GLP-1 Dosing Schedules: Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro
The brand-name GLP-1 drugs start low and step up weekly. These are the labeled schedules from the prescribing information, for reference. Your prescriber sets your actual plan.
Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, weekly
| When | Dose |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg |
| Weeks 9 to 12 | 1 mg |
| Weeks 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg |
| Week 17 onward | Maintenance: 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly (2.4 mg recommended for weight reduction) |
Per the label, patients who tolerate 2.4 mg for at least 4 weeks and need more weight reduction may be increased to a maximum of 7.2 mg once weekly (Wegovy HD). There is also a Wegovy tablet: 1.5 mg daily for days 1 to 30, 4 mg for days 31 to 60, 9 mg for days 61 to 90, then 25 mg daily from day 91.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection, weekly
| Stage | Dose |
|---|---|
| Start, 4 weeks | 2.5 mg once weekly (initiation dose, not a maintenance dose) |
| Then | Increase in 2.5 mg steps, no sooner than every 4 weeks |
| Maintenance, weight reduction | 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly |
| Maintenance, sleep apnea | 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly |
| Maximum | 15 mg once weekly |
The label says to consider treatment response and tolerability when choosing the maintenance dose. It comes as single-dose pens and vials in six strengths from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, and as a multi-dose KwikPen and vial. See Zepbound vials vs pens.
Ozempic and Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes labels)
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight reduction, and their schedules differ from Wegovy and Zepbound. Ozempic is also approved to reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic, weekly
| When | Dose |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg once weekly |
| Then | 0.5 mg once weekly |
| If more control is needed | After at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, 1 mg; after at least 4 weeks on 1 mg, 2 mg |
| Maximum | 2 mg once weekly |
Mounjaro, weekly
| Stage | Dose |
|---|---|
| Start | 2.5 mg once weekly |
| Then | Increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose |
| Maximum | 15 mg once weekly in adults (10 mg in pediatric patients) |
Ozempic label revised 5/2026, Mounjaro label revised 8/2026. The Mounjaro label sets the dose by titration and gives no fixed maintenance dose. Prescribing a diabetes drug for weight loss is an off-label decision between you and your prescriber.
What to know before you start
- A higher dose is not always the goal. Both labels let the prescriber pick the maintenance dose by response and tolerability.
- Side effects are most reported with digestive symptoms. See what the labels report.
- Keep every weekly dose on the same schedule your prescriber gave you, and ask what to do if you miss one. That answer depends on the product and is not covered here.
Frequently asked questions
Why do GLP-1 doses start so low?
Both labels start at a low dose and step up over weeks. The Zepbound label calls the 2.5 mg starting dose for treatment initiation, not for maintenance. Stepping up in stages is how the labels bring patients to a maintenance dose.
How long does it take to reach the Wegovy maintenance dose?
On the labeled schedule, the 2.4 mg dose is reached at week 17, after 4 weeks each at 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 1.7 mg. The label lists either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg as the maintenance dose, with 2.4 mg recommended.
What is the highest Zepbound dose?
The label gives 15 mg once weekly as the maximum recommended dose. Maintenance doses for weight reduction are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg.
Can I move up faster, or skip steps?
The Zepbound label says to increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks, so that is a minimum. The prescriber chooses the pace based on response and tolerability. Do not change your dose on your own.
Do these schedules apply to compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?
They are the labeled schedules for the approved brands. Compounded drugs are not FDA approved, and their strengths and vial concentrations can differ from the brand products, so units to draw can differ too. Follow your prescriber and pharmacy instructions, and ask which product you have.
Primary sources
- Wegovy prescribing information, Section 2, Novo Nordisk via DailyMed (revised 6/2026)
- Zepbound prescribing information, Section 2, Eli Lilly (revised 08/2026)
- Ozempic prescribing information, Novo Nordisk via DailyMed (revised 5/2026)
- Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly via DailyMed (revised 8/2026)