Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a popular medication for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. Recently, a trend called "microdosing Ozempic" has emerged, with people taking much smaller doses than those typically prescribed. But is this approach safe or effective? Here’s what you need to know, based on the latest research and expert guidance.

What is Microdosing Ozempic?

Microdosing Ozempic means injecting a dose smaller than the standard prescribed amount—often 0.05 mg to 0.5 mg weekly, compared to the usual starting dose of 0.25 mg and therapeutic doses of 1 mg or more. This is commonly done by:

• Counting the “clicks” on the Ozempic injection pen to deliver a smaller dose
• Using insulin syringes to measure out tiny amounts
• Ordering custom low-dose pens from compounding pharmacies

Why Are People Microdosing Ozempic?

People microdose Ozempic for several reasons:

• To reduce side effects: Lower doses may cause less nausea, vomiting, or GI discomfort.
• To extend their medication supply: Smaller doses can make expensive medication last longer, lowering costs.
• To maintain weight loss: Some use microdosing as a maintenance strategy after losing weight on higher doses.
• To lose a small amount of weight: Those not seeking dramatic weight loss may believe a microdose is sufficient.
• To quiet “food noise”: Even at low doses, some report reduced appetite and cravings.

Microdosing Ozempic Dosage: What Amounts Are Used?

While the manufacturer does not recommend “click counting,” your healthcare provider may recommend doing this to dose a smaller amount of Ozempic from your pen. A general breakdown of microdosing strategies is outlined in the microdosing semaglutide chart below:

Pen	Dose	Clicks	Frequency
0.25/0.5 mg	0.06 mg-0.5 mg	9-72	Once weekly
1 mg	0.13 mg-1 mg	9-72	Once weekly
2 mg	0.25 mg-2 mg	9-72	Once weekly

Some users gradually increase the dose in small increments (e.g., from 0.05 mg to 0.1 mg to 0.2 mg, etc.), especially if they are sensitive to side effects.

Is Microdosing Ozempic Safe?

There is no clinical trial evidence confirming the safety of microdosing Ozempic for weight loss. However, the risks and considerations include:

• Dosing errors: Counting pen clicks or using syringes can lead to inaccurate dosing, potentially making the medication ineffective or unsafe.
• Compounded semaglutide risks: Compounded versions may contain inaccurate doses or harmful contaminants. The FDA has warned about adverse events linked to compounded semaglutide, including GI symptoms, headache, dehydration, and pancreatitis.
• Reduced effectiveness: Sub-therapeutic doses may not provide meaningful weight loss or blood sugar control.
• Lack of medical supervision: Microdosing without a healthcare provider’s guidance increases the risk of side effects and complications.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, strongly discourages using the click counting method due to the risk of inaccurate or inconsistent dosing.

How to Microdose Ozempic Safely

To microdose Ozempic safely, it is essential to do so only under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can guide dosing adjustments and monitor for side effects or complications. Avoid using compounded semaglutide products, as these are not FDA-approved and may carry risks of contamination or inaccurate dosing.

Never attempt to adjust your dose using methods like “counting clicks” on the pen or measuring with syringes without explicit instructions from your doctor, as this can lead to dosing errors and unpredictable results. Ultimately, always follow your provider’s advice and prescribed dosing instructions to ensure the safest and most effective use of Ozempic.

Related questions

• Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
• Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
• What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?

Is Microdosing Ozempic Effective for Weight Loss?

No clinical studies have proven that microdosing Ozempic is effective for weight loss. Reports of success are anecdotal and not supported by rigorous research. Standard clinical trials show that 0.5 mg and 1 mg weekly doses are effective for weight loss and blood sugar control. Higher doses (2 mg) do not necessarily lead to more weight loss than 1 mg. Some people anecdotally report appetite suppression and modest weight loss at lower doses, but these experiences are not universal and may not be sustained.

Microdosing Ozempic Side Effects

Microdosing may reduce the risk of some side effects, but it does not eliminate them. Potential side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dehydration

Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and gallstones.

Compounded or inaccurately dosed semaglutide can increase your risk for side effects from Ozempic microdosing.

Cost Comparison: Microdosing vs. Standard Dosing

Microdosing Ozempic can be more cost-effective than FDA-approved dosing. This is one reason why people are microdosing Ozempic. The cost for a one-month supply of Ozempic is around $1075 without insurance. This is based on the Drugs.com Price Guide using the free Drugs.com Discount Card. Microdosing can help stretch this supply longer, which can be less expensive for some. For example, instead of paying around $270 per weekly dose of 0.5 mg patients may only pay $27 per week with a 0.05 mg dose. Keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends throwing the Ozempic pen away after 56 days of the first use.

Microdosing vs. Standard Ozempic Dosing

	Microdosing Ozempic	Standard Ozempic Dosing
Dose	0.05–0.5 mg weekly	0.25–2 mg weekly
Evidence for weight loss	Anecdotal only	Strong clinical trial support
Side effects	May be milder	Dose-dependent, often higher
FDA approval	No	Yes
Dosing accuracy	Lower (risk of error)	High (pre-set doses)
Cost	Lower per dose	Higher per dose

Frequently Asked Questions About Microdosing Ozempic

What does microdosing Ozempic do?

It may reduce appetite and cravings, but the effects are highly variable and not clinically proven for weight loss.

How do people microdose Ozempic?

People microdose Ozempic by counting pen clicks, using insulin syringes, or ordering compounded low-dose pens.

Is microdosing Ozempic safe?

There are risks with microdosing Ozempic, including inaccurate dosing, reduced effectiveness, and potential side effects. It should only be considered under medical supervision.

Can you microdose semaglutide for maintenance?

Some people use lower doses after initial weight loss to maintain results, but this approach is not officially endorsed or studied.

Bottom Line

Microdosing Ozempic is an off-label practice with no proven safety or effectiveness for weight loss. While some people report benefits like fewer side effects or lower costs, these are not backed by clinical research. The risks—including inaccurate dosing and potential side effects—mean that Ozempic should only be used as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your Ozempic regimen.

This is not all the information you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Hibbert, C., 2024. Does microdosing Ozempic work? What are experts saying about diabetes drug also used for weight loss? Northeastern Global News. Accessed 02/19/2025 at https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/10/18/microdosing-ozempic/

Komé, A. M., et. al. 2025. One Size Does Not Fit All: Understanding Microdosing Semaglutide for Diabetes in Multidose Pens. Diabetes Care; 48 (3): e25–e27. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-2575

Ozempic [package insert]. Updated January 2025. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 02/19/2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79

Read next

See also:

Related medical questions

• How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
• Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
• How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
• Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
• What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
• Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
• Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
• Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
• When is the best time of day to take Ozempic?
• Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?
• Can you buy Ozempic over the counter?
• Does Ozempic cause muscle loss and how to prevent it?
• Where and how should Ozempic be injected?
• Rybelsus vs Ozempic for weight loss: Which to choose?
• Are there natural alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss?
• Do GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro cause sulfur burps?
• How long does Ozempic last in your system?
• Ozempic Face: What causes it and how to prevent it?
• How long can you stay on Ozempic?
• How does Ozempic affect blood pressure?
• Is Ozempic better than metformin?
• Trulicity vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?

Drug information

• Ozempic Information for Consumers
• Ozempic prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
• Side Effects of Ozempic (detailed)
• Ozempic user reviews (1,566)

Related support groups

• Ozempic (111 questions, 227 members)
• Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) (861 questions, 1,512 members)

Medical Disclaimer