The Foundayo dose schedule, from 0.8 to 17.2 mg

What the label says

From the label

The starting dosage is 0.8 mg orally once daily. After at least 30 days on the 0.8 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 2.5 mg once daily. After at least 30 days on the 2.5 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 5.5 mg once daily. The dosage may be increased to the next dosage level (9 mg, 14.5 mg, or 17.2 mg once daily) after at least 30 days on the current dosage, based on treatment response and tolerability. The maximum dosage of FOUNDAYO is 17.2 mg once daily.

The shape is different from the Wegovy pill. Semaglutide's label writes one staircase to one maintenance dose. Foundayo's label writes three fixed steps and then three optional ones, and leaves the top of the staircase to the prescriber.

Why at least 30 days

The label gives the same reason as every GLP-1 label: the escalation is there to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. The side effect table confirms it in numbers. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were higher during the escalation period and decreased over time.

Orforglipron itself settles fast, in about a week, so the 30 days are not about the level. They are about the stomach getting used to each strength before the next.

The one thing that can lower the ceiling

The label has a second section on dosing that the semaglutide labels do not have: some medications change how much orforglipron reaches the blood. With a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor the maximum is 9 mg. With a strong CYP3A4 inducer the label says to avoid Foundayo, and with a moderate one to monitor and escalate as needed. Which of your medications fall into those groups is a pharmacist's question, and worth asking before the first bottle.