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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

Semaglutide 5 mg Vial Dosing Protocol

Reconstitution guide, week-by-week titration, and supplies for a 5 mg semaglutide vial.

Quickstart highlights

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances insulin secretion and suppresses appetite.

  • Concentration: 3.33 mg/mL (5 mg vial + 1.5 mL bac water).
  • Dose range: 300 µg (Week 1–2) up to 1,000 µg (maintenance) once weekly.
  • At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit33.3 µg; use a U-100 insulin syringe.
  • Refrigerate reconstituted solution; use within 28–56 days.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-23009Once weeklyStarting dose — use a 30-unit U-100 insulin syringe
3-460018Once weeklyPause if GI side effects persist
5-6100030Once weeklyMaintenance — switch to 100-unit syringe for easier measurement

Gradual approach

WeekDose (µg)UnitsNotes
1-42507.5Slower ramp — use 30-unit syringe
5-850015Increase only if tolerating well
9+100030Maintenance — switch to 100-unit syringe

Reconstitution steps

  1. Use 1.5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall to yield 3.33 mg/mL.
  2. Gently swirl until fully dissolved; do not shake.
  3. Label the vial with reconstitution date; refrigerate 2–8 °C.

Supplies needed

8-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 8 syringes
  • 2 mL bac water
  • 8 alcohol swabs

12-week plan

  • 2 vials
  • 12 syringes
  • 3 mL bac water
  • 12 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Support weight management with a GLP-1 agonist titration starting from a 5 mg compounded vial. Targets 1 mg weekly maintenance after 4–6 weeks.

Cycle length: 12 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 8 weeks off between cycles; monitor mood and energy during off-cycle.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store in cool, dry place until use. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28–56 days per manufacturer. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) to reduce irritation.
  • Use a 30-unit U-100 insulin syringe for early low doses (9 units); switch to a 100-unit U-100 syringe once you exceed 20 units.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Log injection date, dose (units), and injection site.
  • Track appetite, energy, and any side effects weekly.
Log your cycle in the calculator →

How this works & references

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances insulin secretion and suppresses appetite. Titration reduces nausea and improves tolerability. Clinical data from the STEP trials support once-weekly dosing for weight management.

Frequently asked questions

How much bac water do I add to a 5 mg semaglutide vial?
Add 1.5 mL of bacteriostatic water to yield a concentration of 3.33 mg/mL. Each unit on a U-100 syringe will then equal approximately 33.3 µg.
How many doses are in a 5 mg vial?
At 3.33 mg/mL, a 5 mg vial reconstituted in 1.5 mL contains roughly 16 weekly doses of 300 µg, or about 5 doses at the 1,000 µg maintenance level.
What syringes do I use for a 5 mg vial?
Use a U-100 insulin syringe for all doses. A 30-unit syringe works well for early doses (9 units ≈ 300 µg); switch to a 100-unit syringe once you exceed 20 units.
Should I choose a 5 mg or 10 mg vial?
A 5 mg vial is ideal for shorter initial cycles or trying semaglutide for the first time. A 10 mg vial offers a higher concentration (6.67 mg/mL) and more doses per vial, which can be more cost-effective for longer cycles.

Related protocols

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.