How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?: A detailed guide

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

The number of doses in an Ozempic pen depends on the pen's specific strength and the dose being administered, with maintenance pens typically containing four doses for a month's supply. A specific starter pen is used for initial treatment and contains a different number of doses.

Quick Summary

The quantity of doses per Ozempic pen is not uniform; it varies depending on the pen's version and the dosage. While maintenance pens typically hold four weekly doses, the initial pen designed for treatment startup offers multiple doses of varying strengths.

Key Points

Starter Pen Doses: The number of doses in the red-labeled Ozempic starter pen (2 mg/3 mL) varies depending on the prescribed starting regimen.
Maintenance Pen Doses: Higher-strength pens (blue-labeled 4 mg/3 mL and yellow-labeled 8 mg/3 mL) each contain four weekly doses, providing a one-month supply.
Dose Counter: A built-in dose counter on the Ozempic pen shows how much medication is left and whether there is enough for a full dose.
Partial Doses: You should never use a pen for a partial dose if the counter indicates there isn't enough medication for the full amount. Start a new pen instead.
Pen Identification: Pens are color-coded to correspond with the doses they deliver, which helps prevent confusion.
Storage: Once opened, Ozempic pens can be stored for up to 56 days, either refrigerated or at room temperature.

Understanding the Different Ozempic Pens

Ozempic (semaglutide) is available in pre-filled, disposable pens designed for once-weekly subcutaneous injections. The total amount of medication in each pen differs, which in turn determines the number of doses you can get from it. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, provides three main pen types, each color-coded for easy identification: a red-labeled pen, a blue-labeled pen, and a yellow-labeled pen. The number of doses you receive from a single pen will depend on which one your doctor has prescribed for your current treatment phase.

The Ozempic Starter Pen: For Initial Dosing

When you first begin Ozempic treatment, your healthcare provider will prescribe a low starting dose to help your body acclimate to the medication and minimize potential side effects, like nausea. This starter phase typically involves a smaller weekly dose that is gradually increased over several weeks.

The red-labeled pen (2 mg/3 mL) is intended for both the starting and initial maintenance phases of treatment.
This pen is unique because it can deliver more than one dose strength.
Initial startup: This pen can provide a specific number of doses depending on the prescribed starting regimen.
Alternative usage: If your doctor prescribes a specific initial maintenance dose, this same pen can provide a different number of doses of that strength.

Ozempic Maintenance Pens: Four Doses Per Pen

After the initial treatment period, if your blood sugar levels require further management, your doctor may increase your dose to a higher maintenance level. The higher-strength Ozempic pens are specifically designed for these maintenance doses and consistently contain four doses, providing a full month's supply.

The blue-labeled pen (4 mg/3 mL) delivers a specific weekly dose.
The yellow-labeled pen (8 mg/3 mL) delivers a specific weekly dose, which is the maximum maintenance dose.

What if my pen doesn't contain a full dose?

Each Ozempic pen is equipped with a dose counter to help you track how much medication is left. When it's time for your injection, you will dial the pen to your prescribed dose. If the pen does not have enough medication for a full dose, the dose counter will stop before reaching the correct number. In this situation, it is crucial to start a new pen and discard the old one, even if it appears to have some liquid left. Attempting to use a partial dose or combine medication from two different pens can lead to inaccurate dosing and is not recommended.

Ozempic Pen Doses at a Glance


Pen Label	Pen Strength (mg/3mL)	Number of Doses per Pen	Intended for	Total Weekly Doses Provided
Red	2 mg/3 mL	Varies based on dose	Initiation and initial maintenance	Varies
Blue	4 mg/3 mL	4	Maintenance	4 weeks
Yellow	8 mg/3 mL	4	Maintenance	4 weeks

How to ensure accurate dosing and use your pen correctly

Administering Ozempic correctly is vital for managing your condition and avoiding complications. Here are some key tips for using your Ozempic pen:

Rotate injection sites: It is important to rotate the injection site each week to avoid skin irritation, bruising, or the buildup of scar tissue. Recommended sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Use a new needle every time: Always attach a new NovoFine Plus needle for each injection and dispose of it properly afterward. Reusing needles increases the risk of infection and injury.
Store the pen correctly: Before first use, Ozempic pens should be refrigerated. After opening, they can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 56 days. Do not freeze Ozempic or use it if it has been frozen.
Follow your doctor's instructions: Never adjust your dose or attempt to use the wrong pen without consulting your healthcare provider. The gradual dose increase is designed to help your body adapt.

Conclusion

The number of doses in an Ozempic pen varies depending on which pen you have and your prescribed dosage. The red-labeled pen, used for initiation, provides a different number of doses than the blue and yellow maintenance pens, which consistently offer four weekly doses each. Understanding your specific pen and how to use the dose counter is key to ensuring accurate and safe medication delivery. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions regarding your dosage or pen usage to ensure optimal treatment and safety. For additional product information, you can consult resources like the prescribing information on the manufacturer's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not every Ozempic pen contains four doses. While the maintenance pens (4 mg/3 mL and 8 mg/3 mL) each hold four weekly doses, the starter pen (2 mg/3 mL) can deliver a different number of doses depending on your prescribed regimen.

Your Ozempic pen has a dose counter that indicates how much medication remains. If you cannot dial the dose selector to your full prescribed dose, the pen is empty, and you should use a new one.

No, you should not use a pen if it does not have enough medication for a full dose, even if some liquid remains. You must use a new pen to ensure you get the full dose prescribed by your doctor.

The pens are color-coded to indicate their dose strengths. The red-labeled pen is for starting and initial maintenance doses, while the blue pen is for a specific maintenance dose, and the yellow pen is for a higher maintenance dose.

For maintenance doses of 1 mg or 2 mg, a single pen contains four doses and will last approximately one month. The starter pen's duration depends on the prescribed initial dosing schedule.

The starter pen is designed for titration and can provide a different number of doses of varying strengths to allow your body to adjust to the medication gradually.

If you notice that the medication in the pen's window is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, do not use it. You should safely dispose of that pen and use a new one.