Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The typical dosing for semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg once weekly, then increases to 1 mg once weekly. The maximum recommended dose is 1 mg per week.
- 40 units of semaglutide would be equivalent to 40 mg (40 doses of 1 mg each). This is far higher than the maximum clinically recommended dosage. Taking such a high dose could lead to serious side effects and is not advisable.
Some key points about semaglutide dosage and costs:
- The starting doses allow your body to get used to the medication gradually and reduce gastrointestinal side effects
- Doses higher than 1 mg per week have not been properly studied and should not be taken
- A typical month's supply of 1 mg semaglutide retails for around $850-1000 in the US without insurance
- With insurance copays, it may range from $15-150 for a month's supply
So in summary,
40 units or 40 mg of semaglutide should never be taken at once - this would be 40 times the maximum dose! Sticking to the recommended dosing schedule is important for safety and efficacy. And patients taking this medication can expect to pay high costs even with insurance.
Some options to reduce semaglutide costs:
- Apply for copay or savings cards from the manufacturer
- Enroll in prescription assistance programs if eligible
- Use sites like GoodRx to find discounts on meds
- Consider switching pharmacies to check for better prices
- Ask your doctor for alternative, more affordable medications
We hope this breakdown helps explain semaglutide dosing and what 40 units translates to. Let us know if you have any other questions! Our team at Renewal Hormone Center specializes in diabetes medications and care. We're here to support your health goals and provide individualized treatment plans. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule a consultation.