Tirzepatide Dosing: Complete Titration Schedule
Key takeaways
- Starting dose: 2.5mg once weekly for 4 weeks
- Titration: Increase every 4 weeks as tolerated
- Maximum dose: 15mg weekly
- Injection: Subcutaneous, same day each week
- Flexibility: Can change injection day if 3+ days from last dose
Standard titration schedule
| Weeks | Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 2.5mg | Initial titration (not therapeutic) |
| 5-8 | 5mg | First therapeutic dose |
| 9-12 | 7.5mg | Increasing effect |
| 13-16 | 10mg | Higher therapeutic dose |
| 17-20 | 12.5mg | Near-maximum dose |
| 21+ | 15mg | Maximum dose |
Note: Not everyone needs to reach 15mg. Many patients achieve their goals at 10mg or 12.5mg. Your provider will help determine the right maintenance dose.
How to inject tirzepatide
- Sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Rotation: Use a different spot each week
- Timing: Same day each week, any time of day
- With/without food: Either is fine
Missed dose guidelines
- Within 4 days: Take the missed dose as soon as possible
- More than 4 days late: Skip the missed dose, take next dose on regular day
- Never double up: Don’t take two doses to make up for a missed one
Dosing tips
- Slow titration: If side effects are bothersome, ask about staying at a dose longer before increasing
- Lower maintenance: Some patients do well on 7.5mg or 10mg long-term
- Storage: Refrigerate until first use, then room temperature for up to 21 days
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See provider reviews →The bottom line
Tirzepatide dosing follows a gradual titration over 20+ weeks to minimize side effects. Work with your provider to find the lowest effective maintenance dose for your goals.
Our commitment to accuracy: This article was reviewed by a board-certified physician. Read our editorial policy.