The independent GLP-1 dose calculator built for real patients — not pharmacists. Convert your compounded vial to exact syringe units in seconds, then learn how to navigate treatment well.
Use the Calculator →Compounded Vials Only
Enter your vial concentration and prescribed dose to get the exact units to draw on your insulin syringe. Pre-filled brand-name pens do not need this — it's for compounded vials only.
FDA-Approved Protocols
Standard dose escalation for all four major GLP-1 medications. Your provider may adjust timing based on your individual response — this is a reference, not a prescription.
Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) — chronic weight management. Once weekly subcutaneous injection. Half-life ~7 days; steady state at 4–5 weeks.
| Weeks | Weekly Dose | Phase | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Initiation | Starting dose — not therapeutically active |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg | Escalation | GI side effects most pronounced here |
| 9–12 | 1.0 mg | Escalation | Appetite suppression increases |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg | Escalation | Meaningful weight loss typically begins |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg | Maintenance | Target therapeutic dose |
Ozempic® (semaglutide) — type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction. Once weekly injection.
| Weeks | Weekly Dose | Phase | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Initiation | Not a therapeutic dose; tolerability phase |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg | Escalation | First therapeutic dose; may hold here |
| 9+ | 1.0 mg | Maintenance | Standard maintenance for most patients |
| 13+ | 2.0 mg | Maximum | If additional glycemic control needed |
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) — dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management. Once weekly injection. Half-life ~5 days.
| Weeks | Weekly Dose | Phase | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Initiation | Starting dose — not therapeutic |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | Escalation | First active dose |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Escalation | Escalate every 4 weeks if tolerated |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Escalation | Significant weight loss at this level |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Maintenance | Many patients maintain here |
| 21+ | 15 mg | Maximum | Max dose; not all patients reach this |
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) — FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Identical titration to Zepbound®. Same active molecule.
| Weeks | Weekly Dose | Phase | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Initiation | Initiation dose |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | Escalation | Escalate every 4 weeks as tolerated |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Escalation | |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Escalation | |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Maintenance | |
| 21+ | 15 mg | Maximum | Provider-directed; individualized |
Progress Tracking
Tap each phase to mark it complete. Saves in your browser automatically — no account, no data shared.
Nutrition on GLP-1s
When your appetite drops, every meal has to work harder for you. Our nutrition hub covers protein and muscle, fiber and digestion, hydration and electrolytes, and keeping blood sugar steady with whole foods — written in plain language, grounded in how the body actually works.
Learn
Independent, evidence-based explainers on how these medications work and how to use them well.
Common Questions
The most common dosing questions from GLP-1 patients. Each answer has been reviewed against current FDA prescribing information.
For a U-100 insulin syringe: Units = (Dose in mg ÷ Concentration in mg/mL) × 100. Example: a 0.25 mg dose from a 2.5 mg/mL vial = (0.25 ÷ 2.5) × 100 = 10 units. For a U-40 syringe, multiply by 40 instead.
No. Brand-name pre-filled pens have fixed, pre-loaded doses. This calculator is specifically for compounded vials where you draw up a dose using an insulin syringe.
Concentration tells you how many milligrams of medication are dissolved in each milliliter of liquid. Common compounded semaglutide concentrations are 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL. The concentration is printed on your vial label from the compounding pharmacy.
Yes — and it is common clinical practice. The titration chart is a minimum framework, not a mandate. Your provider will personalize the pace based on your tolerance and response.
Semaglutide: If fewer than 5 days have passed, inject as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip and resume your regular schedule.
Tirzepatide: Inject within 4 days of the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and resume on your regular day.
Semaglutide has a half-life of approximately 7 days and takes about 5 weeks to clear after stopping. Tirzepatide has a shorter half-life of approximately 5 days and clears in about 4 weeks.
The mg-to-units formula is standard pharmacology used in clinical settings. The titration schedules reflect FDA-approved prescribing information as of 2026. This is an educational reference tool — not a clinical service.