many doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. However, insurance typically won't cover it without a diabetes diagnosis. This is why compounded semaglutide options like Coreage Rx are popular—no insurance needed, lower cost.
What dose of Ozempic is equivalent to Wegovy?
The doses are the same up to 2mg. Ozempic 1mg = Wegovy 1mg in terms of active ingredient. The difference is that Wegovy goes up to 2.4mg for maximum weight loss, while Ozempic tops out at 2mg.
How long does it take to see weight loss results on Ozempic?
Most people begin seeing weight loss within 4-8 weeks (after reaching the 0.5mg or 1mg dose). The 0.25mg starting dose typically doesn't produce significant weight loss—it's just to help your body adjust.
Does insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?
Most insurance plans only cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss alone. If you don't have diabetes, you'll likely pay out-of-pocket ($900-1,000/month) unless you use a compounded alternative.
Should I choose Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss?
If you can afford it and get insurance coverage, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss and goes up to 2.4mg. But if cost or availability is an issue, Ozempic (or compounded semaglutide) works just as well at equivalent doses.
Get Semaglutide at an Affordable Price
Skip the brand-name prices. Get physician-supervised compounded semaglutide through Coreage Rx.
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⚠️ Important Medical Information
This article is for informational purposes only. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication requiring physician supervision.
Read the full Medical Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure.