Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
The Tirzepatide Dosage Chart is a reference tool covering tirzepatide dosage chart, mounjaro dosage chart, tirzepatide dose escalation chart, zepbound dosage chart. Use the chart below to look up values instantly. Printable and downloadable versions are available on this page.
Important: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss) is a prescription medication. This chart is for reference only. Never adjust your dose without your doctor's guidance. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised dosing advice.
Tirzepatide Dosage Escalation Chart
| Week Range | Dose | Injection Frequency | Purpose of This Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 2.5 mg | Once weekly | Starting dose — allows the body to adjust and minimises gastrointestinal side effects. |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | 5 mg | Once weekly | First maintenance dose — effective for many patients at this level. |
| Weeks 9 to 12 | 7.5 mg | Once weekly | Dose increase if additional glycaemic or weight control is needed. |
| Weeks 13 to 16 | 10 mg | Once weekly | Continued escalation toward maximum doses. |
| Weeks 17 to 20 | 12.5 mg | Once weekly | Near-maximum dose range. |
| Week 21 onward (if needed) | 15 mg | Once weekly | Maximum approved dose — maintain if tolerated and clinically appropriate. |
Dose escalation is paused or slowed if gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or vomiting are severe. Many patients remain at 5 mg or 7.5 mg long-term if adequate benefit is achieved at those doses. The goal is the lowest effective dose, not the maximum dose.
Source: Eli Lilly prescribing information for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Tirzepatide Available Doses
| Dose Strength | Injection Volume | Pen Colour (Mounjaro) or Label Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 0.5 mL | Starting dose — first pen prescribed. |
| 5 mg | 0.5 mL | First maintenance dose. |
| 7.5 mg | 0.5 mL | — |
| 10 mg | 0.5 mL | — |
| 12.5 mg | 0.5 mL | — |
| 15 mg | 0.5 mL | Maximum approved dose. |
Source: Eli Lilly prescribing information
Tirzepatide Clinical Results Reference
| Dose | Average Body Weight Reduction (SURMOUNT-1 — obesity) | Average A1C Reduction (SURPASS trials — Type 2 diabetes) | Trial Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg weekly | Approximately 15% body weight | Approximately 1.87% A1C reduction | 72 weeks |
| 10 mg weekly | Approximately 19.5% body weight | Approximately 2.01% A1C reduction | 72 weeks |
| 15 mg weekly | Approximately 20.9% body weight | Approximately 2.30% A1C reduction | 72 weeks |
Individual results vary significantly. These are average values from clinical trials in specific patient populations. Actual weight loss and A1C reduction depend on diet, physical activity, baseline weight, and individual response.
Source: SURMOUNT-1 trial (Jastreboff et al. NEJM 2022) and SURPASS clinical trial programme
How to Inject Tirzepatide
- Remove the pen from the refrigerator 30 minutes before injection — injecting at room temperature is more comfortable.
- Choose an injection site — the abdomen at least 2 inches from the navel, the outer thigh, or the upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week to prevent skin changes.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely before injecting.
- Attach a new pen needle, remove the needle cap and outer cap, and press the pen firmly against the skin at a 90-degree angle until you hear a click indicating injection has started. Hold in place for 10 seconds.
- Dispose of the used needle in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Never recap a used needle.
Tirzepatide Dose Schedule Tracker
Enter your first injection date and starting dose to generate a personalised week-by-week dose escalation calendar with injection reminder dates and a side-effect log.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tirzepatide used for?
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes management (as Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (as Zepbound). It works by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.
How much weight can you lose on tirzepatide?
In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial participants on 15 mg tirzepatide lost an average of 20.9 percent of their body weight over 72 weeks. Individual results vary — weight loss depends on diet, activity, and individual response.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?
Mounjaro and Zepbound both contain tirzepatide at the same doses and formulation. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes management and Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition.
What are the most common side effects of tirzepatide?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. These are most pronounced during dose escalation and typically improve as the body adjusts. Taking the injection with food or reducing portion sizes can help.
How long does it take for tirzepatide to work?
Appetite suppression effects are typically felt within the first 1 to 2 weeks at the 2.5 mg starting dose. Significant weight loss is generally seen over 3 to 6 months with full effects at the maintenance dose over 6 to 12 months.
Does tirzepatide need to be refrigerated?
Yes — unused tirzepatide pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). A pen currently in use may be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) for up to 21 days.
Can tirzepatide be taken with metformin?
Yes — tirzepatide is commonly prescribed alongside metformin. Your doctor will determine which combination of medications is appropriate for your specific situation.
What is the starting dose for tirzepatide?
The starting dose for both Mounjaro and Zepbound is 2.5 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This starting dose is not therapeutically effective on its own — it is a dose titration period to help the body adjust and reduce gastrointestinal side effects before escalating.