Ozempic dosage guide for type 2 diabetes in South Africa

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medicine used in South Africa to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is taken as a once-weekly injection.

Semaglutide belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines mimic a hormone your body naturally produces to help control blood glucose, particularly after eating.

Ozempic forms part of a broader diabetes management approach, which includes a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

What Is the Starting Dose of Ozempic?

The usual starting dose of Ozempic for adults with type 2 diabetes is 0.25 mg once weekly. This dose is used for the first four weeks of treatment.

The 0.25 mg weekly dose allows your system to get used to the medicine before moving to a higher dose. It is not intended to be your long-term dose for managing blood sugar.

Your healthcare provider will advise when to increase your dose and will provide instructions based on your individual treatment plan.

How Is the Dose Increased?

Following the first four weeks at 0.25 mg per week, the dosage typically increases to 0.5 mg once weekly. Your healthcare provider will review how well the medicine is working and how you are tolerating it before deciding whether to keep the dose the same or increase it.

If further improvement in blood glucose control is needed, your healthcare provider may increase the weekly dose to 1 mg. The maximum recommended dose of Ozempic in South Africa is 1 mg per week.

Any dose changes should only be made under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

The table below shows the usual dosing schedule for adults with type 2 diabetes. Your healthcare provider will decide what dose is right for you.

Typical Ozempic Dosing Schedule

Weekly Dose

When Used

Purpose

0.25 mg

First 4 weeks

Starting dose to help your body adjust

0.5 mg

After week 4

Continued if blood sugar levels are improving

1 mg

If further control is needed

Maximum recommended weekly dose in SA

What Happens If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget a dose and it has been five days or less since you were meant to inject, take the dose as soon as you remember. You can then continue with your usual weekly schedule.

If more than five days have passed, leave out the missed dose and wait until your next planned injection day. Do not double up or inject an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.

If you are unsure how to proceed, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

How to Tell When Your Ozempic Pen is Empty

Each Ozempic pen has a built-in dose counter so you can see how much medicine is left. When you turn the dial to prepare your injection, the display shows the amount you are about to use.

If you cannot dial up your full prescribed amount, there may not be enough medicine remaining in the pen.

Do not try to guess or adjust the dose yourself. If you are uncertain whether your pen is empty, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Where Is Ozempic Injected?

Ozempic is given as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is placed just beneath the skin rather than into muscle or a vein.

Recommended areas for injection include the stomach area, upper leg, or upper arm. Try not to use the exact same spot each week, as rotating the site can help reduce skin irritation.

Avoid injecting into skin that is bruised, sore, scarred, or irritated. A fresh needle should be attached for every injection, do not use the same needle more than once.

Can I Change My Ozempic Dose?

You should only change your Ozempic dose under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Never change your weekly dose unless you been specifically advised to do so.

Your dose is based on how well your blood sugar is responding and how you are tolerating the medicine. Regular check-ups help make sure the treatment is working as it should.

If you experience side effects or have concerns about your treatment, speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes. You can also read more in our Ozempic side effects guide.

Important safety information

Prescription medicine. Ozempic® is approved in South Africa for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose control. Ozempic® contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is available as a solution for injection in a prefilled pen (4 mg/3 mL; semaglutide 1.34 mg/mL). Ozempic® has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare provider if Ozempic® is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you experience side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. For more information, see the approved professional information (semaglutide) available at: https://www.sahpra.org.za/registered-health-products/