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Dose step 1 of 5

Wegovy 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 5
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

0.25 mg4 weeks
0.5 mg4 weeks1 mg4 weeks1.7 mg4 weeks2.4 mgongoing

What the label says

Wegovy 0.25 mg: Starting dose for weeks 1 to 4. Not a maintenance dose.

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 Wegovy

Side effectWegovyPlacebo
Nausea44%16%
Diarrhea30%16%
Vomiting24%6%

Rates across all label doses, not this step alone. Placebo-controlled weight-management trials in the Wegovy label (2.4 mg).

Is 0.25 mg a maintenance dose?

No. It's the starter dose.

Common questions

How long do you stay on Wegovy 0.25 mg?

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

What comes after Wegovy 0.25 mg?

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

Can you stay on Wegovy 0.25 mg longer?

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

Sources

  1. Wegovy prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)
  2. STEP 1 trial publication

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