Is there a waiting period when switching between GLP-1 medications?
Yes, there is usually a waiting period when switching between GLP-1 medications. In most cases, this is around 7 days, regardless of which GLP-1 medicine you are switching from or to. This gap allows the previous medicine to clear sufficiently and helps reduce the risk of overlapping effects and side effects.
Key points:
- Switching between GLP-1 medicines such as Mounjaro and Wegovy typically involves a 7-day gap between the last dose of one medicine and the first dose of the next
- Starting a new GLP-1 medicine before this interval has passed may increase the likelihood and severity of side effects, particularly gastrointestinal effects
- The starting dose of the new medicine is ideally the lowest available dose, even if you were previously on a higher dose of another GLP-1 treatment, but switching to higher doses may be possible based on clinical judgment
- Any switch should be planned and supervised by a clinician, who can tailor timing and dosing to individual circumstances
Important note: GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only. This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at medino.