Can You Skip a Week of Semaglutide? Understanding Your Dosing Schedule

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The once-weekly injection schedule for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is crucial for maintaining consistent drug levels in the body due to its approximate seven-day half-life. While not recommended, there are specific protocols to follow if you need to miss or skip a week of semaglutide to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Skipping a weekly semaglutide injection is not advised as it reduces treatment efficacy and can cause side effects. The appropriate response depends on the specific brand and the time elapsed since the missed dose.

Key Points

Consult Your Doctor: Always talk to your healthcare provider before intentionally skipping a dose or if you miss multiple weeks.
Ozempic vs. Wegovy: The protocol for a missed dose differs between brands; follow the specific guidelines for your prescribed medication.
Consistent Dosing is Key: Semaglutide's weekly schedule is based on its seven-day half-life, meaning consistent timing maintains steady drug levels and effectiveness.
Expect Side Effects to Return: Missing a dose can cause appetite suppression to wane, and restarting after a long break can bring back initial side effects like nausea.
Never Double Your Dose: Taking two injections to compensate for a missed one is dangerous and can lead to severe side effects.
Long Breaks Require Medical Supervision: If you miss two or more weeks of injections, you may need to restart at a lower dose to avoid adverse effects.

The Importance of Consistent Dosing

Semaglutide, available under brand names like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and assisting with chronic weight management. Its long-acting formula is designed for once-weekly dosing, which is made possible by its half-life of approximately one week. This schedule allows for a steady concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, providing consistent therapeutic effects throughout the week.

What happens to your body when you miss a dose?

When a scheduled dose is skipped, the concentration of semaglutide in your system begins to decrease. Over time, as the medication level falls, the body’s response to it diminishes. This can lead to several noticeable effects:

Return of Appetite and Cravings: Many users experience reduced appetite and food cravings while on semaglutide. When levels drop, this can return, potentially leading to increased food intake.
Fluctuating Blood Sugar: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, a missed dose can cause blood sugar levels to become less controlled, which can have health consequences if not managed.
Reduced Treatment Efficacy: Repeatedly missing doses compromises the overall effectiveness of the medication for both glycemic control and weight management, slowing or stalling progress.
Resurfacing of Initial Side Effects: If a significant amount of time passes before restarting, your body may lose its acclimation to the medication. Resuming treatment can cause initial side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea to reappear with renewed intensity.

Manufacturer-Specific Missed Dose Protocols

The appropriate course of action for a missed semaglutide injection varies depending on the specific product and how much time has passed. It is crucial to follow the official guidelines for your prescribed medication and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Protocol for Ozempic® (semaglutide)

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible if the next scheduled dose is within a certain timeframe.
If it has been longer than the recommended timeframe, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular weekly dosing schedule should be resumed. It is important not to administer more than one dose to compensate for the missed one.

Protocol for Wegovy® (semaglutide)

If a dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than two days away, the missed dose can be administered as soon as possible, and the regular weekly schedule can then be continued.
If the next scheduled dose is less than two days away, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next one should be taken on the regularly scheduled day. It is important not to administer two doses within a 48-hour period.
If two or more consecutive weeks are missed, it is necessary to contact a healthcare provider for guidance, which may include restarting at a lower dose to reduce the risk of severe side effects.

Comparison of Missed Dose Protocols


Feature	Ozempic® (semaglutide)	Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Half-life	Approximately 1 week	Approximately 1 week
Dose Missed Within Timeframe	Take as soon as possible (follow specific timeframe guidelines)	Take as soon as possible (follow specific timeframe guidelines)
Dose Missed Outside Timeframe	Skip the missed dose, resume on next scheduled day	Skip the missed dose, resume on next scheduled day
Missed 2+ Weeks	Consult a healthcare provider for restart guidance	Consult a healthcare provider for restart guidance; may need to restart at lower dose
Do Not	Take two doses within 48 hours	Take two doses within 48 hours

How to Avoid Missing a Dose

Staying on track with your semaglutide injections is the best way to ensure optimal results and avoid potential side effects from interruptions. Here are some tips for consistent adherence:

Set a Weekly Reminder: Use your phone’s calendar or an app to set a weekly alarm for your injection day. Making it a part of your weekly routine, like Taco Tuesday or Sunday Funday, can also help reinforce the habit.
Create a Routine: Administer your injection at the same time each week, perhaps in conjunction with another regular activity like taking other medications or brushing your teeth.
Prepare for Travel: If you are traveling, especially for a week or more, remember to pack your semaglutide pen in a carry-on bag with an ice pack, not checked luggage. Plan for how you will inject during your trip or discuss the timing with your doctor beforehand.
Communicate with Your Pharmacy: Stay in regular contact with your pharmacy to ensure you have refills readily available, preventing a lapse in medication due to a shortage or delay.

The Bottom Line on Skipping Semaglutide

While missing a single dose of semaglutide might not immediately undo all your progress, it is not recommended as a regular practice. Consistent use is fundamental to maintaining the steady drug levels necessary for effective appetite suppression and glycemic control. If you do forget a dose, your course of action depends on the specific brand and the amount of time that has elapsed. For any longer interruptions, especially those lasting two or more weeks, consulting your healthcare provider is essential for guidance on how to safely restart and potentially re-titrate your dosage.

Above all, never attempt to double your dose to compensate for a missed injection, as this significantly increases the risk of adverse side effects. By being proactive and adhering to your prescribed schedule, you can maximize the benefits of your treatment while minimizing risks. Link to Manufacturer's Website for Specific Dosing Information

Frequently Asked Questions

While it may be tempting to skip a dose to avoid potential side effects like nausea during a trip, it is not recommended. Skipping a dose can reduce the medication's effectiveness and cause appetite to return. It is best to consult your doctor for a plan and adhere to your schedule as closely as possible.

If you miss your dose for more than two consecutive weeks, you should contact your healthcare provider before taking another injection. Your doctor may advise you to restart at a lower dose to allow your body to re-acclimate and avoid severe gastrointestinal side effects.

Missing just one dose of semaglutide is unlikely to cause significant weight regain, but it can lead to increased appetite and cravings as the drug levels drop. Consistent, long-term use is what supports sustained weight management.

Common side effects of missing a dose include increased appetite and cravings, potential fluctuations in blood sugar for diabetic patients, and a return of gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea upon resuming treatment, especially after a longer break.

You can change your weekly injection day if needed, but it's best to discuss this with your doctor first to ensure appropriate timing between doses.

If you decide to stop semaglutide, you should do so under a doctor's supervision. They may recommend a gradual tapering schedule to minimize the risk of a rapid return of appetite and potential weight fluctuations.

The guidelines for taking a missed dose differ between brands. Always follow the protocol for the specific brand you are prescribed and consult with your healthcare provider for clarification.