Tirzepatide Dosage Chart: Zepbound and Mounjaro
Short answer: tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) starts at 2.5 mg once weekly and increases in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on each dose. For weight management the maintenance dose is 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg, and 15 mg is the maximum. Your prescriber picks the dose based on response and tolerability.
This schedule comes directly from the current FDA prescribing information for Zepbound and Mounjaro. It describes the labeled titration, not a plan for any individual.
The escalation steps
| Step | Once-weekly dose | Minimum time before the next increase |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 2.5 mg | 4 weeks |
| 2 | 5 mg | At least 4 weeks |
| 3 | 7.5 mg | At least 4 weeks |
| 4 | 10 mg | At least 4 weeks |
| 5 | 12.5 mg | At least 4 weeks |
| 6 | 15 mg | Maximum recommended dose |
Doses go up in 2.5 mg increments only until the recommended maintenance dose is reached, so many people stop at 5 mg or 10 mg rather than continuing to 15 mg.
Maintenance doses by use
| Medication and use | Maintenance dose |
|---|---|
| Zepbound, weight reduction and long-term maintenance | 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly |
| Zepbound, moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity | 10 mg or 15 mg weekly |
| Mounjaro, type 2 diabetes (adults) | Increase in 2.5 mg steps if more glycemic control is needed, up to 15 mg weekly |
| Mounjaro, type 2 diabetes (ages 10 and older) | Maximum 10 mg weekly |
How it is given
- Injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or back of the upper arm, once a week at any time of day, with or without food.
- Rotate injection sites with each dose.
- Available as single-dose pens and vials, and as multi-dose vials or KwikPens that provide four doses.
What the label says about choosing a dose
The label tells prescribers to consider treatment response and tolerability when choosing the maintenance dose. A higher dose is not automatically better for every person. Compounded or non-FDA-approved tirzepatide products are not covered by this schedule.
Sources
Each dose step changes the pace of weight loss. See a timeline for your numbers.
Try the Free GLP-1 CalculatorMedical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnose any condition, recommend or prescribe treatment, or guarantee results. Estimates are based on information you provide and published clinical-trial averages. Individual results can vary significantly.
Estimates are based on average outcomes reported in the STEP 1 (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide) clinical trials. Individual results can vary significantly and are influenced by factors such as dosage, diet, and adherence.
Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on the results of this calculator. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medications, treatment options, risks, side effects, and your individual health needs.