Taking Wegovy as prescribed is important for both safety and achieving the best results. In this blog, we’ll discuss the risks of taking a double dose when not recommended by your prescriber.
Note that this does not apply to the newly licensed 7.2mg dose where the manufacturer advises taking 2.4mg three times - this schedule is safe and intentional.
What is a Wegovy dose and how often should you take it?
Wegovy contains the active ingredient Semaglutide which mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite and digestion. Wegovy is given as a weekly injection which you administer yourself using a pre-filled pen.
The dosing regimen follows a carefully designed dose escalation schedule starting at 0.25 mg and increasing gradually up to 7.2 mg (for those who are eligible). This gradual increase is based on extensive clinical research and is designed to minimise side effects while helping your body adjust and optimising weight loss results. Each Wegovy pen contains four doses which is enough for a full month. The newly approved 7.2 mg dose is not yet available in a FlexPen. For now, the 7.2 mg dose is given as three 2.4 mg injections.
When you start Wegovy, you’ll need to pick a weekly injection day. You can take it at any time of day but sticking to the same day each week helps the medication work consistently and supports the best outcomes.
What does a Wegovy double dose mean?
A Wegovy double dose occurs when two doses are taken too close together such as giving yourself two doses at once or taking another dose on the same day against prescriber advise. This can happen by accident, like forgetting you already took your injection, or on purpose if you believe it may lead to faster weight loss.
Potential side effects and risks of a Wegovy double dose
Taking a double dose of Wegovy can intensify how the medication works in your body which is likely to increase the risk of side effects. The most common concern after a double dose is stronger gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. This happens because Wegovy slows digestion and too much of the medication can exaggerate that effect.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is less common when Wegovy is used on its own however it may be a concern for people who also take other anti-diabetics.
How severe symptoms are can vary from person to person and depends on factors like the dose strength, how your body tolerates the medication and other medications you use. As Wegovy stays in the body for several days, side effects from a double dose may last longer than expected and can persist for a few days.
How to manage a double dose incident
In many cases a double dose of Wegovy can be managed at home with close monitoring and supportive care. However, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.
If you have accidentally administered a double dose, start by noting down when and what dose you injected, stay well hydrated and check your blood sugar if you are diabetic. Additionally, contact our clinical team here a Phlo Clinic if you need any further assistance.
Seek urgent medical help if you experience symptoms of severe low blood sugar (such as confusion, fainting or seizures), ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, signs of severe dehydration or intense abdominal pain as these may indicate a more serious condition.
How to prevent dosing errors in future
Creating a routine and using simple tracking tools can help prevent dosing errors. There are several easy ways to stay on top of your weekly Wegovy schedule and make sure you never miss or double your dose.
Create a consistent routine
- Choose the same day and time each week for your injection.
- Store and take your medication in the same place every time.
- Link your injection to a weekly habit such as a TV show or household task.
Use tracking tools
- Mark your dose on a calendar immediately after injecting.
- Set a weekly phone reminder and only turn it off after you’ve taken your dose.
- Write the date of your last injection on the pen using a removable label or marker.
- Let a family member or housemate know your injection day so they can help remind you.
- If a caregiver helps with injections keep a clear record of each dose.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible allowing at least 3 days between doses.
References
Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2026). Wegovy 0.25mg-2.4mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen - Summary of Product Characteristics
