Zepbound dosage chart: labeled doses and schedule
Zepbound dosage chart: dosing starts low and is increased in steps. See the labeled dose levels, titration timing, and missed dose guidance.
Key facts
- Tirzepatide + B12 is $169/month (billed $169 every 4 weeks), charged only after a clinician approves it.
- Answer a few health questions online. A licensed clinician reviews them. If approved, it ships to your door.
- Adults 18 or older. A licensed clinician reviews your health history and decides whether treatment is appropriate for you. Availability depends on the state you live in.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection for chronic weight management. Its labeled dosing uses a gradual increase (titration) to help your body adjust and to reduce side effects, especially nausea and other stomach symptoms. This page summarizes the FDA-labeled Zepbound dose levels and timing for education only. If you are using compounded tirzepatide instead of the brand, your prescribing clinician and pharmacy set the exact dose and instructions. You can also use Vitals Vault tools to track questions and follow-up.
- A Zepbound dosage chart starts at 2.5 mg weekly, then increases in 2.5 mg steps as tolerated.
- The labeled maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly.
- Dose increases are no more often than every 4 weeks, per FDA labeling.
- If you miss a dose, FDA labeling gives timing rules for taking it or skipping it.
Zepbound dose levels at a glance
Starting dose
The labeled starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. This starting dose is for treatment initiation and is not intended as a maintenance dose.
Dose escalation
After the first 4 weeks, the dose is increased to 5 mg once weekly. If needed, the dose can be increased further in 2.5 mg steps, with increases no more often than every 4 weeks.
Maintenance doses
The labeled maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. Your clinician chooses the maintenance dose based on response and tolerability.
Highest labeled dose
The highest labeled maintenance dose is 15 mg once weekly. Higher doses are not described in the FDA prescribing information for Zepbound.
Zepbound dosage chart (FDA label) and key dosing rules
| Treatment phase | Dose (once weekly) | How long | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiation | 2.5 mg | 4 weeks | Not intended for maintenance. |
| Step 1 | 5 mg | At least 4 weeks | May remain as a maintenance dose. |
| Step 2 (if needed) | 7.5 mg | At least 4 weeks | Increase only if additional effect needed and tolerated. |
| Step 3 (if needed) | 10 mg | At least 4 weeks | May remain as a maintenance dose. |
| Step 4 (if needed) | 12.5 mg | At least 4 weeks | Increase only if additional effect needed and tolerated. |
| Step 5 (if needed) | 15 mg | Ongoing | Highest labeled maintenance dose. |
How often to increase
In the FDA label, dose increases are in 2.5 mg steps and are made no more frequently than every 4 weeks. This gradual schedule is designed to improve tolerability.
Missed dose (label rule)
If you miss a dose, the FDA label instructs you to take it within 4 days (96 hours) if possible. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
Changing your dosing day
The FDA label allows changing the day of weekly administration if the time between two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours). If you are unsure how to apply this to your schedule, ask your prescribing clinician.
Where it is injected (label-only)
The Instructions for Use describe injecting under the skin (subcutaneous) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. A clinician or pharmacist should show you how to use the pen, and you should follow the Instructions for Use.
When to contact your clinician about dosing or safety
Severe stomach symptoms
Contact your clinician if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or causes dehydration. Your clinician may adjust the plan or evaluate for complications described in the prescribing information.
Possible pancreatitis
Seek medical evaluation right away for severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting. Pancreatitis is a labeled warning for tirzepatide products.
Gallbladder symptoms
Contact your clinician for right upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or persistent nausea and vomiting. Acute gallbladder disease is described in the prescribing information.
Kidney concerns or dehydration
If you cannot keep fluids down, have markedly reduced urination, or feel faint, get medical advice promptly. The label warns that dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects can worsen kidney problems.
Thyroid or neck symptoms
Report a neck lump, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Tirzepatide products carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies, and the label lists symptoms to watch for.
Low blood sugar risk
If you use insulin or a sulfonylurea, ask your clinician about hypoglycemia risk and monitoring. The prescribing information notes increased risk when tirzepatide is used with these medicines.
Practical tips for following a dosing plan
Use one weekly reminder
Set a recurring reminder for the same day each week, and confirm it matches your prescription instructions.
Track side effects by week
Write down symptoms and timing, especially after dose increases, so your clinician can adjust the plan safely.
Bring your medication list
Tell your clinician about insulin, sulfonylureas, and other medicines that can affect safety or monitoring.
Ask before changing days
If travel or routines change, ask how to apply the label timing rules to your schedule.
Compounded product instructions differ
If you use compounded tirzepatide, follow the prescribing clinician and dispensing pharmacy instructions exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
what is the highest dose of tirzepatide
For Zepbound, the highest labeled maintenance dose is 15 mg once weekly. Doses above 15 mg are not described in the FDA prescribing information for Zepbound.
what are the doses of zepbound
The Zepbound pen strengths are 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg given once weekly. The label starts at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then increases in 2.5 mg steps no more often than every 4 weeks.
what is the lowest dose of tirzepatide
For Zepbound dosing, the lowest labeled dose is 2.5 mg once weekly. The label describes it as a starting dose for 4 weeks and notes it is not intended for maintenance.
how to dose tirzepatide
Zepbound dosing is once weekly with a gradual titration: start at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then 5 mg, and increase in 2.5 mg steps no more often than every 4 weeks as needed. Your clinician selects a maintenance dose of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg based on response and tolerability.
What should I do if I miss a Zepbound dose?
FDA labeling says to take the missed dose within 4 days (96 hours) if possible. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your regular day.