How Dose Changes Work

Your dose isn't fixed forever—it's adjusted over time based on how your body responds. This guide explains how dose changes work, who makes the decision, and what to expect throughout your treatment.

The Core Principle

Dose changes are provider-driven, not automatic. This means:

• Your licensed medical provider evaluates your progress and decides when and how to adjust your dose

• You don't adjust your dose on your own

• Changes are based on your individual response, not a fixed schedule that applies to everyone

Why Dose Changes Happen

Your starting dose is intentionally low. Over time, your provider may adjust it to:

• Improve effectiveness — if appetite control or other treatment goals aren't being met

• Reduce side effects — if you're experiencing discomfort that affects daily life

• Find your optimal long-term dose — the lowest dose that gives you consistent results

The goal is not to reach the highest possible dose. It's to find the right dose for your body.

When Dose Changes Happen

Dose adjustments typically occur during these moments:

After Your First Month

Your provider reviews your response to the initial dose. This may happen during your refill review or when you reorder medication. If you're tolerating the dose well and it's appropriate for your treatment plan, your provider may increase it.

During Refill Reviews

Each time you request a refill, your provider reviews your case. They consider your progress, any side effects you've reported, and whether the current dose remains appropriate.

When You Report Side Effects or Concerns

If you reach out about side effects or feel your dose isn't working as expected, your provider may adjust your dose, pause treatment, or provide guidance—depending on what's safest for you.

How Your Provider Decides

Your provider considers several factors:

• Tolerability — Are you experiencing side effects? How severe?

• Response — Is the medication having the intended effect?

• Progress — Are you moving toward your goals at a steady pace?

• Consistency — Are you taking the medication as prescribed? Any gaps?

Types of Dose Adjustments

Based on your response, your provider may:

• Increase your dose — if you're tolerating it well and need more effect

• Keep your dose the same — if it's working well

• Decrease your dose — if side effects are difficult to manage

• Pause your treatment — if a break is needed for safety

How Changes Are Communicated

If your dose changes, your updated instructions will appear in your patient portal. Always follow your latest instructions, not previous ones. The units you inject may change—this is normal and related to medication concentration.

Do Not Adjust Your Dose on Your Own

Never increase or decrease your dose without provider guidance. Do not use someone else's dosing instructions. If something feels off, contact your provider through the message center in your patient portal before making any changes.

How to Request a Dose Change

1. Log into your patient portal at app.startverge.com

2. Go to the message center and contact the clinical team

3. Describe your experience clearly: what effects you're noticing, any side effects, how long you've been on the current dose

4. Wait for a reply before placing your next order if a dose change is involved

What Happens If You Miss Doses

If you miss doses or have a gap in treatment, your provider may recommend restarting at a lower dose. Starting back at a higher dose after a gap increases the risk of nausea, vomiting, and other side effects.

Summary

• Dose changes are directed by your licensed provider, not automatic

• Adjustments happen after your first month, during refills, or when you report concerns

• Your provider considers tolerability, response, progress, and consistency

• Never adjust your dose on your own—contact your provider through messaging

• If you miss doses, you may need to restart at a lower dose

The goal is simple: find the safest, most effective dose for your body over time.