Missed Your GLP-1 Dose? What to Do

Missing a dose of a weekly GLP-1 is common. For once-weekly semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), the general guidance is to take the missed dose if it is within 5 days of the scheduled day. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and resume your normal schedule. Rules vary by product — always check your leaflet.

The 5-day rule for once-weekly semaglutide

For once-weekly semaglutide products (Ozempic and Wegovy), the prescribing guidance is:

• If you miss a dose and it has been 5 days or fewer since the day you were due to inject — take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• After taking the missed dose, your next scheduled dose returns to your regular weekly day
• Ensure there are at least 2 days (48 hours) between doses if you are catching up close to the window

This rule is published in the prescribing information for semaglutide. It applies to both the Ozempic and Wegovy formulations (different doses, same molecule, same missed-dose guidance).

What if it's been more than 5 days?

If more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose:

• Skip the missed dose entirely — do not take it
• Resume your regular weekly schedule with the next dose on your usual day
• Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one

For tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), the window is slightly shorter — 4 days. If you've missed a tirzepatide dose and more than 4 days have passed, skip it and continue your regular schedule. Always confirm with your product leaflet, as prescribing guidance can be updated.

Does missing a dose affect my weight loss?

Missing a single dose occasionally is unlikely to have a significant effect on your overall progress. These are long-acting medications — once-weekly semaglutide has a half-life of approximately one week, meaning drug levels in the body decline gradually over days, not hours.

What matters more than any single missed dose is the overall pattern of adherence over weeks and months. Consistent dosing on schedule delivers the most stable drug levels and the most predictable outcome. Missing doses regularly — or missing multiple doses consecutively — can meaningfully affect effectiveness and adherence.

If you're finding it difficult to remember your weekly dose, a phone reminder set for your chosen day and time is the simplest fix. Some people also tie it to a specific weekly event to make it routine.

Rules differ by product — check the leaflet

The rules above reflect published prescribing guidance for the major GLP-1 products as of 2026, but:

• Prescribing information can be updated — always refer to the current product leaflet that came with your medication
• Oral and injectable formulations follow different rules
• If you have missed multiple doses consecutively, contact your prescribing clinician before restarting — a dose reduction may be advisable to minimise GI side effects from restarting at a higher dose

Frequently asked questions

Can I take two doses at once if I missed one?
No. Never double-dose a GLP-1. If the window has passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose as normal.

Will missing one dose cause weight regain?
Missing a single dose occasionally is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall progress. Consistent, long-term adherence to your schedule matters more than any single missed dose.

I've missed two doses in a row — what do I do?
If you've missed multiple doses, contact your prescribing clinician before restarting. A gap in dosing may mean restarting at a lower dose to minimise GI side effects — your prescriber can advise.

Does it matter what time of day I take the make-up dose?
For weekly injections, the time of day is less critical than the day-of-week consistency. Take it at a similar time to your usual schedule if possible, and then continue from the same day of the week going forward.