Guide · Updated 2026

GLP-1 Dosing Schedules

The dosing schedule is the same across brands: start low, step up every 4 weeks, tolerate side effects at each level. Here are the exact numbers for each drug.

TL;DR: Every FDA-approved GLP-1 titrates on a 4-week schedule to minimize GI side effects. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) tops out at 2 or 2.4 mg/week. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) tops out at 15 mg/week. Missed doses can be taken within a few days; otherwise skip.

Ozempic (semaglutide, T2D)

Weeks	Dose
1–4	0.25 mg / week
5–8	0.5 mg / week
9–12	1.0 mg / week
13–16	1.7 mg / week (optional)
17+	2.0 mg / week (max)

Wegovy (semaglutide, weight loss)

Weeks	Dose
1–4	0.25 mg / week
5–8	0.5 mg / week
9–12	1.0 mg / week
13–16	1.7 mg / week
17+	2.4 mg / week (maintenance)

Mounjaro (tirzepatide, T2D)

Weeks	Dose
1–4	2.5 mg / week
5–8	5 mg / week
9–12	7.5 mg / week (optional)
13–16	10 mg / week
17+	12.5 or 15 mg / week (max)

Zepbound (tirzepatide, weight loss)

Same schedule as Mounjaro: 2.5 → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg on 4-week steps. Maintenance dose is whatever's tolerated best in the 5–15 mg range.

Rybelsus (oral semaglutide, T2D)

Weeks	Dose
1–4	3 mg / day
5–8	7 mg / day
9+	14 mg / day (max)

Missed dose rules

Weekly injectables: Take within 5 days of scheduled day. If more, skip and resume normal schedule.
Rybelsus: Skip the missed pill; resume normal schedule next day. Don't double up.

Same day vs. same time

Same day of the week matters; exact time doesn't. Many patients pick Sunday evening so peak nausea (Monday) is a work-from-home day. You can change your injection day: take the new-day dose at least 2 days after the last dose, then continue on the new schedule.

Storage

Unused pens: refrigerate at 36–46°F. Do not freeze.
Once opened / first use: can stay at room temperature (below 86°F) for up to 56 days.
Rybelsus: room temperature, keep in original blister pack.
Travel: use an insulated pouch with a cool pack, not direct ice. Airport TSA allows pens in carry-on.

Injection technique

Rotate sites: abdomen (2 inches from navel), front of thigh, back of upper arm.
Clean the site with alcohol; let it dry.
Inject at 90 degrees; hold the button until the dial returns to 0 and count to 6.
Dispose of the needle in a sharps container (or FDA-approved alternative).

Extended-interval dosing

Off-label but commonly used: some clinicians extend the injection interval to every 10–14 days once a patient is on a stable maintenance dose. Data is thin; talk to your clinician before deviating from weekly.

FAQ

What is the starting dose of Wegovy?

0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This is a tolerance-building dose, not a therapeutic dose.

How long until I reach the max dose?

16–20 weeks on the standard schedule for Wegovy. 16 weeks for Zepbound. Some patients take longer if they need to slow titration for side effects.

What if I forget my Ozempic dose?

Take it within 5 days of your scheduled day. If more than 5 days have passed, skip that dose and resume on your regular day next week.

Can I change my injection day?

Yes. Wait at least 2 days after your last dose, take your first dose on the new day, then continue weekly on that day.

Do I have to reach the maximum dose?

No. Many patients get excellent results at mid-tier doses. If a step-up isn't tolerable, staying at a lower dose is a valid clinical decision.

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Educational content, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting or changing any medication.