GLP-1 Titration Planner
Map standard dose-escalation timelines so upcoming changes feel easier to anticipate. Based on common FDA-approved schedules.
Your Plan
First injection: Friday, Mar 27, 2026
Drag to simulate your progress through titration
Current Dose
0.25 mg
Next Escalation
30 days
Apr 24, 2026
Week
1-4
Mar 27 – Apr 23, 2026•Week 1
Apr 24 – May 21, 2026•Week 5
May 22 – Jun 18, 2026•Week 9
Jun 19 – Jul 16, 2026•Week 13
Jul 17 – Aug 13, 2026•Week 17
Total Duration
20
weeks to target
Escalations
4
dose increases
Generic Name
semaglutide
active ingredient
Maintenance
2.4 mg
target dose
FDA-Approved Titration Protocol
This schedule follows the exact titration protocol approved by the FDA based on the Wegovy Prescribing Information (Novo Nordisk, 2024). Each dose is administered once weekly for exactly 4 weeks before escalating. This gradual approach minimizes gastrointestinal side effects while allowing your body to adapt to the medication.
Source: Ozempic PI · Wegovy PI · Mounjaro/Zepbound PI
When to Contact Your Doctor
- • Severe or persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
- • Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, rapid heartbeat)
- • Severe abdominal pain or suspected pancreatitis
- • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing)
- • If side effects prevent you from maintaining the scheduled dose
Why Titration Matters
GLP-1 medications are usually started with a gradual dose escalation called titration. Following a standard schedule can help your body adapt more gradually and may make side effects easier to manage.
The Science Behind the Schedule
The FDA-approved titration schedules are informed by the landmark STEP (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT (tirzepatide) clinical trial programs. They offer a useful baseline for understanding how dose increases are commonly paced.
Standard schedules typically hold each dose for about 4 weeks before the next increase. In real life, clinicians sometimes slow that timeline down based on side effects, tolerability, supply, or patient preference.
Medication-Specific Schedules
- Ozempic (semaglutide): 4-step escalation over 16 weeks—0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 2mg. The 2mg dose (Ozempic 2.0) is the maximum approved for type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): 5-step escalation over 20 weeks—0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg. The 2.4mg dose is the therapeutic target for chronic weight management.
- Mounjaro/Zepbound (tirzepatide): 6-step escalation over 24 weeks—2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg. Tirzepatide has a longer titration path due to its dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism.
What Happens During Each Phase
Weeks 1-4 (Starting Dose): This is an acclimation period. The dose is sub-therapeutic, meaning it's designed to introduce your body to the medication, not to produce significant weight loss. Side effects are typically mildest during this phase.
Weeks 5-8 (First Escalation): Most patients begin noticing appetite suppression. Nausea may peak during week 5-6 as your body adjusts to the higher dose. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps.
Weeks 9-16 (Mid-Titration): Weight loss typically accelerates. By week 12, many patients have lost 5-8% of their starting weight. Side effects usually diminish as the body adapts.
Weeks 17+ (Therapeutic Dose): You've reached the target maintenance dose. This is where maximum efficacy is achieved—clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-22% depending on medication.