What you’ll learn
We’ll help you understand what happens when you miss a dose of Ozempic, what steps to take depending on how much time has passed, and give you tips to avoid missing future doses.
If you’ve missed a dose of Ozempic®, don’t panic! It’s taken just once a week, so it’s sometimes easy to forget. Maybe you were unable to take it due to a product shortage or shipping delay. Or perhaps you were traveling, feeling under the weather, having a busy week, or just lost track of time. Life happens, and sometimes that means missing a dose of your medication.
However, one missed dose doesn’t mean you’ve derailed your progress. Here’s what to do next if you’ve missed your weekly injection of Ozempic, along with some tips to help you stay on track moving forward.
What happens if I miss my weekly dose of Ozempic (semaglutide)?
Nothing drastic will happen if you miss a weekly dose of Ozempic. If you are taking Ozempic for weight loss and miss your weekly injection, this is just a minor snag and won’t throw off your weight loss routine.
Ozempic stays in your system for a while, so there’s a little built-in grace period. Your body won’t immediately revert, and it’s relatively easy to get back on track.
What should I do if I missed my weekly injection of Ozempic (semaglutide)?
Depending on how long it’s been since you had your last dose, your next steps will look a little different.
- If it’s been fewer than 5 days since you’ve missed your regularly scheduled dose, go ahead and take it as soon as you remember. After that, you can resume your regular schedule the following week.
- However, if more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose entirely. Just wait to take your next dose on your normal day.
It’s important not to double up. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, you should never take two doses of Ozempic within 48 hours of each other.
If you have questions or ever feel uncertain about a missed dose, your QuickMD provider is just a virtual visit away. We’re here to help you stay on track with support that fits your schedule, including same-day appointments.
Tips to prevent missing your dose
Missing a dose can happen to anyone. However, there are proactive measures you can take to help you stay on schedule with your weekly Ozempic dose:
- Plan to take your dose at the same time every week. Pick a consistent day and time that works for your weekly schedule.
- Set a weekly recurring reminder on your phone, smartwatch, or calendar app.
- Pair your dose with another weekly habit, like grocery shopping, laundry, or your favorite TV show.
- Leave a sticky note on your refrigerator door, bathroom mirror, or another visible location to help remind you.
- Order your next dose early. Some pharmacies may still experience delays due to high demand, so it’s smart to build in a buffer.
Can you take too much Ozempic?
Yes, it’s possible to take too much Ozempic. If you take a larger dose of Ozempic than what is prescribed to you, you’re likely to experience some unpleasant gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Most often, these include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially if your body isn’t used to a higher dose.
Just as you would with any medication, it’s important to take your Ozempic exactly as prescribed. If you’re adjusting to a new routine or dosage, it’s also important to make sure you’re taking the right amount. Mistakes can happen, so when using your injection pen, double-check that the dose showing in the dose window matches the amount your provider prescribed.
How long can you go without Ozempic and still maintain progress?
Every person’s body responds a little differently. However, Ozempic has a long half-life and stays in your system for quite a while. A small amount of the medication can still be present in your body up to 5 weeks after taking your last dose.
Missing a dose is not likely to undo your progress, especially if you’ve already built good eating and exercise habits. In fact, those lifestyle changes often stick even when semaglutide levels start to taper off. And the more healthy habits you start while on Ozempic, the easier it will be to keep the weight off if you ever have to stop taking it.
That said, research has shown that stopping Ozempic completely can lead to weight regain. This is why some people work with their provider to explore a lower maintenance dose or adjust how often they take their medication. For instance, some people who’ve reached their health and weight loss goals may be prescribed a lower maintenance dose once every other week.
No matter where you’re at on your weight loss journey, it’s important to keep your provider up-to-speed on your progress. They can help you decide the best course of action, which may include adjusting your dose.
Looking for Ozempic alternatives? Discuss your options with QuickMD
If weekly injections don’t quite fit your lifestyle, you may have other options. Rybelsus® is a once-daily pill that uses the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic. The FDA also recently approved an oral version of Wegovy®, which was previously only offered as an injectable. If you’re thinking about exploring your options, your provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of switching to an oral option.
Not sure whether an oral or injectable semaglutide is the best fit for you? No matter where you are on your weight loss journey, you have more choices than ever. Here at QuickMD, our team of licensed providers can help you find the one that fits you best. Whether you’re exploring your first semaglutide prescription or thinking about switching formats, we’re here to help you make the choice that’s right for you.
