Why do GLP-1 / incretin drugs often “start low and go slow”?
Gradual dose escalation (titration) is commonly used to improve tolerability—especially gastrointestinal side effects—while maintaining the intended therapeutic regimen.
Many incretin-based medications (e.g., GLP‑1 receptor agonists) are associated with dose-related gastrointestinal adverse events, particularly early in treatment. Gradual dose escalation is a common strategy used in clinical trials and prescribing information to improve tolerability.
⚠️ No dosing guidance: This site does not provide dosing recommendations or titration schedules. For prescription medications, follow official labeling and qualified clinician guidance. For investigational compounds (e.g., retatrutide), peer-reviewed Phase 3 publications and official trial protocols are the appropriate sources—not informal online schedules.
Examples of primary trial publications (for context on study design and adverse events):
- Semaglutide weight management trial: [PMID: 33567185]
- Retatrutide Phase 2 trial: [PMID: 37366315]