Can You Get A 1mg Dose From The Ozempic 8mg/3mL (2mg) Pen?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses if it is possible to get a 1mg dose from the 2mg (8mg/3mL) pen.
Can I take 1mg of Ozempic from an 8mg/3mL pen?
May 28, 2024- The Ozempic 8mg/3mL pen only delivers doses in 2mg increments and cannot be used to get a 1mg dose.
- If you need a 1mg dose, you will need to use the Ozempic 4mg/3mL pen instead.
- Counting clicks on the dosage selector to try to get 1mg from a 2mg pen is not recommended because it increases the risk of dosage errors.
Answer
Thank you for the great question!
Unfortunately, the Ozempic 8mg/3mL pen only delivers doses in 2mg increments. This is clearly stated in the prescribing information and medication guide for Ozempic. Below is an image from the guide for reference:
This information is stated on the box as well.
If your dosage is 1mg per week, you will need the Ozempic 4mg/3mL pen.
It is important to note that some people, especially on online forums, suggest you can dose 1mg with a 2mg pen by counting 'clicks' on the dosage selector as you dial the dose. This is not recommended as it increases the risk of dosage errors, and the amount of medication per click may not be consistent from pen to pen.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out!
References & sources
- Ozempic Prescribing Information — Novo
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Ozempic
- A prescription medication pen used to deliver doses of a diabetes or weight management drug.
- Mg/mL
- A measurement showing how many milligrams of medication are contained in each milliliter of liquid.
- Increments
- Fixed amounts or steps that a dose can be increased or decreased by.
- Prescribing information
- Official documentation from the drug manufacturer that explains how a medication should be used.
- Medication guide
- A patient-friendly document that explains important safety and usage information about a drug.
- Dosage selector
- The dial or mechanism on a medication pen that allows you to set the amount of drug to be injected.
- Dosage errors
- Mistakes in the amount of medication taken that could result in too much or too little drug being administered.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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