Medical Disclaimer

This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any medication or supplement. Dosage information reflects published FDA-approved labeling or publicly available clinical trial data — individual treatment decisions must be made by a licensed physician.

About semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a subcutaneous injection (Ozempic for T2D, Wegovy for weight management) and as an oral tablet (Rybelsus for T2D). This chart covers the injectable titration protocol.

Indication

Type 2 diabetes management (Ozempic/Rybelsus) and chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity (Wegovy).

Standard Titration Schedule

Frequency: Once weekly (injectable forms), same day each week. Maximum approved dose: 2.4 mg once weekly (Wegovy); 1 mg once weekly (Ozempic standard).

Week / PhaseDoseAt 2.5 mg/mLAt 5 mg/mLNotes
Weeks 1–40.25 mg5 units
(0.5 mg/mL)
2.5 units
(1 mg/mL)
Initiation dose. Not intended for glycemic control — taken only to improve tolerability.
Weeks 5–80.5 mg10 units
(0.5 mg/mL)
5 units
(1 mg/mL)
First therapeutic dose (Ozempic). Effective for blood sugar control in T2D.
Weeks 9–16 (Wegovy pathway)1 mg20 units
(0.5 mg/mL)
10 units
(1 mg/mL)
Continued dose escalation on Wegovy pathway. Maximum approved Ozempic dose for many patients.
Weeks 17–20 (Wegovy pathway)1.7 mg17 units
(1 mg/mL)
8.5 units
(2 mg/mL)
Wegovy-specific step. Ozempic patients typically remain at 0.5–1 mg.
Week 21+ (Wegovy maintenance)2.4 mg24 units
(1 mg/mL)
12 units
(2 mg/mL)
Wegovy maintenance dose. Maximum approved dose for chronic weight management.

Units shown assume a standard U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Always confirm your vial concentration with your pharmacy.

Dose Calculator

Enter your prescribed dose and vial concentration to calculate how many units to draw.

mg ↔ Units Dose Calculator

Convert between milligrams and insulin-syringe units for compounded GLP-1 medications. Uses a standard U-100 syringe (100 units = 1 mL).

Units (U-100 syringe)100 units
Volume1.000 mL

2.5 mg at 2.5 mg/mL → 1.000 mL → 100 units on a U-100 (100-unit / 1 mL) insulin syringe

Always verify calculations with your prescribing provider or pharmacist before administering any medication. This calculator is for reference only.

Injection Sites

Abdomen

Subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen, at least 2 inches from the navel.

  • Rotate sites within the abdomen each week
  • Avoid scar tissue and the navel area
  • Generally the easiest site for self-injection

Thigh

Front or outer thigh area, mid-thigh.

  • Pinch skin to ensure subcutaneous (not intramuscular) injection
  • Alternate sides each week
  • Avoid inner thigh

Upper arm

Outer, back of the upper arm.

  • Best administered by a caregiver
  • Use only fatty tissue — avoid muscle
  • Pinch skin if subcutaneous fat is thin

Storage Instructions

  • Store new, unused pens in refrigerator (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C)
  • Never freeze — discard if frozen
  • After first use, store at room temperature (≤77°F / 25°C) or refrigerator for up to 56 days
  • Keep pen capped and away from direct heat and light
  • Replace needle after each injection; discard used needles in a sharps container

Common Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are severe or persistent.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)
  • Fatigue

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How many mg is 50 units of semaglutide?

50 units = 0.5 mL. At 1 mg/mL concentration: 0.5 mg. At 2 mg/mL: 1 mg. At 5 mg/mL: 2.5 mg. Use the dose calculator above to find the exact amount for your vial's concentration.
Q

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Both contain semaglutide, but at different maximum approved doses. Ozempic (T2D) goes up to 1 mg/week (some patients 2 mg in newer labeling). Wegovy (weight management) titrates up to 2.4 mg/week. The titration schedule and injection pens also differ.
Q

How long does it take for semaglutide to start working?

Blood sugar improvements (for T2D) begin within the first few weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically becomes noticeable after 8–12 weeks, with the most significant effects at 6–12 months of treatment.
Q

Can semaglutide be taken orally?

Yes — Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide tablet (3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg) approved for T2D. It must be taken on an empty stomach with no more than 4 oz of plain water, and you must wait 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications.
Q

What if I experience severe nausea?

Mild-to-moderate nausea is common, especially after dose increases. It usually improves within a few weeks. Eat smaller meals, avoid fatty/spicy foods, and stay hydrated. If nausea is severe or persistent, contact your provider — a dose reduction or pause may be appropriate.

Primary Source

FDA / Clinical Source

Dosing information sourced from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf