tirzepatide · weekly injection
Zepbound dose schedule
US label revised 8/2026 · Checked 31 October 2026
Quick answer
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is injected once a week. The label starts at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then 5 mg. The dose may then go up 2.5 mg at a time, each after at least 4 weeks on the dose before. The label’s ongoing doses are 5, 10 or 15 mg.
Zepbound titration schedule
For weight reduction, and for obstructive sleep apnea with obesity.
Earliest week for each dose, from the first injection
- 2.5 mg Weeks 1 to 4
- 5 mg Week 5
- 7.5 mg Week 9
- 10 mg Week 13
- 12.5 mg Week 17
- 15 mg Week 21
- Starting dose
- A step on the way
- A dose the label allows staying on
- Dashed ring: only if the prescriber steps up
| When | Weekly dose | From the label |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose only; not an ongoing dose |
| Week 5 | 5 mg | An ongoing dose |
| Week 9 | 7.5 mg | At the earliest; a step on the way |
| Week 13 | 10 mg | At the earliest; an ongoing dose |
| Week 17 | 12.5 mg | At the earliest; a step on the way |
| Week 21 | 15 mg | At the earliest; an ongoing dose and the most |
The label’s ongoing doses are 5, 10 or 15 mg once a week for weight reduction, and 10 or 15 mg for sleep apnea. 15 mg is the most.
Good to know
- Each increase is 2.5 mg, after at least 4 weeks on the dose before. Steps after 5 mg are up to the prescriber.
- The 2.5 mg dose is for starting only; the label says it is not an ongoing dose.
If a dose is missed
Take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours). After more than 4 days, skip it and take the next one on the usual day.
Changing the dose day
Can change, as long as doses are at least 3 days (72 hours) apart.
Log your Zepbound doses in Gliplog
- Pick a strength from Zepbound’s label in a tap
- Log each dose and see when the next one is due
- See an estimate of the medicine in your body between doses
- Free, private, and offline. Nothing leaves your device.
Questions about Zepbound dosing
What is the starting dose of Zepbound?
The label starts Zepbound at 2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks. It says 2.5 mg is for starting and is not an ongoing dose. At week 5 the dose moves to 5 mg.
What are the maintenance doses of Zepbound?
The label lists 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once a week for weight reduction, and 10 mg or 15 mg for obstructive sleep apnea. 7.5 mg and 12.5 mg are steps on the way.
How fast can Zepbound go up?
In 2.5 mg steps, each after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, according to the label. The earliest 15 mg can start is week 21.
What if I miss a Zepbound dose?
The label says to take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours). After more than 4 days, skip it and take the next dose on the usual day.
Other dosing schedules
Source: ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) US prescribing information, section 2 (revised 8/2026). Not medical advice; Gliplog never recommends a dose. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist.