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Drug Info

Can you take Wegovy a day early?

What you should know if you’re considering taking Wegovy before your usual weekly dose
By | Nov. 22, 2024
Two autoinjectors for drugs like Wegovy: Can you take Wegovy a day early?

Key takeaways

  • Wegovy is a once-weekly injection approved by the FDA to help with weight management along with diet and exercise.

  • It’s safe to take Wegovy a day early if necessary, as long as your previous dose was taken at least two days prior, but you should consult your prescribing healthcare provider first. 

  • Typical side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, are unlikely to worsen if you take Wegovy a day early, but they may appear sooner than usual. It’s important to monitor how you feel after adjusting your schedule.

  • Wegovy’s dosing schedule gradually increases over time to reduce side effects. Sticking to the once-weekly regimen is key to avoiding spikes in medication levels that could increase side effects like nausea or dizziness.

  • Avoid taking the medication too early or doubling up on doses, as this can lead to complications. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

In this article:

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-a-week injection that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to: 

  • Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in:
    • Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher 
    • Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related medical problems, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure
    • Adolescents ages 12–17 who are at or above the 95th percentile on sex- and age-specific growth charts 
  • Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 27 or higher

Wegovy belongs to a family of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists). It helps with weight loss by reducing appetite and making you feel full faster. Both Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for the active ingredient semaglutide. The main difference between the two is that Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. For many people, semaglutide has been a real game-changer in their weight loss journey. But like any medication, it’s important to take it as prescribed. However, there are some instances where you may prefer to take it on a day other than your regular day, whether because of travel, a busy schedule, or simply forgetting to take it on your regularly scheduled day. 

There are a few things to consider before adjusting your dosing schedule. We’ll cover what happens if you take your dose ahead of schedule and what you need to know to keep your weight loss journey on track.

Can you take your Wegovy shot a day early?

Yes, you can take your Wegovy shot a day early if necessary, but it’s best to follow the guidance provided by your healthcare provider. According to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, you may adjust the day of the week you take Wegovy as long as it has been two or more days since your last dose. 

While occasionally changing your dosing schedule is safe, maintaining a consistent routine is ideal. Taking Wegovy on the same day each week helps ensure steady medication levels in your body, making it more effective and potentially reducing side effects. Keeping a consistent schedule is like maintaining regular sleep patterns—your body prefers routine!

Typical Wegovy dosing schedule for weight loss

Wegovy is recommended to be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week, on the same day each week. Your healthcare provider will start you on a low dose and slowly increase it over time. This gradual increase is called dose escalation and is an important part of the Wegovy treatment plan. 

Here’s a quick look at a typical Wegovy dosing schedule:

  • Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once a week
  • Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once a week
  • Weeks 9–12: 1 mg once a week
  • Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once a week
  • Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg once a week

This step-by-step approach helps reduce the risk of common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, that can occur when starting semaglutide. It also gives your body time to adjust to each new dose. Some people stay at a lower dose if they’re getting good results or having trouble with side effects. If you have questions about whether to change your weekly dose, talk to your healthcare provider. They can work with you to find the best dose for you.

Side effects of taking Wegovy a day early

Wegovy is designed to be taken weekly, and its effects build up over time. Some people report mild side effects when they first start taking Wegovy or when they increase the dose. These side effects usually reduce as their bodies get used to the medication, but they could occur sooner than earlier if you take your Wegovy dose a day early. Examples may include: 

  • Nausea: This is the most common side effect. It usually gets better over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • Diarrhea: This can happen, especially when you first start Wegovy or increase your dose.
  • Vomiting: Less common than nausea, but it can occur.
  • Stomach pain: Some people might feel discomfort in their belly, which improves over time.
  • Headache: Some people get headaches, especially when first starting the medication.
  • Feeling tired: Fatigue is a possible side effect of Wegovy, but it often improves as you continue treatment.
  • Constipation: This can happen too, so drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods.
  • Dizziness: Some people feel dizzy, especially if they’re not eating enough.

Taking your dose a day early might not worsen these side effects, but monitoring how you feel is important. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual symptoms after adjusting your dose.

If you’re worried about side effects, try to time your early dose so you’ll be home or somewhere comfortable when they kick in. Remember, everyone reacts differently to medications. Some people have very few side effects, while others might experience more.

It’s also worth noting that side effects often get better over time. They become less bothersome as your body gets used to the medication. But don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider if you have side effects. They might have some tips to help you manage them.

Things to keep in mind if you take semaglutide early

Taking your Wegovy shot a day early doesn’t mean you must adjust your dose schedule permanently. 

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  1. Be consistent: After taking your dose early, you have two options. You can either take your next dose a day early or wait an extra day to return to your usual schedule. Either way is acceptable, but try to be consistent moving forward. For example, if you usually take your dose on Mondays but take it on a Sunday one week, you could either continue with Sundays or wait until the next Monday to get back on track.
  2. Don’t take it too early: Taking your dose a day early is okay, but don’t push it further. Taking it more than a day or two early could affect how the medicine works in your body. Wegovy is designed to be taken weekly, and taking it too early might lead to higher levels of the drug in your system than intended.
  3. Consult your healthcare provider: It’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before changing how you take any medication. They know your medical history and can give you personalized advice. They might have specific recommendations based on your health status or other medications you’re taking.
  4. Don’t double up: If you take your dose early, don’t take another dose on your usual day. This could lead to too much medication in your system and increase your risk of side effects. Remember, more isn’t always better when it comes to medications!
  5. Keep track: If you take your dose early, note it. This can help you remember when to take your next dose and keep you on track. You could use a calendar app on your phone or a good old-fashioned paper calendar—whatever works for you.
  6. Be mindful of your eating habits: Wegovy partially affects your appetite. If you take your dose early, you might notice changes in your hunger levels or how full you feel after eating. Pay attention to your body’s signals and eat when hungry, but do not overeat.
  7. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially when on Wegovy. It can help with side effects like constipation and make you feel better overall.
  8. Consider your activity level: If you have any significant physical activities planned, like a long hike or a vital sports game, you should avoid taking your dose early if it falls on that day. Some people feel tired or nauseous after their Wegovy dose, which could impact their performance.
  9. Be patient with weight loss: Remember that Wegovy is a tool to help with weight loss, but it’s not a magic solution. Taking your dose a day early won’t speed up your weight loss. Consistent use of the medication, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, is what leads to long-term success.
  10. Monitor for unusual symptoms: Taking Wegovy a day early isn’t likely to cause problems. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

Remember, Wegovy is a powerful weight loss tool, but it works best when taken as prescribed. It’s part of a broader approach to weight management that includes a healthy diet and regular physical activity. The medication can help control your appetite and make you feel full faster, but it’s still up to you to make healthy food choices and stay active.

If you need to change your dosing schedule, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest a different day of the week that works better for your lifestyle. For example, taking your dose on a Saturday might work better for you if you often travel for work on Mondays. The goal is to find a routine that helps you stay consistent with your medication and your weight loss journey.