Dosing for Semaglutide
Do not increase dose prior to 4 weeks
Do not exceed 2.50mg
Do not take more than 1 dose within a 7-day period
What is the dosing schedule?
The recommended dose starts at the .25mg. Patients will increase doses every 4 weeks until they reach the maximum dose of 2.50mg.
The dosing looks like this: .25mg>.50mg>1.00mg>1.50mg>2.00mg.2.50mg.
Never increase prior to 4 weeks and never exceed 2.50mg of Semaglutide.
Why do I have to start at only .25mg?
Semaglutide is meant to be titrated up to help minimize negative side effects. Patients begin dosing at 0.25mg for 4 weeks then increase to 0.50mg for 5 weeks then increase again in 4-5 weeks to 1mg. Many individuals find the .50mg - 1.00mg to be the "sweet spot" for weight loss. While others may need the higher doses of 1.50mg - 2.50mg.
Can I stay at my current dose?
Patients may opt to stay at current dose if steadily losing weight loss, have reached their goal weight, or wish to maintain current weight.
Experiencing side effects?
If headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation occur, it is advised to stay at current dose longer than 4 weeks until side effects diminish or drop down 1 dose.
I’m not losing weight, can I increase my dose?
Do not increase dose prior to 4 weeks. The medication is meant to be titrated up every 4 weeks to minimize negative side effects. It is very important to stay on the recommended dosing schedule.
Help, I’ve missed my injection date. Now what?
If you miss a dose and it has been 1-7 days past the due date of your injection, continue at current dose.
If you miss a dose and it has been 8-13 days past the due date of your injection, reduce to the previous dose to minimize negative side effects.
If you miss a dose and it has been 14-20 days past the due date of your injection, drop down 2 doses.
If you miss a dose and it has been 21+ days past the due date of your injection, drop down 3 doses or restart program at .25mg.
If you experienced any previous side effects and wish to minimize the reoccurrence of them, you may reduce your dose to .25mg and titrate back up to the desired dose every 4 weeks.
Why am I not losing weight on Semaglutide?
Be patient. Some people do not experience weight loss in the first 4-8 weeks. Everyone is different. Some people do not experience weight loss until they reach a higher dose of 1.00mg or even 1.50mg of Semaglutide. Do not increase dose prior to 4 weeks.
I am on the highest dose of Semaglutide 2.50mg and not losing weight. What do I do?
Building up resistance can occur. Talk to a member of our team about transitioning to Tirzepatide which targets a 2nd hormone receptor. Studies show it can be more effective for weight loss.
Why am I not losing weight on Semaglutide?
Be patient. Some people do not experience weight loss in the first 4-8 weeks. Everyone is different. Some people do not experience weight loss until they reach a higher dose of 1.00mg or even 1.50mg. Do not increase dose prior to 4 weeks.
Why can’t I start on Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for my weight loss if studies show it to be more effective?
You can. We just do not recommend it due to cost. It is significantly more expensive than Semaglutide. We highly recommend all patients start on Semaglutide as it’s very effective. You can always transition to Tirzepatide but is not necessary for most people.
I have transitioned to Tirzepatide but still not losing weight. Now what?
It is common to hit a plateau or not see immediate weight loss when you transition. Be patient. Typically patients start to see results once they reach the 10mg dose of Tirzepatide.
Can I take my regular medications while on Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Most medications do not interfere with Semaglutide but avoid taking any medication (including acetaminophen) 1 hour prior to your weekly GLP-1 injection.
