It can be tricky to understand how to measure the right dose from your vial, especially since the concentration (5mg/mL) might be different from what you’ve seen before. Let’s break it down step by step:
What does "5mg/mL" mean?
The concentration of your medication is 5 milligrams (mg) of semaglutide in every 1 milliliter (mL) of liquid. Your vial contains 2.5mL, so it holds a total of 12.5mg of semaglutide (5mg × 2.5mL).
When measuring your dose, you’ll be using a syringe marked in units (like an insulin syringe), not milliliters. Here’s how to figure out your dose:
Doses and Units
Use the following table to find the correct number of units for your prescribed dose:
Dose (mg) | Units to Draw |
0.25mg | 5 units |
0.5mg | 10 units |
1mg | 20 units |
1.5mg | 30 units |
2mg | 40 units |
2.5mg | 50 units |
Why the Units Are Different for 2.5mg/mL vs. 5mg/mL
If your previous vial was 2.5mg/mL, the medication was less concentrated, meaning you needed twice as many units to get the same dose. For example:
0.25mg dose with 2.5mg/mL: You needed 10 units.
0.25mg dose with 5mg/mL: You now need 5 units.
The higher concentration (5mg/mL) means less liquid is required to get the same amount of medication, so you’ll draw fewer units with this vial.
Tips for Success
Double-check your dose: Always confirm your prescribed dose in milligrams and match it with the correct number of units.
Label your syringes: If you’re switching between concentrations, clearly mark the correct units for each vial to avoid confusion.
Ask for help if needed: If you’re unsure, reach out to your provider or pharmacist for clarification.
This guide should help you feel more confident in using your 5mg/mL vial. Remember, the higher concentration just means less liquid for the same dose—your actual medication amount hasn’t changed!