Dosing for weight management using injectable Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and generic sSemaglutide) generally starts off the same as dosing for diabetes.
Injectable Semaglutide dosing typically starts at 0.25 milligrams (mg) every week. Dosing typically increases every 4 weeks depending on your body’s response to the medication. Once you reach a dosage of above 1mg, it starts to differ.
The maximum dose for the treatment of diabetes is 1mg. The maximum weight management dose is 2.4 mg. From 1mg, the dosage increase is different for different brands. For Wegovy brand, it will generally be increased to 1.7mg, then the maximum dose of 2.4mg. For Ozempic or generic Semaglutide, it will increase to 1.5mg, then to a maximum of 2mg. This is because of the differences in the pens and what doses they can administer.
For oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus) dosing starts at 3 milligrams (mg) once daily for 30 days. Dosing typically increases every 30 days depending on your body’s response to the medication. The maximum dose for the treatment of diabetes is 14 mg. The maximum dose for weight management is 25mg, however this has not been authorized by Health Canada yet and is therefore not available.
The goal of dose increases isn’t to reach the maximum dose available, but to find the lowest possible dose that provides effective results for you. This means that the dose that’s right for you may not be the same as someone else.
| Dosage | Potential Costs for Wegovy* | Potential costs for generic Semaglutide* |
| 0.25 mg | Starts at $374.82 | Starts at $149 |
| 0.5 mg | Starts at $374.82 | Starts at $149 |
| 1 mg | Starts at $374.82 | Starts at $149 |
| > 1 mg | Starts at $374.82 (1pen) | Starts at $286 |
| Dosage | Potential Costs for Rybelsus* |
| 3 mg | Starts at $317.90 |
| 7 mg | Starts at $317.90 |
| 14 mg | Starts at $317.90 |
*Prices shown do not reflect provincial or private insurance coverage and may vary by province.
Cost:
The cost of Semaglutide varies across brand name and generic options, as shown in the table above. It’s important to note that some patients find their steady state dose at higher doses. At which point, the price of your treatment may increase. For full information about Semaglutide pricing, please refer to the table above. You can always reach out to your healthcare practitioner to find a treatment that works for you and is cost effective.
Switching from Wegovy to Generic Semaglutide
Some patients on Wegovy consider switching to generic Semaglutide, often for cost reasons. While both medications contain the same Semaglutide ingredient, there are a few important factors to understand before making the switch, especially at higher doses.
Cost
Depending on your current dose and insurance coverage, you may save on the cost of medication. At 1mg and below, generic Semaglutide (starts at $149) is more affordable than Wegovy (starts at $374.82). Above 1 mg, generic Semaglutide requires two pens (starting at $286) compared to a single Wegovy pen (starting at $374.82), making generic Semaglutide the more cost-effective option at higher doses.
For full details about pricing, please refer to the table above.
Two vs. one injection
Above 1 mg, Ozempic and generic Semaglutide patients will need to administer two separate injections at the same time per week, rather than one injection for Wegovy.
Your dose may change
Wegovy does not share the same dose increments above 1 mg as Ozempic and generic Semaglutide. Wegovy is available at 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, while Ozempic and generic Semaglutide above 1 mg combine two injections for a total of 1.5 mg or 2 mg. This means a switch may result in a dose adjustment.
If you’re considering switching medications, please speak with your healthcare practitioner to find the right approach for you.
