Understanding Dosing Principles: Start Low, Go Slow & Consistency
GLP-1 RA therapy follows one overriding rule: start low, go slow. Beginning with a small weekly dose lets the body adapt and reduces the odds of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that are more common at higher levels.
- Tirzepatide
- Semaglutide
Initiation phase (first 4 weeks)
2.5 mg subcutaneous once weekly.
Note: These starter doses mainly condition the gut and rarely deliver full glucose or weight benefits.
Titration (dose escalation)
After week 4 the dose usually rises to 5 mg (first therapeutic level).
Note: Further increases are made in 4-week steps if the patient tolerates the current dose and still needs stronger effect.
Maximum Labeled Doses
Mounjaro®: up to 15 mg weekly.
Note: Not every patient needs—or can tolerate—these ceiling doses.
Adjusting for side effects
If troublesome symptoms appear during titration, a clinician may hold the dose longer or step it back until side effects settle.
Initiation phase (first 4 weeks)
0.25 mg subcutaneous once weekly.
Note: These starter doses mainly condition the gut and rarely deliver full glucose or weight benefits.
Titration (dose escalation)
After week 4 the dose usually rises to 0.5 mg (first therapeutic level).
Note: Further increases are made in 4-week steps if the patient tolerates the current dose and still needs stronger effect.
Maximum Labeled Doses
For diabetes (Ozempic®): up to 2 mg weekly.
For weight management (Wegovy®): up to 2.4 mg weekly.
Note: Not every patient needs—or can tolerate—these ceiling doses.
Adjusting for side effects
If troublesome symptoms appear during titration, a clinician may hold the dose longer or step it back until side effects settle.
CRITICAL CAVEAT: Medical Supervision Is Essential​
Only a qualified healthcare provider should decide when to start, raise, hold, or lower your dose. The numbers above come from standard product labels and are not a do-it-yourself schedule. Self-setting doses is dangerous, especially with products of uncertain potency (Path C).
Consistency​
Inject on the same day each week to keep drug levels steady. If you must change your injection day, follow the product instructions or ask your provider first.