Semaglutide Calculator

Semaglutide Dosing & Cost Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate the total amount of semaglutide you might use and its approximate cost over a specified treatment duration, based on a typical titration schedule. This tool can help you understand the financial and usage commitment for semaglutide treatment.

(e.g., if a 4mg pen costs $900, enter 225 for $900/4mg)

Calculation Results:

Weeks to Reach Target Dose:

Total Semaglutide Used: mg

Estimated Total Cost:

function calculateSemaglutide() { var startingDose = parseFloat(document.getElementById('startingDose').value); var doseIncrement = parseFloat(document.getElementById('doseIncrement').value); var targetDose = parseFloat(document.getElementById('targetDose').value); var totalDuration = parseInt(document.getElementById('totalDuration').value); var costPerMg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('costPerMg').value); // Input validation if (isNaN(startingDose) || startingDose <= 0 || isNaN(doseIncrement) || doseIncrement <= 0 || isNaN(targetDose) || targetDose <= 0 || isNaN(totalDuration) || totalDuration <= 0 || isNaN(costPerMg) || costPerMg < 0) { document.getElementById('semaglutideResult').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('weeksToTargetOutput').innerHTML = 'N/A'; document.getElementById('totalMgOutput').innerHTML = 'Invalid input. Please enter positive numbers for all fields (Cost per mg can be zero).'; document.getElementById('totalCostOutput').innerHTML = ''; return; } if (targetDose < startingDose) { document.getElementById('semaglutideResult').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('weeksToTargetOutput').innerHTML = 'N/A'; document.getElementById('totalMgOutput').innerHTML = 'Target dose cannot be less than starting dose.'; document.getElementById('totalCostOutput').innerHTML = ''; return; } // Calculate theoretical weeks to reach target dose var theoreticalWeeksToTarget; if (targetDose === startingDose) { theoreticalWeeksToTarget = 1; } else { theoreticalWeeksToTarget = Math.ceil((targetDose – startingDose) / doseIncrement) + 1; } var totalMgUsed = 0; var currentDose = startingDose; var actualWeeksToTarget = Math.min(totalDuration, theoreticalWeeksToTarget); var weeksToReachTargetDisplay = theoreticalWeeksToTarget; // This is the actual number of weeks to reach target, regardless of totalDuration // Titration Phase (or until end of duration if shorter) for (var i = 0; i actualWeeksToTarget) { var maintenanceWeeks = totalDuration – actualWeeksToTarget; totalMgUsed += maintenanceWeeks * targetDose; } var totalEstimatedCost = totalMgUsed * costPerMg; document.getElementById('weeksToTargetOutput').innerHTML = weeksToReachTargetDisplay + ' weeks'; document.getElementById('totalMgOutput').innerHTML = totalMgUsed.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('totalCostOutput').innerHTML = '$' + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('semaglutideResult').style.display = 'block'; }

Understanding Semaglutide Dosing and Costs

Semaglutide is a medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and, in higher doses, for chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Administered via weekly injection, semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar.

The Importance of Titration

One of the key aspects of starting semaglutide treatment is the titration schedule. To minimize potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, patients typically begin with a low dose, which is gradually increased over several weeks or months until a target or maintenance dose is reached. This gradual increase allows the body to adjust to the medication.

• Starting Dose: The initial low dose to begin treatment.
• Weekly Dose Increment: The amount by which the dose is increased each week during the titration phase.
• Target Weekly Dose: The desired maintenance dose that the patient aims to reach and stay on for the majority of their treatment.

How the Calculator Works

This calculator helps you estimate the total semaglutide usage and associated costs over a specified period. It takes into account the titration phase and the subsequent maintenance phase.

Input Fields Explained:

• Starting Weekly Dose (mg): Enter the dose you will begin your treatment with (e.g., 0.25 mg).
• Weekly Dose Increment (mg): Input how much your dose will increase each week (e.g., 0.25 mg).
• Target Weekly Dose (mg): Specify the maintenance dose you plan to reach (e.g., 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg).
• Total Treatment Duration (weeks): Enter the total number of weeks you anticipate being on the medication.
• Average Cost per Milligram ($/mg): This is a crucial input for cost estimation. To calculate this, divide the total cost of a semaglutide pen by the total milligrams of semaglutide it contains. For example, if a 4mg Ozempic pen costs $900, the cost per mg would be $900 / 4mg = $225/mg. This value can vary significantly based on brand, pharmacy, insurance, and discounts.

Output Results:

• Weeks to Reach Target Dose: The number of weeks it will take to gradually increase your dose from the starting dose to the target dose.
• Total Semaglutide Used: The cumulative amount of semaglutide (in milligrams) you would use over the entire specified treatment duration.
• Estimated Total Cost: The approximate total financial outlay for the medication over the treatment period, based on your provided cost per milligram.

Example Calculation:

Let's say a patient starts at 0.25 mg, increases by 0.25 mg weekly, aims for a 1.0 mg target dose, and plans for 24 weeks of treatment. If the average cost is $225 per mg:

• Weeks to Reach Target Dose: (1.0 mg – 0.25 mg) / 0.25 mg increment + 1 week = 4 weeks.
• Semaglutide Used During Titration (Weeks 1-4): 0.25 + 0.50 + 0.75 + 1.00 = 2.50 mg.
• Semaglutide Used During Maintenance (Weeks 5-24): (24 – 4) weeks * 1.0 mg/week = 20 weeks * 1.0 mg/week = 20.0 mg.
• Total Semaglutide Used: 2.50 mg + 20.0 mg = 22.50 mg.
• Estimated Total Cost: 22.50 mg * $225/mg = $5,062.50.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Semaglutide dosing, treatment duration, and costs can vary widely based on individual patient needs, physician recommendations, insurance coverage, and pharmacy pricing. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or adjusting any medication.