Tirzepatide dose chart: what the Mounjaro and Zepbound labels say
One table, taken straight from the two US labels: starting dose, step size, how long before an increase, maintenance doses and the maximum.
Both the Zepbound and Mounjaro labels start tirzepatide at 2.5 mg injected once weekly, and increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose [1][2]. Zepbound’s maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg (10 mg or 15 mg for sleep apnea), and 15 mg is the maximum for both medicines in adults [1][2]. Your prescriber chooses your dose, and it may differ from this table.
Before you read the chart
Tirzepatide dosing at a glance
| Zepbound (weight management, sleep apnea) | Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. Not a maintenance dose [1] | 2.5 mg once weekly [2] |
| Step size | 2.5 mg increments [1] | 2.5 mg increments [2] |
| Minimum time on a dose before increasing | At least 4 weeks [1] | At least 4 weeks [2] |
| Maintenance doses | 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg. Sleep apnea: 10 mg or 15 mg [1] | Increase only if more glycemic control is needed [2] |
| Maximum | 15 mg once weekly [1] | 15 mg once weekly in adults. 10 mg in pediatric patients [2] |
| Available strengths | 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mg [1] | 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mg [2] |
The labels say the step schedule is designed to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects [1][2]. Zepbound’s label adds that tolerability matters when choosing the maintenance dose, and that if a patient does not tolerate one, a lower maintenance dose should be considered [1].
The steps as a list
Starting at 2.5 mg and adding 2.5 mg each time gives the strengths that exist: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mg [1]. That is arithmetic on the label’s step size, and the label says increases come after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, so reaching 15 mg takes at least 20 weeks if every step is taken at the earliest point. Many people stay on a lower dose by choice or on their prescriber’s advice.
Keep a log of your own
Other timing rules on the labels
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting dose of tirzepatide?
Both labels start at 2.5 mg injected once weekly. For Zepbound that is for 4 weeks, and it is not a maintenance dose.
How often does tirzepatide go up?
In 2.5 mg steps, after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, according to both labels. Your prescriber decides whether and when.
What is the maximum dose of tirzepatide?
15 mg once weekly for adults on both labels. Mounjaro’s label gives 10 mg as the maximum in pediatric patients.
Is the Zepbound dose different from Mounjaro?
The step size, minimum time and strengths are the same. The labels differ in what they are prescribed for: Zepbound for weight and sleep apnea, Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes.
Can I stay on a lower tirzepatide dose?
The Zepbound label says to consider tolerability when choosing a maintenance dose and to consider a lower one if the dose is not tolerated. Talk to your prescriber.
Sources
- ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection: full prescribing information. Eli Lilly and Company, revised 08/2026. Sections 2.1 to 2.4 (dosage, missed dose, administration) and 3 (strengths).
- MOUNJARO (tirzepatide) injection: full prescribing information. Eli Lilly and Company, revised 08/2026. Sections 2.1 and 2.2 (dosage, missed doses, administration) and 3 (strengths).
How we write these. Every dose, interval and window above comes from the manufacturer’s US prescribing information, checked on 6 October 2026, and links to it. Labels are updated, so check the current label or ask your pharmacist before you act. Nerra is made by Hicham Zaidi. We do not sell any medicine and are not affiliated with any manufacturer. If you spot an error, tell us through the Nerra support page.
Keep reading
Your therapy, completely in view.
Nerra is a private GLP-1 companion for iPhone: doses you enter, injection sites, weight and check-ins. No account, no cloud, pay once.
Coming soon to the App StoreNerra is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice. You always enter the dose your prescriber gave you; Nerra never calculates or suggests one. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. Nerra is not affiliated with any medication manufacturer. Product names belong to their owners.