GLP-1 Dosage Calculator

How to Use the GLP-1 Dosage Calculator

Enter your current GLP-1 medication dose in milligrams, select how many weeks you have been on that dose, and the calculator tells you when your next titration step is due. It also converts between milligrams, micrograms, and insulin syringe units so you can double-check your measurements before each injection.

Understanding GLP-1 Titration Schedules

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide follow stepwise titration schedules. Doctors start patients on a low dose and increase every 4 weeks until the therapeutic target is reached. This gradual ramp-up helps your body adjust and reduces the chance of nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal side effects that are common in the first few weeks.

Semaglutide begins at 0.25 mg weekly and climbs to a maintenance range of 1.0–2.0 mg. Tirzepatide starts at 2.5 mg and can go up to 15 mg. The calculator shows your current position on the schedule and how many weeks remain before the next increase.

Insulin Syringe Unit Conversion

Many GLP-1 medications are measured in insulin syringe units rather than milligrams. A U-100 insulin syringe holds 100 units per milliliter. At a concentration of 1.34 mg/mL (standard Ozempic), 1 mg equals roughly 74.6 units. The conversion grid in the calculator gives you immediate equivalents for common doses — no mental math needed and no risk of drawing the wrong amount.

What Affects Your Dosage

• Tolerance and side effects. If you experience significant nausea or vomiting, your doctor may keep you on the current dose for an extra 2–4 weeks before moving up.
• Blood sugar response. For diabetes management, doses are adjusted based on HbA1c and fasting glucose levels. Some patients reach target control at lower doses and never need the maximum.
• Weight loss goals. Weight loss patients often move through the full titration schedule to reach the highest tolerated dose for maximum appetite suppression.
• Missed doses. If you miss more than 2 consecutive weeks, many protocols recommend restarting at a lower dose to avoid severe side effects.

Cost Estimator

Enter your monthly out-of-pocket cost and the calculator shows projected spending per titration phase. List prices in the US range from $900–$1,300 per month without insurance. Manufacturer savings cards, insurance copay assistance programs, and authorized generic alternatives can bring your cost significantly lower.

Important Safety Notes

GLP-1 Medications at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Both contain semaglutide, but they have different maximum doses and delivery devices. Switching requires dose adjustment — Wegovy goes up to 2.4 mg while Ozempic maxes at 2.0 mg. Talk to your doctor before switching.

How do I convert mg to units on my insulin syringe?

Divide your prescribed mg dose by the medication concentration (mg/mL), then multiply by 100. For Ozempic (1.34 mg/mL), 0.25 mg equals roughly 18.7 units. Always verify with your pharmacist before injecting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If it has been less than 5 days, take it as soon as you remember and continue your normal schedule. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Never double up. For tirzepatide, the window is 4 days.

Do I need to refrigerate GLP-1 pens?

Unopened pens must be stored in the refrigerator at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Once opened, most pens can stay at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for up to 28 days. Check your medication's specific storage instructions.

Why does my doctor keep me on a low dose longer than the standard schedule?

Some patients are more sensitive to GLP-1 side effects. Extending the low-dose phase by 2–4 weeks significantly improves tolerance. The calculator's manual week counter helps you track these custom schedules.