What Happens When You Miss an Ozempic Dose?

Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists that help treat type 2 diabetes. This medication is a once-weekly injection that helps regulate blood sugar and slows gastric (stomach) emptying to reduce appetite.

Following your exact dosing schedule is essential for the medication to work correctly. However, you might miss a dose, which may cause several side effects like constipation and nausea.

Understanding Ozempic Dosing

Ozempic is available in three pre-filled disposable pens and is color-coded according to the dose each pen delivers in milligrams (mg).

When you start Ozempic, your healthcare provider will recommend the 0.25 mg dose first. You'll take the shot once a week for four weeks before increasing the dosage to 0.5 mg. After four weeks of the 0.5 mg dose, your provider will assess whether the medication is working as is or if you need a higher dose. The maximum dosage you can take is 2 mg per week.

Once you understand what dose you need to be taking, your provider will also recommend the following tips to help you administer the medication safely:

• Inject Ozempic subcutaneously (under the skin), such as in the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh
• Choose a day of the week for your injection and always take the medication on the same day weekly

If you need to change the day you administer Ozempic, your healthcare provider can discuss your options with you. However, if you change the day you take the medication, the time between two doses should be at least 48 hours.

Side Effects of Missed Doses

Missing doses or taking breaks from type 2 diabetes medications like Ozempic is not advisable, as this can increase your risk of unregulating your blood sugar and experiencing diabetes complications. If you do miss a dose, you can experience several side effects, such as:

• Extreme hunger
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight gain
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in cholesterol levels
• Increase in blood pressure

Side effects like constipation, nausea, and diarrhea are also common when you first start taking Ozempic. These symptoms subside as your body gets used to the medication. But if you skip a dose or stop taking the medication abruptly, you can experience these symptoms as side effects of a missed dose.

Risks and Complications of Skipping a Dose of Ozempic

Skipping a dose of Ozempic occasionally may not cause severe effects. If it happens more often or you miss your dose repeatedly in a row, it can pose a greater threat to your health, as it can become more challenging for your body to regulate blood sugar levels or sustain the medication's weight loss effects.

One study found that most people with type 2 diabetes who don't follow their medication plan have difficulty managing their blood sugar properly. Adhering to your treatment plan is thus associated with better blood sugar control, fewer complications, and reduced healthcare costs.

However, missing doses too frequently affects blood sugar and can also cause other complications like:

• Vision problems: Temporary high glucose (sugar) levels can cause blurred vision. Over time, untreated high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eyes, causing fluid leakage, swelling, and eye pressure. You might also be at a higher risk of developing common diabetes-related eye conditions, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. 
• Foot complications: Unmanaged diabetes can damage the nerves, especially those in your legs and feet. It can also reduce blood flow to these areas, leading to numbness or loss of sensation and poor wound healing in the feet. 
• Sores and infections: People with diabetes are prone to developing slow-healing wounds due to reduced blood flow. Tissues not getting enough blood supply may start experiencing death or decay (gangrene) and a high risk of getting infected.
• Kidney impairment: Untreated diabetes can cause impaired kidney function or damage to the kidneys. Depending on the severity, some people may need a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Notably, Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart conditions. This means skipping your medication may be counterproductive, increasing your risk for these conditions. 

Gaining back weight as a result of not taking your medication as instructed may also cause obesity and obesity-related conditions such as depression, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease.

What To Do if You Miss a Dose

Everyone misses a dose of their medication from time to time—and that's okay. If you miss a dose of Ozempic, you should take it as soon as you remember. Generally, this should be within five days of the missed dose. You can then continue with your regular schedule. However, if it’s been more than five days, it’s best to skip the missed dose and resume taking it on your regularly scheduled Ozempic day. 

It's also important not to take two doses at once or very close together (less than 48 hours apart), as this can cause a drastic or severe drop in your blood sugar levels. However, if you have missed your dose repeatedly, discussing a plan for restarting Ozempic with your healthcare provider is a good idea.

A Quick Review

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a type 2 diabetes medication that helps lower blood sugar levels and supports weight management. The medication comes in four doses: 0.25 milligrams (mg), 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.

Taking your medication as prescribed and on time is necessary because missing a dose can cause several side effects, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and extreme hunger, among other complications. Generally, side effects aren't severe, but it's best to follow your treatment plan as directed.