Key Takeaways

Ideally, you should aim not to miss your weekly dose of Ozempic. Choose a day and time for your injection that fits your routine and is easy to remember. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possibleBut if it has been more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose on time. Never take two doses within a 48-hour window. 

Missing doses can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, increased appetite, and cravings. Repeatedly missing doses can reduce the medication's effectiveness, particularly for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

What Happens If I Miss My Weekly Dose of Ozempic (semaglutide)?

Oh no! You just realized you forgot to take your once-weekly Ozempic (semaglutide) medication—whether it’s a few hours or a few days, it’s important to not go too long without addressing this issue. 

Adhere to a consistent injection routine and try not to miss your once-weekly dose of Ozempic, or semaglutide, medication. If you miss a dose you could experience unwanted side effects. Repeatedly missing doses could also negatively impact the medication’s effectiveness. In order to achieve optimal results, you should follow your medication schedule consistently, and closely monitor your progress with the help of a licensed medical professional. 

That being said, we are all human, and mistakes happen. There are many scenarios where missing a dose can happen—you’re unable to get a refill, you forgot to pack it for vacation, or forgetfulness kicked in. At the end of the day, occasionally missing a dose is unlikely to cause severe long-term effects. But repeatedly skipping doses or stopping the medication without first consulting your medical provider could lead to weight gain or a worsening of diabetes. 

What should I do if I missed my weekly dose of Ozempic (semaglutide)?

Once you realize you’ve missed a regularly scheduled dose, the first thing you should do is take your medication as soon as possible. But, only if it’s been less than 5 days. 

If more than 5 days have passed, you should wait. Instead, opt to resume your schedule as normal—skip that week’s missed dose, and just take your next regularly scheduled injection on time. Never take two doses within 48 hours of each other. 

If you have any other concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your options. Especially, if the reason why you missed your dose is because you need a refill, or you're unable to get a refill. One of the best things about working with the team at Ahara is your prescribing medical team is always available to help in case of emergency to answer your questions.

Side Effects of Missed Dose of Ozempic (Semaglutide)

When you miss a dose of semaglutide, or Ozempic, your next dose could cause   a return of the initial side effects from when you first started your treatment program. These could include abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and other gastrointestinal discomforts. 

Additionally, one of the key roles of GLP-1 medication is to control cravings and reduce appetite. So, it’s normal to experience a few days of increased cravings and appetite as the medication wears off. Of course, a few days of poor eating choices will not completely ruin your weight loss progress. However, the return of cravings may have you going for foods you should avoid while taking the medication.

Skipping doses repeatedly over time is going to have an impact on the medication’s effectiveness in managing your blood sugar levels and aiding in weight loss. That's why it's so important to stick to your routine—pick a day of the week and a time of day when you are most likely not to miss an injection.

Intermittent periods of forgetting to take your medication, or taking too much of your medication at once to make up for missed doses could  negatively impact your blood sugar levels and your glycemic control. Ozempic doesn’t usually cause hypoglycemia. But when taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea, it can increase your risk for hypoglycemia. And this risk could be even higher if you take too much Ozempic.

Some of the side effects of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, are dizziness, confusion, slurring words, stumbling, and shakiness. If left untreated low blood sugar can cause very serious problems like loss of consciousness, brain damage, seizures, and potentially death. It’s important to not misuse Ozempic, or semaglutide, and consider monitoring your blood sugar while taking the medication.

How long can you go while missing your Ozempic dose 

Missing a single dose of semaglutide won’t undo all of your progress, or cause any severe long-term effects. However, repeatedly missing doses or stopping the medication entirely without first consulting your medical provider could lead to rebound weight gain,a worsening of diabetes, and difficulty controlling blood sugar levels, cravings, and appetite. 

However, it is always recommended to contact your medical provider right away if you are having problems with your medication. If you miss more than one dose of semaglutide, your medical team might advise you to drop back down to a lower dose in order so your body can get used to the medication again. 

Further, you may lose some of the progress you’ve made if you go too long without taking it. Without a proper plan to adjust after the medication, it can be difficult to maintain the progress you made. 

How to avoid missing an Ozempic (semaglutide) dose  

Avoid missing your regularly scheduled dose by picking a day and time during the week that you are the most likely to not forget your injection. Once you've picked your ideal day and time, put it in your calendar, set reminders, and set alarms, but do not let yourself forget to take your medication. Be sure to plan ahead for vacations and other potential disruptions to your routine. 

Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any other questions, or, if you're considering changes to your treatment plan. Missing a single dose may not immediately undo all your progress, but consistent adherence to your prescribed regimen is crucial for optimal results.

Why choose Ahara?

With Ahara's online prescription semaglutide program, there is always a licensed medical professional available to answer your questions. If you are having trouble getting a dose refilled, if you're on vacation and forgot your medication, Ahara’s licensed team of medical professionals is available right in your back pocket.

When trying to manage type 2 diabetes or achieve weight loss goals, keep your progress in mind and stick to your routine. Joining Ahara’s online compounded semaglutide medication program is a responsible way to incorporate this medication into your routine. 

FAQs

Below are some common FAQs about missing a dose of Ozempic (semaglutide). Our answers are clear, expert-backed, and designed to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Can you take too much Ozempic?

Yes, you can take too much Ozempic and you should always work with a licensed medical professional to determine your treatment plan. Taking too much Ozempic could lead to hypoglycemia, especially if you take it with insulin or a sulfonylurea . If you do miss a dose while on a prescribed Ozempic treatment plan, do not take two doses within a 48-hour window.

Is there an alternative to Ozempic?

Yes, there are alternatives to Ozempic. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. Semaglutide is also found in drugs like Wegovy and Rybelius. Ahara prescribes compounded semaglutide medication, which is the same active ingredient. 

Try Ahara Med for compounded semaglutide weight loss medication.