How to Read Your GLP-1 Prescription: A Complete Guide

You've just received your GLP-1 prescription for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, and it looks like it's written in a secret medical code. Between the abbreviations, numbers, and clinical terminology, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here's the good news: once you understand what you're looking at, your prescription becomes a straightforward roadmap for your weight loss journey.

Let's break down exactly what every part of your GLP-1 prescription means so you can feel confident and informed.

The Basic Components of Every Prescription

Every prescription, whether it's for a GLP-1 medication or anything else, follows a standard format. At the top, you'll see your personal information including your full name, date of birth, and sometimes your address. This ensures the pharmacy fills the right medication for the right person.

Below that, you'll find your prescriber's information—the physician who evaluated you and determined that GLP-1 therapy is appropriate for your health goals. This section includes their name, credentials, contact information, and DEA number if applicable.

The prescription date tells you when it was written, which matters because prescriptions can expire. Most states allow prescriptions to be valid for one year from the date written, though some medications have shorter windows.

Understanding the Medication Name and Strength

This is where things get specific to your GLP-1 therapy. You'll see either the brand name or generic name of your medication.

For Semaglutide, you might see it written as "Semaglutide" followed by the strength. Common strengths range from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg for weight management. Your prescription will specify the exact concentration, often written as "mg/mL" (milligrams per milliliter) for injectable formulations.

For Tirzepatide, strengths typically range from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg. Again, you'll see this written with specific concentration details.

If you're receiving compounded medication—which combines the active ingredient with other pharmaceutical components in a specialized pharmacy—your prescription might note "compounded Semaglutide" or "compounded Tirzepatide." This is completely normal and allows for customized dosing that may not be available in commercial formulations.

Decoding the Dosage Instructions

This section tells you exactly how to take your medication. For GLP-1 injections, you'll typically see something like:

• "Inject 0.25 mg subcutaneously once weekly"
• "Administer 2.5 mg SC every 7 days"
• "Give 0.5 mg SQ once per week"

Let's break down these abbreviations. "Subcutaneously," "SC," or "SQ" all mean the same thing: inject under the skin, not into muscle. This is the proper administration method for GLP-1 medications.

"Once weekly" or "every 7 days" means you'll inject the same day each week. Many people choose Sunday or Monday to help remember, but any consistent schedule works.

The number before "mg" is your dose. With GLP-1 therapy, you'll typically start at a lower dose and increase gradually over weeks or months. Your prescription might show only your starting dose, or it might include instructions for titration—the process of slowly increasing your dose.

Quantity and Refills

The quantity section tells you how much medication you're receiving. For injectable GLP-1s, this might be written as:

• "Quantity: 1 vial" or "Quantity: 4 pens"
• "Dispense: 2 mL vial"
• "Supply: 30 days"

The number of refills indicates how many times you can get this prescription filled without contacting your doctor again. You might see "Refills: 3" or "No refills." For ongoing GLP-1 therapy, your doctor will typically provide multiple refills or set up a system for regular prescription renewals.

Special Instructions and Notes

This section might include important details specific to your situation:

• Storage instructions (like "refrigerate until first use")
• Timing notes (such as "take on an empty stomach" though this typically doesn't apply to injections)
• Titration schedule (how and when to increase your dose)
• "Do not substitute" if your doctor wants you on a specific formulation

Pay close attention to any handwritten notes your physician adds. These often contain personalized guidance based on your health history.

Understanding Your Pharmacy Information

Your prescription will indicate where it should be filled. With GLP-1 medications, especially compounded versions, this might be a specialty pharmacy rather than your local drugstore.

Compounding pharmacies are specially licensed facilities that can create customized medication formulations. Many GLP-1 prescriptions are filled through these pharmacies and shipped directly to your home with appropriate temperature controls.

Gender Considerations in GLP-1 Prescribing

While GLP-1 medications work similarly in both men and women, your prescription might reflect certain considerations. Women of childbearing age should discuss pregnancy plans with their doctor, as GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Your prescription notes might include reminders about contraception or timing if you're planning to conceive.

Dosing doesn't typically differ by gender, but rather by individual response and tolerance. However, some research suggests women may experience certain side effects like nausea more frequently, which might influence how your doctor structures your titration schedule.

What to Do If Something Looks Wrong

If anything on your prescription seems incorrect—your name is misspelled, the dose doesn't match what your doctor discussed, or you don't understand the instructions—contact your prescriber immediately before filling it.

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions. A good healthcare provider wants you to fully understand your treatment plan. It's far better to clarify now than to take medication incorrectly.

Keeping Track of Your Prescriptions

Save copies of all your GLP-1 prescriptions, either digitally or in a dedicated health folder. This creates a record of your dosing journey and can be helpful if you change providers or need to reference what worked best for you.

Note the prescription number (usually on the pharmacy label) so you can easily request refills. Set reminders on your phone for when you'll need your next refill—don't wait until you're completely out.

From the Ozari Care Team

One of the most common mistakes we see is patients confusing the concentration of their medication with their actual dose. Remember: the concentration tells you how strong the solution is, while your dose tells you how much to inject. If you're ever uncertain, your pharmacist can show you exactly how much to draw up in your syringe or help you confirm your pen is set correctly.

Your Partner in GLP-1 Therapy

At Ozari Health, we offer compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as low as $99/month, prescribed by licensed physicians and shipped to your door. Learn more at ozarihealth.com.

Medically Reviewed — Ozari Clinical Content Team (OCCT). Health writers and wellness professionals specializing in GLP-1 therapy, metabolic health, and weight loss medicine. Content reviewed in accordance with Ozari's Editorial Standards. Last reviewed: April 25, 2026.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Last reviewed: April 25, 2026.