How does the semaglutide dosing schedule work?

Short answer: GLP-1 therapy for weight management is dosed once weekly and escalated gradually. Protocols typically start at a low dose held for about four weeks, then step up at roughly four-week intervals until a maintenance dose is reached — commonly around weeks 16 to 20. The point of the ramp is tolerability: most nausea and bowel changes cluster in the days after an increase. Your provider may hold you at a dose longer, or step back, if side effects are prominent. Never increase your own dose, double up after a missed dose, or convert doses between different medications yourself.

Once-weekly dosing, same day each week.
Step-ups at roughly four-week intervals, guided by tolerability.
Maintenance typically reached around weeks 16–20 in standard protocols.
Dose changes are provider decisions — never self-escalate.

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Missed doses

Follow the instructions supplied with your prescription and contact your care team if you are unsure. Do not take two doses close together to 'catch up'. If several weeks have been missed, a provider may restart at a lower dose.

Injection-day practicalities

Pick a consistent weekly day, rotate injection sites as instructed, and keep hydration and protein steady around increases. Many people schedule the increase before a lighter couple of days rather than before a big event.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stay at a lower dose?

Often yes. If a lower dose is producing benefit and is well tolerated, providers commonly hold there rather than escalating on schedule.

What if I miss a week?

Contact your care team and follow your prescription's instructions. Do not double up. After longer gaps, a provider may restart escalation lower.

Do dose increases cost extra?

Not at RenewMD. Dose changes are included in the $249 per 28-day cycle.

Program details

Patient education, not medical advice. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. RenewMD does not serve Louisiana.