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Dose step 1 of 4

Ozempic 0.25 mg

This is the starting dose. Its job is to let your stomach adjust; the label doesn't use it as a maintenance dose. Stomach side effects are most likely in these first weeks.

Clinician review pending Updated
Step
1 of 4
on the label
Timing
wk 1 to 4
fastest schedule
Length
4 weeks
minimum
Next step
0.5 mg
if prescribed

Where 0.25 mg sits on the ladder

What the label says

Ozempic 0.25 mg: Starting dose. Not meant to control blood sugar on its own.

This is the starting dose. Its job is to let your stomach adjust; the label doesn't use it as a maintenance dose. Stomach side effects are most likely in these first weeks.

Most common side effects on Ozempic

Side effectOzempicPlacebo
Nausea16% to 20%6%
Vomiting5% to 9%2%
Diarrhea9%2%

Rates across all label doses, not this step alone. Placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes trials in the Ozempic label (0.5 mg and 1 mg).

Is 0.25 mg a maintenance dose?

No. It's the starter dose.

Common questions

How long do you stay on Ozempic 0.25 mg?

At least 4 weeks on the label before any increase. Many people stay longer.

What comes after Ozempic 0.25 mg?

The next label step is 0.5 mg, if your prescriber increases it.

Can you stay on Ozempic 0.25 mg longer?

Yes. Holding a dose longer is common when side effects need time to settle. Your prescriber decides.

Sources

  1. Ozempic prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error