This page gives general facts from the medicine label. It is not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your treatment.
GLP-1 shots start at a low dose. The dose goes up in steps. The label says the steps decrease the risk of stomach side effects. Your doctor decides when you go up and where you stop.
Ozempic
| When | Dose |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg |
| From week 5 | 0.5 mg |
| After at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, if needed | 1 mg |
| After at least 4 weeks on 1 mg, if needed | 2 mg (highest) |
For type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease, the label gives 1 mg each week after at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg.
Wegovy
| Weeks | Dose |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9 to 12 | 1 mg |
| 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg |
| 17 and after | Usually 2.4 mg, or 1.7 mg |
For weight loss in adults, the label also allows 7.2 mg after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg without problems, when the doctor finds that more weight loss is needed.
Mounjaro
| Step | Dose |
|---|---|
| Start | 2.5 mg |
| If needed, after at least 4 weeks on each dose | 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg |
| Highest for adults | 15 mg |
For children 10 years and older, the highest Mounjaro dose is 10 mg.
Zepbound
| Step | Dose |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 2.5 mg (start dose only) |
| From week 5 | 5 mg |
| Then, after at least 4 weeks on each dose | Up 2.5 mg at a time |
| Usual doses to stay on | 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg |
For sleep apnea, the usual dose to stay on is 10 mg or 15 mg. The highest dose is 15 mg.
Your plan
The labels say a doctor can wait longer before the next step when a dose causes problems, or choose a lower dose to stay on. Follow the plan from your doctor.