This guide explains how to take Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, and generic semaglutide, including how often to inject, how dosing is decided, and what to do if you miss a dose, how switching between medications works, and how to handle a higher prescribed dose with generic semaglutide.
All of these medications are GLP-1 (or GIP/GLP-1) weight loss treatments that are taken as weekly injections.
Use this guide when you need to:
Understand how often to take your medication
Learn how dosing is adjusted over time
Know what to do if you miss a dose
Understand switching between medications
Check what happens with leftover medication in multi-dose pens (Ozempic and generic semaglutide)
Understand how to handle a prescribed dose above 1 mg per week if you are on generic semaglutide
How often do I take Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, or generic semaglutide?
Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, and generic semaglutide are taken once weekly as a subcutaneous injection(injected under the skin).
Each medication:
Stays active in your body for approximately one week
Is designed for consistent weekly dosing
Should be taken on the same day each week
If you need to change your dosing day, leave at least 3 days (72 hours) between your last dose and your new dose.
Is there a standard dose for Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, or generic semaglutide?
No. There is no single standard dose that works for everyone.
A MedExpress clinician will personalise your dose based on:
Your response to treatment
Any side effects you experience
Your weight loss progress
Your overall health
Your treatment plan may include:
Staying on a lower dose for longer if side effects occur
Gradually increasing the dose over time
Adjusting the dose to balance comfort and effectiveness
The goal of dosing is to:
Minimise side effects
Support steady, sustainable weight loss
Ensure the treatment feels manageable for you
How does dosing work if I am prescribed more than 1 mg per week of generic semaglutide?
Generic semaglutide pens currently deliver a maximum of 1 mg per injection. If your prescribed weekly dose is higher than 1 mg, you will need to give yourself more than one injection on your dosing day. Your MedExpress clinician will explain the exact regimen, and your pharmacy will supply the right number of pens and needles.
Important points:
All injections for a given week should be given on the same day
Use a new needle for each injection
Inject at a different site each time (for example, alternate between abdomen and thigh)
Multi-injection regimens for generic semaglutide:
Weekly dose | Pens needed | Injections needed | Needles per month |
1.5 mg | 1 × 1 mg pen + 1 × 0.25/0.5 mg pen | 2 injections (1 mg + 0.5 mg) | 8 |
2 mg | 1 × 1 mg pen | 2 injections (1 mg + 1 mg) | 8 |
2.5 mg | 1 × 1 mg pen + 1 × 0.25/0.5 mg pen | 3 injections (1 mg + 1 mg + 0.5 mg) | 12 |
If you would prefer a single weekly injection at higher doses (1.7 mg or 2.4 mg), your MedExpress clinician can discuss whether switching to Wegovy is appropriate for you. Wegovy is available in single-injection pens at these higher strengths.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
The guidance depends on which medication you are using.
Missed dose guidance for Ozempic, Wegovy, and generic semaglutide
If you are using Ozempic, Wegovy, or generic semaglutide:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days of the scheduled dose
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose
Take your next dose on your usual scheduled day
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Missed dose guidance for Mounjaro
If you are using Mounjaro:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days of the scheduled dose
If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose
Take your next dose on your usual scheduled day
Do not take a double dose
This guidance applies to generic semaglutide because it contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Missed dose guidance for Mounjaro and Zepbound
If you are using Mounjaro or Zepbound:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days of the scheduled dose
If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose
Take your next dose on your usual scheduled day
Do not take a double dose
What if I miss multiple doses?
If you have missed more than one dose of Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, or generic semaglutide, contact MedExpress clinical support.
A clinician may:
Advise restarting at a lower dose
Recommend a gradual dose increase again
Adjust your treatment plan for safety
Can I switch between Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, and generic semaglutide?
Yes. A MedExpress clinician may recommend switching between Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, generic semaglutide if another medication is more suitable for you.
Because generic semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic, switching between generic semaglutide and either branded semaglutide product at an equivalent dose is straightforward. Switching between semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, or generic semaglutide) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) involves a different active ingredient and may require dose adjustment.
When switching medications, a clinician may prescribe an off-label dose.
What is an off-label dose?
An off-label dose means:
The prescribed dose is different from the standard starting dose
The dose is still considered safe and clinically appropriate for your situation
Why might an off-label dose be used when switching?
An off-label dose may help you:
Continue your current weight loss progress without restarting from the lowest dose
Avoid repeating the full dose escalation process
Are side effects more likely when switching?
You may experience side effects when switching medications, including:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Alternatively, your clinician may recommend:
Starting the new medication at the licensed starting dose and increasing gradually, or
Remaining on your current medication if it is working well
Am I supposed to have leftover medication in my Ozempic or generic semaglutide pen at the beginning?
Yes. If you are using Ozempic or generic semaglutide, it is normal to have a small amount of medication remainingat the end of your first 4 weeks.
Typically:
About 1 mg of Ozempic may remain in the pen
This remaining Ozempic is stable at room temperature for up to 8 additional weeks
This happens because both the Ozempic and generic semaglutide 0.25/0.5 mg pens contain enough medication for either four 0.25 mg doses or four 0.5 mg doses, depending on how the dose dial is set.
Always follow storage instructions provided with your Ozempic pen to ensure the medication remains safe to use.
My generic semaglutide pen looks different from my last order. Is this normal?
Possibly, yes. Generic semaglutide may be supplied by more than one manufacturer, and pen presentations and packaging can differ between manufacturers. The active ingredient and dose are the same.
If your pen looks different from a previous order:
Check the packaging to confirm the medication is generic semaglutide and the strength matches your prescribed dose
Read the patient information leaflet included with your specific pen
Follow the injection instructions provided with your current pen
If you are unsure whether your medication is correct, do not inject. Contact our clinical support team and have your packaging ready.
Important: MedExpress dosing and clinical support
MedExpress provides personalised dosing through an online clinical consultation.
MedExpress clinicians:
Adjust your dose based on your response
Monitor side effects and progress
Support safe switching between medications
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your MedExpress clinician.
If you still need help after reviewing the information above, additional assistance is available.