Key Takeaways
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (sub-therapeutic, intended for tolerability)
- Titration pace: Increase every 4 weeks: 2.5 → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg
- Maintenance options: 5, 10, or 15 mg; your doctor chooses based on your response
- Total ramp-up: ~20 weeks to reach maximum dose (if needed)
- Same protocol for both Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss)
GLP-1 Dosage Chart: Tirzepatide Titration Schedule
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, the active compound in both Mounjaro and Zepbound. This free printable GLP-1 dosage chart shows the full tirzepatide titration schedule week-by-week from 2.5 mg through 15 mg. The dosing protocol is the same for both brand-name pens and compounded tirzepatide.
💊 Mounjaro
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2022). Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist. Same tirzepatide, same doses, max 15 mg weekly.
Primary endpoint: HbA1c reduction. Weight loss is a major secondary benefit.
⚖️ Zepbound
FDA-approved for chronic weight management (2023). Same tirzepatide molecule, max 15 mg weekly.
Primary endpoint: weight loss. Indicated for BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity.
Printable Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
This chart shows the standard FDA-approved titration protocol. Each dose level is held for at least 4 weeks before moving up. Your prescriber may adjust timing based on how you tolerate it and how you respond.
Week-by-Week Tirzepatide Titration Schedule
The table below shows the standard FDA-approved titration for tirzepatide. The protocol is the same for Mounjaro and Zepbound. Maintenance dose options are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg. Your prescriber determines where you stay based on how well it works and how you tolerate it.
To map this onto your own calendar, the free tirzepatide titration calculator builds a week-by-week schedule from your starting dose and target dose, with your next step-up date.
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiation | 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Sub-therapeutic. Establishes GI tolerance. |
| Escalation 1 | 5–8 | 5 mg | First therapeutic dose. May maintain here. |
| Escalation 2 | 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Intermediate step. Not a maintenance dose. |
| Escalation 3 | 13–16 | 10 mg | Second maintenance option. Most common target. |
| Escalation 4 | 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Intermediate step. Not a maintenance dose. |
| Maximum | 21+ | 15 mg | Highest maintenance dose. Maximum weight loss. |
⚠️ Important: 2.5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 12.5 mg are not maintenance doses. They're just stepping stones to reduce side effects. If your response plateaus at 5 mg, your prescriber may jump straight to 10 mg, skipping 7.5 mg.
What to Expect at Each Dose Level
Based on clinical trial data from the SURMOUNT-1 and SURPASS-2 trials, here's what participants typically experienced at each dose level.
2.5 mg — Weeks 1–4
This dose is intentionally sub-therapeutic. You might notice mild appetite suppression and some nausea, but don't expect significant weight loss or blood sugar changes. This phase lets your GI system adjust to the medication.
Expected weight loss: Minimal (0–1 kg)
5 mg — Weeks 5–8
The first therapeutic dose. Appetite suppression becomes noticeable here. In SURMOUNT-1, participants on 5 mg lost an average of 15% body weight over 72 weeks. Many patients stay at this dose long-term.
Avg weight loss (72 weeks): ~15% (SURMOUNT-1)
10 mg — Weeks 13–16
The most common maintenance dose. Appetite suppression is strong and weight loss is substantial. In SURMOUNT-1, participants on 10 mg lost an average of 19.5% body weight over 72 weeks.
Avg weight loss (72 weeks): ~19.5% (SURMOUNT-1)
15 mg — Weeks 21+
Maximum dose. The highest average weight loss in trials, but also the most side effects. In SURMOUNT-1, the 15 mg group lost an average of 20.9% body weight over 72 weeks. Not everyone needs this dose.
Avg weight loss (72 weeks): ~20.9% (SURMOUNT-1)
Side Effects by Dose Level
Side effects are dose-dependent and most common during the first 1–2 weeks after each escalation. Most GI symptoms improve within 2–4 weeks at a stable dose. For a full breakdown, see our tirzepatide side effects guide.
| Side Effect | 5 mg | 10 mg | 15 mg | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 24% | 24% | 31% | 10% |
| Diarrhoea | 19% | 16% | 18% | 7% |
| Constipation | 6% | 6% | 11% | 2% |
| Vomiting | 6% | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Decreased appetite | 9% | 7% | 11% | 2% |
Source: SURMOUNT-1 trial data (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022)
💡 Tip: If side effects are intolerable at a new dose, your prescriber may extend the current level for an additional 4 weeks rather than escalating. There's no rush to reach the maximum dose.
How Does This Compare to Semaglutide?
Tirzepatide and semaglutide use different dose ranges and titration speeds. Here's how they compare:
| Tirzepatide | Semaglutide (Wegovy) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Dual GLP-1 + GIP | GLP-1 only |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg | 0.25 mg |
| Max dose | 15 mg | 2.4 mg maintenance / 7.2 mg max |
| Titration steps | 6 levels | 5 levels |
| Time to max | ~20 weeks | ~16 weeks |
| Avg weight loss (max dose) | 20.9% | 14.9% |
For a full breakdown, see our tirzepatide vs semaglutide comparison. You can also compare dosing protocols side by side using the semaglutide dosage chart.
Visualise Your Tirzepatide Levels
Our free pharmacokinetic calculator shows peak, trough, and steady-state drug levels across your entire dosing schedule.
Open Tirzepatide Calculator →How to Use This Chart
- Identify your medication: Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) or Zepbound (weight management). The dosing protocol is the same.
- Find your current week: Count from your first injection. If you started 6 weeks ago, you should be on 5 mg (weeks 5–8).
- Check your dose: Make sure your current dose matches what's expected for your week. If your prescriber has adjusted the pace, follow their instructions.
- Plan for the next increase: Each jump can cause temporary side effects. Stock up on bland foods, ginger tea, and clear liquids before your next dose.
- Track your progress: Use the tirzepatide calculator to see how drug levels change between doses and across your titration.
Does This Chart Apply to Compounded Tirzepatide?
Yes. The dosing protocol is the same whether you use brand-name pens or compounded tirzepatide from a 503A or 503B pharmacy. The difference is how you inject it: compounded vials require you to draw doses with an insulin syringe, which lets you do more flexible dosing (e.g., 3 mg, 6 mg, or any custom increment).
If you are using compounded tirzepatide, our tirzepatide reconstitution guide covers the full mixing process, and the reconstitution calculator can help you determine the correct syringe volume for your target dose based on your vial's concentration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Mounjaro and Zepbound the same dosing?
Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same tirzepatide manufactured by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro was approved first (2022) for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound followed (2023) for chronic weight management. The dosing protocol is the same because it's the same drug at the same doses. Only the FDA indication and marketing differ.
Can I stay on a lower dose instead of going to 15 mg?
Yes. The FDA-approved maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. Many patients get good results at 5 mg or 10 mg without needing to go higher. Your prescriber will look at your response (weight loss, HbA1c, side effects) and recommend where to stay. In SURMOUNT-1, even the 5 mg group lost an average of 15% body weight.
What happens if I miss a dose during titration?
If you miss a dose and it's been less than 4 days (96 hours) since your scheduled injection, take it as soon as possible. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. If you miss multiple doses, your prescriber may want you to restart at a lower dose to avoid severe GI side effects.
How does tirzepatide compare to semaglutide for weight loss?
In separate trials, tirzepatide 15 mg led to 20.9% average weight loss (SURMOUNT-1) compared to semaglutide 2.4 mg at 14.9% (STEP 1). The only head-to-head trial (SURPASS-2) compared tirzepatide to semaglutide 1 mg for diabetes and found tirzepatide better for both HbA1c and weight. See our full comparison for details.
Can I split my tirzepatide dose (microdosing)?
Some users split their weekly dose into smaller, more frequent injections (e.g., half the dose twice weekly) to reduce side effects and keep drug levels more stable. This isn't FDA-approved but some prescribers use it. See our tirzepatide microdosing guide for protocols and pharmacokinetic modelling.
Is tirzepatide FDA-approved?
Yes. Tirzepatide is FDA-approved under two brand names: Mounjaro (approved May 2022 for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (approved November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity).
Can I use this chart for compounded tirzepatide?
Yes, the dosing protocol is the same for brand-name and compounded tirzepatide. With compounded vials, you can also dose at non-standard increments (e.g., 3 mg or 6 mg) if your prescriber recommends a custom protocol. Always consult your provider.
What is the half-life of tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide has a half-life of about 5 days (120 hours), which is why it works for once-weekly dosing. It takes about 4–5 weeks of consistent dosing to reach steady-state blood levels at any given dose. Use our tirzepatide calculator to see how drug levels build over time.
Need Help With Your Dosage?
Our AI guide can answer questions about tirzepatide protocols, side effects, and how it compares to other GLP-1 medications.
References
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. PubMed
- Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503-515. PubMed
- Eli Lilly. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Prescribing Information. FDA Label
- Eli Lilly. Zepbound (tirzepatide) Prescribing Information. FDA Label
- Garvey WT, Frias JP, Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2). Lancet. 2023;402(10402):613-626. PubMed
Related Resources
Tirzepatide Hub
Complete tirzepatide guide: mechanism, dosing, side effects, and tools.
Tirzepatide Dosing Guide
In-depth dosing protocols, clinical trial data, and pharmacokinetics.
Tirzepatide Side Effects
Common and rare side effects with management strategies.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide
Head-to-head comparison of mechanisms, trial data, and dosing.
Semaglutide Dosage Chart
Ozempic vs Wegovy dosage reference with printable chart.
Microdosing Tirzepatide
Split dosing strategies for better tolerability.
Tirzepatide Reconstitution Guide
How to mix compounded tirzepatide with BAC water and calculate insulin units.
Medical Disclaimer: This chart is for informational and reference purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, changing, or adjusting any medication dosage. Individual dosing may vary based on medical history, tolerability, and clinical response.