Contents
All GLP-1 Drugs — Quick Reference
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Frequency | Start Dose | Max Dose | Escalation Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Weekly | 0.25mg | 2mg | ~12 weeks to 1mg |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide 2.4mg | Weekly | 0.25mg | 2.4mg | 16 weeks to maintenance |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Weekly | 2.5mg | 15mg | ~20 weeks to max |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Weekly | 2.5mg | 15mg | ~20 weeks to max |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Daily | 0.6mg | 3mg | 5 weeks to maintenance |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | Weekly | 0.75mg | 4.5mg | ~8 weeks to max |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide (oral) | Daily | 3mg | 14mg | ~8 weeks to max |
Ozempic — Semaglutide Dosing Chart
Approved for: Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk | FDA approved: December 2017
Ozempic Dose Escalation
Tolerability only
First therapeutic
Standard dose
Maximum dose
Ozempic Pen Guide
| Pen | Doses Available | Pen Color | Doses Per Pen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic 0.25mg/0.5mg | 0.25mg and 0.5mg | Red | 4 doses of 0.25mg or 4 doses of 0.5mg |
| Ozempic 1mg | 1mg | Yellow/Gold | 4 doses of 1mg |
| Ozempic 2mg | 2mg | Purple | 4 doses of 2mg |
Wegovy — Semaglutide 2.4mg Dosing Chart
Approved for: Chronic weight management, cardiovascular risk reduction
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk | FDA approved: June 2021
Wegovy Dose Escalation — 16 Weeks to Maintenance
Ongoing
⚠️ If you cannot tolerate 2.4mg, your doctor may keep you at 1.7mg as a long-term maintenance dose. This is an approved clinical option and still produces significant weight loss for most patients.
Mounjaro & Zepbound — Tirzepatide Dosing Chart
Mounjaro approved for: Type 2 diabetes | Zepbound approved for: Weight management, sleep apnea
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly | FDA approved: May 2022 (Mounjaro) / Nov 2023 (Zepbound)
Tirzepatide Dose Escalation — Up to 20 Weeks to Maximum
Tolerability
Therapeutic
Maximum
💡 You do not need to reach 15mg. Many patients achieve excellent results at 5–10mg and stay there permanently. Each 2.5mg increment adds meaningfully to efficacy — escalate based on your response and tolerability.
Zepbound Single-Dose Vials (LillyDirect)
| Vial | Monthly Cost (Self-Pay) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg and 5mg vials | ~$349/month | Requires separate syringe for injection |
| 7.5mg and 10mg vials | ~$499/month | Available at lillydirect.com |
| 12.5mg and 15mg vials | ~$549/month | Prescription required |
Saxenda — Liraglutide Daily Dosing Chart
Approved for: Chronic weight management (adults and adolescents 12+)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk | FDA approved: December 2014
Saxenda Dose Escalation — 5 Weeks to Maintenance
Maintenance
Saxenda produces less weight loss than weekly GLP-1s (~5–8% average vs 15–21% for tirzepatide) and requires daily injections. It has largely been replaced by Wegovy and Zepbound as the preferred weight-loss GLP-1 option.
Trulicity — Dulaglutide Dosing Chart
Approved for: Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly | FDA approved: September 2014
Trulicity Dose Escalation
Initial dose
Most patients
If needed
Maximum
Storage & Handling
| Drug | Unused Pens (Refrigerated) | In-Use Pen (Room Temp) | Freeze? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Until expiry date (2–8°C) | 56 days (below 30°C) | Never |
| Wegovy | Until expiry date (2–8°C) | 28 days (below 30°C) | Never |
| Mounjaro / Zepbound (pen) | Until expiry date (2–8°C) | 21 days (below 30°C) | Never |
| Zepbound vials | Until expiry date (2–8°C) | Use immediately after opening | Never |
| Saxenda | Until expiry date (2–8°C) | 30 days (below 30°C) | Never |
| Trulicity | Until expiry date (2–8°C) | 14 days (below 30°C) | Never |
⚠️ Never freeze any GLP-1 medication. If a pen has been frozen accidentally, discard it — freezing degrades the protein structure and renders the medication ineffective. Allow refrigerated pens to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting to reduce discomfort.
Injection Tips — All GLP-1 Pens
- Sites: Abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer thigh, upper arm — rotate every week
- Depth: Subcutaneous (under the skin, into fat layer) — not intramuscular
- Technique: Pinch skin if you're lean; insert needle at 90°; inject slowly; hold for 5–10 seconds before removing
- Temperature: Allow pen to reach room temperature 30 minutes before injecting — cold medication is more uncomfortable and may not flow properly
- Timing: Same day each week — set a recurring alarm. Any time of day, with or without food
- Needle disposal: Use a sharps container — never dispose of needles in regular trash
- Inspect before use: Check that the solution is clear and colorless — do not use if it appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles
💡 Use our Injection Site Guide for a full illustrated breakdown of injection technique, site rotation, and lipohypertrophy prevention.