Tirzepatide pen reference · FDA prescribing information
Zepbound Pen Dose & Administration Chart
All 4 Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose auto-injector strengths with pen colors, the FDA-label titration schedule, storage requirements, single-dose vial information, and step-by-step injection instructions.
Zepbound Auto-Injector Strengths
4 single-dose pens. Each pen delivers one fixed dose — tap a pen for details.
What pen am I on?
How the Zepbound titration schedule works
The Zepbound FDA prescribing information [1] specifies: start at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (initiation dose, not therapeutic). Increase to 5 mg once weekly. After at least 4 weeks, the prescriber may increase in 2.5 mg increments based on clinical response. The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg once weekly.
Note that Zepbound has 4 pen strengths (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg) while Mounjaro has 6 (adding 7.5 and 12.5 mg). Clinicians titrating Zepbound jump directly from 5 mg to 10 mg, skipping the intermediate 7.5 mg step available in Mounjaro.
Pen colors
Each Zepbound pen strength has a distinct color on the label per the FDA-approved packaging [1][2]:
- 2.5 mg: Yellow
- 5 mg: Blue
- 10 mg: Purple
- 15 mg: Blue-gray
Single-dose vials
In addition to auto-injector pens, Zepbound is available as single-dose vials in 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg strengths (approved November 2024) [1]. Vials require the patient or healthcare provider to draw the dose using a syringe and needle. This is relevant for patients who prefer vial administration or whose insurance covers vials but not pens.
Storage
Per the FDA prescribing information [1]: store Zepbound in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). May be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) for up to 21 days. Do not freeze. Do not use if the product has been frozen. Protect from light.
Administration
Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each injection. Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard [1][2].
Important disclaimer
This tool is for educational reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Dose changes should only be made under the direction of your prescribing clinician. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific pen or vial. If you are unsure which strength to use, contact your prescriber or pharmacist.
Related tools and research
- Mounjaro KwikPen click & dose chart — the same tirzepatide molecule, approved for type 2 diabetes
- GLP-1 dose plotter — visualize plasma concentration build-up for tirzepatide
- GLP-1 missed dose guide — what to do if you miss a Zepbound injection
- GLP-1 washout calculator — how long tirzepatide stays in your system
- Switching between GLP-1 medications — guidance for switching from Mounjaro to Zepbound or vice versa
- What is tirzepatide? — mechanism of action, clinical trials, and approved uses
References
- 1.Eli Lilly and Company. ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection, for subcutaneous use — US Prescribing Information. Highlights of prescribing information, dosage forms/strengths, dosage and administration, storage and handling. FDA Approved Labeling. 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/217806s002lbl.pdf
- 2.Eli Lilly and Company. ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection — Instructions for Use: Single-Dose Pen. FDA Approved Labeling (IFU). 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/217806s002lbl.pdf
- 3.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022. PMID: 35658024.
- 4.Wadden TA, Chao AM, Machineni S, Kushner R, Ard J, Srivastava G, Halpern B, Zhang S, Chen J, Bunck MC, Ahmad NN, Aronne LJ; SURMOUNT-4 Investigators. Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2024. PMID: 38512249.