Understanding Ozempic Pen Colors: Red, Blue, and Yellow – Dosages, Differences, and How to Choose the Right One

Quick Answer: Ozempic pens come in three colors—red, blue, and yellow—each representing a different dosage. The red pen is for starter doses (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg), the blue pen delivers 1 mg, and the yellow pen contains the highest dose of 2 mg. Your doctor prescribes the appropriate pen based on your treatment needs.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a popular injectable medication prescribed primarily to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It comes in easy-to-use, prefilled injection pens for once-weekly self-injections.

Ozempic pens are available in different colors-red, blue, and yellow. Each pen color contains a different strength and dosage of semaglutide: red for the lowest doses, blue for intermediate, and yellow for the highest. Therefore, each pen color corresponds to different stages and needs in your diabetes treatment.

Ozempic pens must be refrigerated before use and protected from heat once opened. Get your Medical-grade Ozempic Travel Cooler for your next adventures!

Why Are There Different Colors for Ozempic Pens?

Ozempic pens come in different strengths to accommodate a graduated dosing schedule. Each pen color corresponds to a different strength.

Typically, the treatment starts with a lower dose to allow the body to adjust to the medication, reducing the likelihood of side effects. Then, based on response and tolerability, your Ozempic dose may be gradually increased.

Related article: Does Ozempic Need to Be Refrigerated? Storage and Refrigeration Tips!

Ozempic dosing schedule

Ozempic dosages are gradually increased to help your body adjust and minimize side effects. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you, but here’s a typical progression:

1. ✅ Starter Dose (Red Pen - 0.25 mg)

   • Take 0.25 mg once per week for the first 4 weeks to allow your body to adjust.

2. ✅ Standard Maintenance Dose (Red Pen - 0.5 mg)

   • Increase to 0.5 mg once per week, which is the usual long-term dose for many patients.

3. ✅ Intermediate Dose (Blue Pen - 1 mg) (If needed)

   • If further blood sugar control is required, your doctor may increase the dose to 1 mg once per week using the blue pen.

4. ✅ Maximum Dose (Yellow Pen - 2 mg) (If necessary)

   • For those needing the highest dose, 2 mg once per week with the yellow pen may be prescribed.

Not every patient will need the highest dose. Always follow your doctor’s prescription and adjust under medical supervision.

Related article: How to Travel with Ozempic: Travel Cases and Flying Tips!

Ozempic Red Pen vs. Blue Pen vs. Yellow Pen

The choice of your Ozempic pen color is not up to you. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate color-hence, the dosage-based on your medical condition and diabetes treatment goals.

Regardless of the strength and color, Ozempic pens come in boxes of 1, 2 or 4 pens with each pen delivering 4 doses of Ozempic. Whether red, blue, or yellow, all Ozempic pens function the same way.

Ozempic Red Pen

The Ozempic red pen contains the starter doses of 0.25 mg and the first incremental increase of 0.5 mg.

It is the first Ozempic pen you will use at the beginning of your diabetes treatment. The red Ozempic pen allows patients to start their treatment journey with a lower dose to ensure tolerability.

Related article: Why Are There Bubbles in Your Ozempic Pen? Are They Safe or Should You Remove Them?

Ozempic Blue Pen

The Ozempic blue pen contains the maintenance doses of 1 mg of semaglutide.

After completing initial treatment phases with the red pen, if further glycemic control is needed and the lower doses are well-tolerated, your doctor may prescribe the blue pen. This mid-range dose aims to balance efficacy with minimal side effects.

Ozempic Yellow Pen

The Ozempic yellow pen offers the highest available dose of 2 mg of semaglutide.

The yellow pen is typically prescribed for patients who require a more substantial dose for optimal control of their blood sugar levels. Not all patients will progress to the yellow pen, as many may achieve adequate control with lower doses, such as those delivered by the red pen.

Related article: Ozempic Expiration: When Do Your Pens Expire and What Happens if You Use Expired Ozempic?

What Color is Ozempic?

Regardless of the color of your Ozempic pen, the solution inside is always clear and colorless. Before each injection, inspect the liquid and make sure it's clear and free from particles, as this is an indication of the medication's quality and safety for use.

Remember, Ozempic is a temperature-sensitive medication that can quickly go bad if not stored properly. Your Ozempic pens must be refrigerated before use and can stay at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 56 days.

When traveling or on the move, always carry your Ozempic pens in a medical-grade travel cooler.

📌 Key Takeaways:

💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!

What about you? What Ozempic pen color are you using? If you have any questions, experiences, or tips related to Ozempic that you'd like to share, please feel free to leave a comment below. We value your insights and look forward to hearing from you!

📆 Article Update History:

✅ Updated: March 15, 2025 

Originally Published: July 12, 2024