Can You Skip a Week of Wegovy or Mounjaro?

Many people using Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss wonder if skipping a week of their medication is okay. It’s a practical question, especially when life gets busy or unexpected situations arise. Whether you’re dealing with illness, travel plans, or simply forgot your injection, knowing what happens when you miss a dose and what to do next matters for your weight loss journey.

What happens if I miss a Wegovy or Mounjaro injection?

It’s easily done to occasionally skip a week of Wegovy or Mounjaro. So, what actually happens if you miss a dose?

The Medical Impact & Withdrawal Symptoms

Missing a single dose isn’t usually a cause for panic. These medications have staying power in your system: semaglutide (Wegovy) remains for approximately 7 days, while tirzepatide (Mounjaro) stays active for roughly 5 days. Your body doesn’t immediately lose all benefits the day after your scheduled injection.

That said, you might notice some changes as the medication levels begin to dip:

• Increased appetite
• Less energy
• Slight mood changes

If you’re managing type 2 diabetes alongside weight loss, you might notice your glucose readings becoming less stable.

The Disruption to Your Weight Loss Journey

The full benefits of these medications depend on maintaining steady levels in your system. Interruptions can affect your progress in several ways:

• Slowed weight loss progression.
• Potential weight regain if the gaps are long as your appetite may increase.
• Interruptions can affect the healthy habits you’re developing, like smaller meal portions or less snacking.
• Many patients feel frustration or anxiety when treatment is interrupted, which itself can influence eating behaviours.

What do I do if I have missed a dose of Semaglutide (Wegovy) or Mounjaro?

If you’ve missed your weekly Wegovy or Mounjaro injection, what you should do depends on how much time has passed:

If less than 4-5 days since your scheduled dose:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (if within 5 days for Wegovy or 4 days for Mounjaro).
• Then resume your regular weekly schedule from your new injection day.

If more than 4-5 days have passed:

• Skip the missed dose entirely.
• Wait for your next scheduled injection day and take your regular dose.
• Do not double up doses to make up for a missed one.

For example, if you normally inject on Mondays but missed your dose, and it’s now Friday (4 days later), you can still take it. Your new schedule would then continue from Friday onwards. However, if it’s already Sunday (6 days later), it’s better to wait until your next dose on your regular Monday schedule.

Always contact your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure what to do after missing a dose, especially if you’ve missed multiple doses in a row.

Can I skip a week of Wegovy if I am unwell?

It’s generally safe to skip a dose of Wegovy or Mounjaro if you’re feeling unwell, especially if you’re experiencing stomach problems like vomiting or severe nausea. 

However, since these medications can cause similar digestive side effects, it’s important to determine whether your symptoms are from the medication or a separate illness – generally, new or worsening symptoms suggest illness rather than typical side effects. 

Your doctor might recommend temporarily pausing your medication if you’re ill with:

• Stomach flu or food poisoning
• Severe gastroenteritis
• Any illness causing dehydration
• Scheduled surgery or medical procedures

This is because weight loss medications like Wegovy slow down your digestive system, which could potentially worsen symptoms when you’re already sick. If you’re unable to eat or drink normally, adding a medication that reduces your appetite could make your recovery more difficult.

Once you’re feeling better and able to eat and drink normally, you can restart your treatment plan according to the missed dose guidelines. If you’ve been unwell for more than a week, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to resume your treatment, as they might recommend restarting at a lower dose to minimise side effects.

What To Do If Side Effects Are Severe

It is normal to experience side effects when you first start taking Mounjaro or Wegovy, but normally, they improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. If you’re experiencing severe side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away so they can adjust your dose to suit your tolerance. They may also recommend a hydration strategy or an anti-nausea treatment to help you feel better.

Do not stop your treatment without guidance, as this can sometimes make your symptoms worse or create new challenges.

Can I stop taking my weight loss pen while on holiday?

Many people wonder about pausing their Wegovy or Mounjaro treatment during holidays. While consistency is important for these medications, a brief pause during a holiday is generally manageable.

If your holiday is less than two weeks:

• Your medication’s effects will likely continue throughout your trip.
• You might notice small changes in appetite toward the end.
• Weight regain is unlikely in such a short period.

For longer holidays:

• Check travel guidelines for injectable medications in advance.
• Take your medication with you.
• Store your pen correctly (most need refrigeration before first use and to stay less than 30°C once opened).
• Plan your injection schedule around your travel dates.

If you decide to pause treatment during your holiday, be mindful of portion sizes and activity levels, as your appetite may increase. When you return, simply restart your medication following the missed dose guidelines.

Remember that holidays are meant to be enjoyed! A brief pause in treatment won’t undo all your progress, especially if you maintain reasonable eating habits while away.

Can I pause my Mounjaro or Wegovy dosage schedule during Ramadan?

If you are Muslim, you might wonder how to take Mounjaro or Wegovy during Ramadan. The good news is that these medications can actually be helpful during this time, as they naturally reduce hunger.

These injections don’t break your fast as they’re not taken orally. But as having food in your stomach can help reduce digestive issues, many people will take Wegovy or Mounjaro during non-fasting hours (after sunset and before dawn). 

Remember that these medications can make you feel less thirsty, so make sure you drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours to avoid dehydration.

Most doctors support continuing treatment during Ramadan with adjusted timing. The goal is to balance your spiritual practice with your health needs. This is a personal choice, so there’s no single right answer.

Talk to your prescriber if you’re concerned about potential side effects while fasting. They might suggest:

• Reducing your dose rather than stopping completely.
• Pausing for the month and resuming after Eid.
• Taking your injections during non-fasting hours.

Everyone’s body responds differently to fasting combined with these medications. If you experience dizziness, extreme fatigue, or other concerning symptoms, speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

What happens if my weight loss pen is out of stock and I skip a dose?

If your medication is out of stock, you might be worrying about missing a dose. To minimise the disruption, you should:

1. Contact Click2Pharmacy’s online weight loss clinic – we’d be happy to help you get back on track.
2. See if your doctor or pharmacist can recommend temporary management strategies until your pens arrive. 
3. Check if your healthcare provider recommends restarting at your current dose or if you need to step down to a lower dose to minimise your side effects.
4. Focus on maintaining your new healthy eating habits and keep up exercising.

Weight loss injections are prescription medications, so should you run out of one, do not be tempted to borrow a Mounjaro or Wegovy pen from someone else. You mustn’t substitute one for another because they have different active ingredients. Always get your medication from a registered and licensed pharmacy to ensure you’re receiving genuine, safe, and properly stored products.

Do I need to leave a gap when switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

If you are switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro, or vice versa, you will need to leave a gap. After your last Wegovy injection, the medication remains active in your body for quite some time – half of it is still working about a week after stopping! And like Wegovy, Mounjaro doesn’t leave your system quickly either.

To make the switch safely and to reduce the risk of side effects, you’ll need to wait approximately five weeks before starting at the lowest dose. Depending on your circumstances, your prescriber may recommend waiting longer.

What to Do if You Have Temporarily Stopped Your Weight Loss Treatment

If you’ve had to pause your Wegovy or Mounjaro treatment for any reason, here’s how to handle the break and resume effectively:

During the Break

• Maintain portion control at meals even as your appetite increases.
• Stay hydrated and focus on protein-rich foods that keep you fuller longer.
• Continue regular physical activity to support your metabolism.
• Track your weight to notice any significant changes.

Resuming a Few Days Late (Less Than a Week)

If you’ve only postponed your injection by a few days:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (if within 5 days for Wegovy or 4 days for Mounjaro).
• Continue with your regular schedule from your new injection day.
• You likely won’t experience new side effects or major changes in hunger levels.

If 1-2 Weeks Have Passed

If you’ve forgotten one or two weekly injections:

• Skip the missed dose if it’s been more than 5 days (Wegovy) or 4 days (Mounjaro).
• Take your next scheduled dose. There’s no need to reduce the strength.
• You might notice a slightly increased appetite and mild digestive symptoms.
• Stay well hydrated and eat smaller meals as you return back to treatment.

Missing 3+ Weeks

After a longer break of three weeks or more:

• Don’t restart at your previous dose.
• Contact your doctor or pharmacist before restarting.
• Expect to start at a lower dose and gradually work back up.
• Prepare for the return of side effects similar to when you first started.
• Be patient with your progress during this restart period.

For personalised guidance on safely resuming treatment, contact us for support tailored to your specific situation.

7 Tips for Avoiding a Gap in GLP-1 Treatment

Consistency with your Wegovy or Mounjaro treatment helps maintain steady progress toward your health goals. Here are practical ways to avoid interruptions in your treatment:

1. Set a weekly alarm on your phone for injection day. Medication tracking apps can be really handy for keeping track of your doses.
2. Link your injection to something unmissable. Maybe it’s your Sunday morning coffee ritual or after your weekly yoga class? Creating an association makes forgetting less likely.
3. Designate a specific spot to keep your medication so it becomes part of your routine.
4. Mark your calendar to track when you need to request your next prescription.
5. Order repeats 2 weeks before you run out, not when you’re on your last pen.
6. If travelling, research storage requirements and carry a travel letter from your doctor.
7. Before religious observances or planned medical procedures, talk with your GP or pharmacist about adjusting your schedule.

Never Miss a Dose With Click2Pharmacy

Don’t let missed doses derail your weight loss journey. Click2Pharmacy’s Online Weight Loss Clinic offers reliable Wegovy and Mounjaro supplies, convenient doorstep delivery, and helpful reorder reminders sent directly to your email.

Ready for hassle-free weight loss treatment? Visit our online weight loss clinic today to set up your prescription and ensure you never miss another dose.