GLP-1 dosing schedules explained: how the dose goes up
Every GLP-1 starts low and steps up over a few months. Here is the schedule for each approved medication.
GLP-1 medicines start at a low dose that is not meant to cause much weight loss. The dose goes up step by step, usually every 4 weeks, so your stomach can adjust. If side effects are hard, your prescriber can slow the steps down. These schedules come from the FDA labels.
Zepbound (tirzepatide), weekly injection
| Weeks | Dose |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 2.5 mg |
| Then every 4 weeks or more | Up by 2.5 mg: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 mg |
| Maintenance | 5, 10 or 15 mg (15 mg is the maximum) |
A missed dose can be taken within 4 days. After that, skip it and take the next one on your usual day.
Wegovy (semaglutide), weekly injection
| Weeks | Dose |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9 to 12 | 1 mg |
| 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg |
| 17 onward | 2.4 mg (or 1.7 mg). For more weight loss, 7.2 mg after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg |
A missed dose can be taken if your next one is more than 2 days away. Otherwise skip it.
Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide), daily tablet
| Days | Dose |
|---|---|
| 1 to 30 | 1.5 mg |
| 31 to 60 | 4 mg |
| 61 to 90 | 9 mg |
| 91 onward | 25 mg (maintenance) |
Take it in the morning on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of plain water, then wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking or other pills. If you miss a day, skip it.
Foundayo (orforglipron), daily tablet
| Days | Dose |
|---|---|
| First 30 days or more | 0.8 mg |
| Next 30 days or more | 2.5 mg |
| Next 30 days or more | 5.5 mg |
| Then, every 30 days or more | Can go up to 9, 14.5 or 17.2 mg (the maximum), depending on response |
Take it once a day at any time, with or without food.