How long can you stay on ozempic (semaglutide)?
A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use. Understanding how long Ozempic stays in your system is crucial, especially when considering discontinuation.
If Ozempic is being used for weight loss, like many other weight loss medications, it is recommended to continue long-term for weight maintenance as there is a natural tendency to regain weight after losing weight. Furthermore, a study of patients taking Wegovy®,which contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic, found that after losing weight on the medication, when the medication was stopped the patients regained the weight they had lost. If you are currently taking Ozempic, please discuss any plans to stop your medication with your medical provider.
Learn more about Ozempic prescribing information, including who qualifies for Ozempic.
Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate
Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.
Ozempic® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.