Titration Schedule Planner
Generate a personalized GLP-1 titration timeline for semaglutide, tirzepatide, or retatrutide. See every dose step, calendar dates, and side effect guidance — with .ics export for your calendar.
Official FDA-approved titration schedule. 4 weeks per step.
Total titration duration
You'll reach 2.4 mg maintenance on Aug 2, 2026
Target dose
Titration steps
First injection
Maintenance begins
Your Titration Timeline
4 weeks
Mild nausea is common. Eat smaller meals and stay hydrated.
4 weeks
Nausea may increase at this step. It usually improves within 1-2 weeks.
4 weeks
GI side effects often peak here. Consider holding this dose longer if needed.
4 weeks
Appetite suppression strengthens significantly. Monitor for constipation.
Maintenance dose. Side effects typically stabilize by this point.
Full Schedule
| Step | Dose | Duration | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.25 mg | 4 weeks | Apr 12, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | Mild nausea is common. Eat smaller meals and stay hydrated. |
| 2 | 0.5 mg | 4 weeks | May 10, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 | Nausea may increase at this step. It usually improves within 1-2 weeks. |
| 3 | 1.0 mg | 4 weeks | Jun 7, 2026 | Jul 5, 2026 | GI side effects often peak here. Consider holding this dose longer if needed. |
| 4 | 1.7 mg | 4 weeks | Jul 5, 2026 | Aug 2, 2026 | Appetite suppression strengthens significantly. Monitor for constipation. |
| Maintenance | 2.4 mg | Ongoing | Aug 2, 2026 | — | Maintenance dose. Side effects typically stabilize by this point. |
How Titration Works
What is titration?
Titration means gradually increasing your dose over time rather than starting at your target dose. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide all use a titration schedule because the GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) are dose-dependent. By starting low and increasing slowly, your body has time to adjust and the side effects are much more manageable.
Why does it take so long?
Each dose level needs 4 weeks minimum because GLP-1 medications have long half-lives (about 7 days for semaglutide). It takes approximately 4-5 half-lives to reach steady state at any given dose. Rushing this process doesn't get you to your target faster — it just makes side effects worse and increases the chance you'll need to pause or step back down.
When to Hold vs. Increase
Signs you're ready to increase
- + GI side effects have resolved or are minimal
- + Appetite suppression is wearing off before your next dose
- + You've been on the current dose for at least 4 weeks
- + Weight loss has stalled at the current dose
Signs you should hold
- - Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- - You're unable to maintain adequate nutrition
- - Side effects haven't improved since your last increase
- - You're already losing weight at a healthy rate on the current dose
Holding at a lower dose for extra weeks is always safe. There's no clinical disadvantage to staying at a dose longer than the minimum. Many prescribers recommend holding at a tolerable dose rather than pushing to the maximum if you're achieving your goals.
Standard Titration Schedules
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)
| Dose | Standard | Slow |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 0.5 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 1.0 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 1.7 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 2.4 mg | Maintenance | Maintenance |
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
| Dose | Standard | Slow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 5 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 7.5 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 10 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 12.5 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 15 mg | Maintenance | Maintenance |
Retatrutide
| Dose | Standard | Slow |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 2 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 4 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 8 mg | 4 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 12 mg | Maintenance | Maintenance |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I skip a dose during titration?+
If you miss a dose and it has been less than 5 days (for weekly GLP-1s), take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not double up. Missing a dose doesn't reset your titration — you can continue at the same dose level.
Can I titrate faster than the standard schedule?+
It's not recommended. The 4-week minimum at each dose exists because GLP-1 medications take about 4-5 half-lives to reach steady state. Titrating faster won't improve weight loss — it just increases side effects and the risk of having to pause treatment entirely.
Do I have to reach the maximum dose?+
No. Many people achieve excellent results at doses below the maximum. If you're losing weight at a healthy rate and tolerating your current dose well, there's no clinical reason to keep increasing. The target dose is a ceiling, not a requirement.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy titration?+
Both contain semaglutide and use identical titration schedules. The difference is labelling: Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (max 2 mg) while Wegovy is approved for weight management (max 2.4 mg). The titration steps from 0.25 mg to 1.0 mg are identical.
Why would I choose the slow titration schedule?+
The slow schedule doubles each step from 4 to 8 weeks. This gives your body more time to adjust and typically results in fewer and milder side effects. It's particularly helpful if you're sensitive to GI side effects, have a history of nausea with medications, or prefer a more cautious approach. The trade-off is that it takes twice as long to reach your target dose.
What if my side effects get worse after increasing?+
Mild side effects (nausea, decreased appetite) are expected and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. If side effects are severe or persistent, talk to your prescriber about stepping back to the previous dose and trying again later. There's no penalty for staying at a lower dose longer.
Can I switch between Mounjaro and Zepbound?+
Both contain tirzepatide with identical formulations and dosing. They differ only in FDA-approved indication (Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight management). Switching between them at the same dose requires no additional titration. Discuss any changes with your prescriber.
How does this planner calculate dates?+
The planner starts from your selected date and adds the number of weeks at each dose level. Standard schedules use 4 weeks per step (FDA-approved), slow schedules use 8 weeks per step. The .ics file creates all-day calendar events at each dose change so you can track your schedule in any calendar app.
Data Sources
All titration schedules in this tool are based on the FDA-approved prescribing information for each medication:
- Ozempic (semaglutide) — Novo Nordisk. FDA Prescribing Information, revised 2024.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — Novo Nordisk. FDA Prescribing Information, revised 2024.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — Eli Lilly. FDA Prescribing Information, revised 2024.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) — Eli Lilly. FDA Prescribing Information, revised 2024.
- Retatrutide — Eli Lilly. Phase 2 clinical trial data (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023). Not yet FDA-approved; titration based on trial protocol.
The "slow" titration option is not an official FDA schedule. It is based on clinical practice where prescribers extend dose steps for patients with tolerability concerns. Always follow your prescriber's guidance.
Related Tools
Doseline provides informational tools only. It is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Like this tool?
It's better in the app.
The app is coming soon. Join the waitlist to be first to try Doseline — with all 17 tools, reminders, and protocol tracking built in.