Free tool
Build a titration schedule for semaglutide or tirzepatide.
GLP-1 medications require gradual dose escalation — known as titration — to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and find the right maintenance dose. This tool shows the standard titration schedule for semaglutide or tirzepatide, the two most-prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Starting at the maximum dose would cause severe GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation) for most patients. The standard escalation steps you up every 4 weeks, giving your gut time to adapt. Your clinician may extend a step if you have side effects, or hold a step if you're meeting your weight-loss goals at a sub-maximum dose.
The dosing schedules shown match the FDA-approved titration for Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg max) and Zepbound (tirzepatide 15 mg max). Compounded products may use slightly different dose ladders depending on the compounding pharmacy's formulation and the prescribing clinician's protocol.
| Week | Semaglutide (Wegovy) | Tirzepatide (Zepbound) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25 mg weekly | 2.5 mg weekly |
| 5-8 | 0.5 mg weekly | 5.0 mg weekly |
| 9-12 | 1.0 mg weekly | 7.5 mg weekly |
| 13-16 | 1.7 mg weekly | 10.0 mg weekly |
| 17-20 | 2.4 mg weekly (max) | 12.5 mg weekly |
| 21+ | 2.4 mg maintenance | 15.0 mg weekly (max) |
No. The 4-week-per-step schedule is designed to minimize GI side effects. Faster escalation produces severe nausea and vomiting in most patients. Going slower (6-8 weeks per step) is fine and clinically reasonable.
No. Your maintenance dose is whatever dose maintains your goal weight. Many patients maintain at 1.0 mg semaglutide or 7.5-10 mg tirzepatide rather than the maximum.
If you miss a single week and have been at the same dose for 4+ weeks, restart at the same dose. If you miss 2+ weeks, talk to your clinician about whether to step down before resuming.
Compounded products often use different concentrations than brand-name (e.g. 0.3 -> 0.6 -> 0.9 mg instead of 0.25 -> 0.5 -> 1.0). Follow your specific compounding pharmacy's prescribed schedule.
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