What to expect in week 2, plus an overview of your first 13 weeks of treatment.
Injection guide: week 2
Continue using your first pen and inject a dose of 0.25 mg once this week.
Learn more about Ozempic and view the full 13 week dosing schedule.
What to expect in your first 13 weeks
Your first prescription will last 13 weeks, as per the standard dosing schedule. You'll begin at the lowest dose (0.25 mg) and gradually increase over time, as necessary.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to months to start seeing the effects of treatment. If you’re not seeing results as quickly as you expected, you should not increase your dose faster than your practitioner has directed. A gradual increase gives your body time to adjust to the medication. Speeding up the process is medically unsafe and can lead to more severe side effects.
Note that your actual dosing schedule may differ from the standard above, depending on how your body reacts to the medication.
Finding your effective dose
Your goal is to find the minimum effective dose that works for you long-term. Everyone's effective dose will be different, because everyone's body reacts to the medication differently.
To determine if you’ve reached an effective dose, there are three factors to consider:
1. Hunger levels
When the medication is working effectively, you should notice a decrease in your appetite, fewer cravings, and feel full sooner.
2. Weight loss
When you experience consistent, gradual weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week, this is a sign your current dose is effective.
3. Side effects
When side effects resolve after a few weeks, this signals that you’ve adjusted to your current dose effectively.
It’s crucial to monitor your body’s response as you find your effective dose. You should never increase your dose if you’re experiencing any side effects - chat with your healthcare practitioner instead.
If you experience severe side effects, seek in-person care with a healthcare practitioner, visit a walk-in clinic or the emergency department.
Ozempic FAQs
A few more frequently asked questions about Ozempic®:
How do I store my Ozempic pen?
Where is the best place to inject with my Ozempic pen?
What are common side effects from taking Ozempic?
How does the renewal process for my medication work?
Continue Felix’s sustainable weight management course
Module 2: Find your WhyPower
This week, you’ll learn all about your WhyPower: your personal, strong, emotional reason for wanting to make a change to your health and well-being. Your heartfelt reasons for wanting to change will be the driving force that propels you to sustainable weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.
The information provided in this guide is not meant to replace the medical guidance given to you by your healthcare practitioner. If this information conflicts with what your practitioner has told you, always follow their direction first.
Medically reviewed by
References