Moving up to a higher dose on your weight loss injection

You can move up to a higher dose on your weight loss injection once you have spent at least one month on your current strength and you are not experiencing side effects. You must move up one level at a time; you cannot skip a level. If your current dose is still working for you, there is no need to move up at all. 

The dose working is appetite suppression (not completely gone necessarily but less) and minimal to no cravings.

Who this applies to

This article applies to patients currently on a weight loss injection (Mounjaro or Wegovy) considering moving to a higher dose. It does not apply to coming off the medication or stepping down; see the separate articles for those.

The two main rules

• One month minimum on each dose before moving up. This gives your body time to adjust and lets you see whether the current dose is working.
• One level at a time. You cannot jump up multiple levels. Doing so significantly raises the risk of side effects.

If you do not follow these rules, the doctors will not be able to continue prescribing to you. The full dose must be taken weekly as prescribed; half doses are not licensed or prescribed and run the risk of under/overdosing as well as potential side effects.

When to stay at your current dose

You do not need to move up just because a month has passed. Some patients prefer to stay at the level they are on for as long as it is working for them and this is also what we recommend. Moving up only needs to be considered when they feel the effects starting to wear off such as food noise returning or you are not losing weight.

Some patients prefer to move up faster in the hope of feeling the effects more strongly. As long as you have done the minimum month and have no side effects, this is mostly your choice. Moving up faster is not recommended just because you want to feel the effects more strongly and will not necessarily increase your weight loss.

It is normal for weight loss to plateau occasionally, or for the effects to wear off slightly in the days leading up to your next injection. This does not automatically mean you need a higher dose.

Habits to have in place before you move up

Before stepping up, the basics need to be in place. Without them, side effects are more likely:

• At least 2-3 litres of water a day. Many patients do not realise that the minimum is this high.
•  Eating smaller, more frequent meals, rather than three large meals.
•  Some regular movement during the week.

Finishing your current pen first

You must finish the pen you are on currently before changing dose. Even if you decide to move up, the new dose starts when the current pen is finished.

Common scenarios

• You have been on your current dose for a month, have no side effects, and feel the effects wearing off. Moving up is appropriate.
• You have only been on the dose for two weeks but want to move up. You need to wait until at least a month has passed.
• Your weight has plateaued for a week or two but you still feel good on the current dose. Stay where you are; a short plateau is normal - it should be your habits that are evaluated and practiced, not the dose.
• You want to skip a level to get to a stronger dose faster. This is not safe and the doctors will not approve it.

What to do next

When you are ready to move up, place an order for the next strength on oxfordonlinepharmacy.co.uk and complete the consultation. The doctors will review your request along with your dose history.

Still need help?

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