Semaglutide Dosage Guide: Reconstitution, Dose Escalation, and Injection Protocol
Research guide to semaglutide vial reconstitution, structured dose escalation tables, injection volume calculation, and standard weekly injection protocols for GLP-1 research.
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Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in clinical medicine for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and obesity (Wegovy). Research vials of semaglutide require manual reconstitution and a structured dose escalation.
What Vials Typically Come In
Research semaglutide vials are typically available as:
- 2 mg vials
- 5 mg vials
- 10 mg vials
How to Reconstitute Semaglutide
Semaglutide is reconstituted in bacteriostatic water. The peptide is relatively stable at physiological pH.
Standard reconstitution for a 5 mg vial:
1. Wipe rubber stopper with alcohol; allow to dry
2. Inject 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water down the vial wall
3. Swirl gently — do not shake
4. Allow 2–3 minutes for complete dissolution
5. Clear, colourless or slightly yellowish solution expected
Concentration examples:
- 2 mg + 1 mL BW → 2000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL)
- 2 mg + 2 mL BW → 1000 mcg/mL (1 mg/mL)
- 5 mg + 1 mL BW → 5000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)
The 1 mg/mL dilution is convenient for the 0.25–2.4 mg dose range.
Dose Escalation Protocol
Semaglutide requires a gradual dose escalation to minimise nausea:
| Week | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg/week | Initial tolerance dose |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg/week | Step-up |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1 mg/week | Effective anti-obesity dose in many subjects |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg/week | Optional escalation |
| Week 17+ | 2.4 mg/week | Maximum clinical dose (Wegovy) |
Dose escalation can be paused at any stage if GI side effects are significant.
Injection Volume Table
Using a 1 mg/mL reconstituted solution (2 mg in 2 mL BW):
| Target Dose | Volume to Inject |
|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | 0.25 mL (25 units) |
| 0.5 mg | 0.50 mL (50 units) |
| 1 mg | 1.00 mL (100 units) |
| 1.7 mg | 1.70 mL — split into 2 sites |
| 2.4 mg | 2.40 mL — split into 2–3 sites |
Use the Dose Calculator to compute injection volumes for any vial concentration.
Frequency, Timing, and Cycle Length
- Frequency: Once weekly; administer on the same day each week
- Injection site: Subcutaneous to abdomen, thigh, or upper arm; rotate injection sites
- Timing: Any time of day; food intake does not affect absorption
- Cycle length: 16–68 weeks in major clinical trials; research protocols vary widely
Storage
- Lyophilised vials: 2–8°C (do not freeze peptide hormone products)
- After reconstitution: 2–8°C; use within 28 days
- Do not freeze reconstituted semaglutide
Calculate Your Exact Injection Volume
Use our free dose calculator — enter any vial size and target dose to get the precise volume to draw up.
About the Author
KnowYourPeptide Research Team
KnowYourPeptide Research Team
Content produced by the KnowYourPeptide research and editorial team. All articles are written from peer-reviewed primary literature and reviewed for scientific accuracy by credentialed researchers and a board-certified physician before publication.
Meet the full editorial teamMedically Reviewed by Dr. Amanda Reid, MD
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Amanda Reid, MD (Board-Certified Internal Medicine), Know Your Peptide Medical Advisor, for scientific accuracy, safety information, and appropriate clinical context. Learn about our review process.