From the FDA label (DailyMed)Verified 2026-06-01

Zepbound Dosing & Titration Schedule

The tirzepatide starting dose, full titration ladder, maintenance dose, and maximum dose — transcribed from the FDA prescribing information.

WeightLossRankings.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Zepbound Titration Schedule

The step-by-step dose-escalation ladder for Zepbound from the FDA label's Dosage & Administration section (DailyMed SetID 487cd7e7-434c-4925-99fa-aa80b1cc776b). Your prescriber sets your actual schedule — this is the label reference, not medical advice.

StepDoseWhen
12.5 mg once weeklyWeeks 1–4 (initiation)
25 mg once weeklyAfter 4 weeks on 2.5 mg
3Increase in 2.5 mg increments (7.5 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 mg)After at least 4 weeks on the current dose

Source: Zepbound FDA prescribing information via DailyMed (SetID 487cd7e7-434c-4925-99fa-aa80b1cc776b), Section 2 Dosage & Administration. Last verified 2026-06-01. This is summary information — read the full label and follow your prescriber's instructions.

Zepbound Dosing at a Glance

Starting dose
2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks (all indications)
Maintenance dose
For weight reduction: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. For obstructive sleep apnea: 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly.
Maximum dose
15 mg once weekly (all indications)

How to titrate safely

Increase in 2.5 mg increments only after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. Do not increase faster than the schedule allows; slow down if side effects are not tolerated.

The guiding principle: only increase the dose if you're tolerating the current one, and slow down (or pause the escalation) if side effects flare. Going up faster than the label schedule does not speed up results — it mostly increases nausea and other GI side effects.

If you miss a dose or can't tolerate a step

Missed a dose? The late-dose window differs by drug. See our GLP-1 missed-dose rules by drug for the exact rule for Zepbound before doubling up or skipping.

Can't tolerate a dose increase? The label allows delaying escalation or staying on a lower dose. Read what to expect at each step on the Zepbound side effects page, then talk to your prescriber before changing your schedule.

Compare every Zepbound provider

A prescriber sets your dose and titration plan before prescribing. See current pricing, verification status, form, and states served across every vetted provider in one place.

View the full comparison tableBrowse the ranked directoryZepbound drug guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended starting dose of Zepbound (tirzepatide) is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks (all indications). This is the initiation dose from the FDA label (DailyMed SetID 487cd7e7-434c-4925-99fa-aa80b1cc776b); the starting dose is intended to let your body adjust and is generally not the dose that delivers the full effect.
Increase in 2.5 mg increments only after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. Do not increase faster than the schedule allows; slow down if side effects are not tolerated. Always follow the exact schedule on your prescription — the dose ladder above is the FDA-label escalation, not medical advice for your situation.
The maximum recommended dose of Zepbound per the FDA label is 15 mg once weekly (all indications). The recommended maintenance dose is For weight reduction: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. For obstructive sleep apnea: 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly..
Missed-dose rules differ by drug — see our GLP-1 missed-dose guide for the exact late-dose window. If a dose increase causes side effects, the label allows staying on (or returning to) a lower dose; talk to your prescriber before changing your schedule. See the Zepbound side-effects page for what to expect at each step.