Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once weekly. The maintenance dose is The dose that controls blood sugar, raised in 2.5 mg steps up to 15 mg once weekly, and the maximum is 15 mg once weekly for adults; 10 mg once weekly for children 10 and older. Each 2.5 mg increase comes after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, and only when blood sugar needs more control. If you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, those doses may need lowering to avoid low blood sugar.
Mounjaro dose at a glance
| Form | Single-dose pen, single-patient-use KwikPen, or vial used with a syringe; subcutaneous injection |
|---|---|
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly |
| Maintenance | The dose that controls blood sugar, raised in 2.5 mg steps up to 15 mg once weekly |
| Maximum | 15 mg once weekly for adults; 10 mg once weekly for children 10 and older |
| How often | Once weekly, any time of day, with or without meals |
Checked against the Mounjaro FDA label dated August 27, 2026. How long it keeps out of the fridge is on the Mounjaro storage page.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) dosing chart
FDA-labeled titration schedule — the standard step-up most prescribers follow to limit nausea. Your prescriber may adjust the pace to your tolerance.
| Phase | Dose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 2.5 mg/week | Starting dose. |
| Weeks 5–8 | 5 mg/week | Only if blood sugar needs more control. |
| Weeks 9–12 | 7.5 mg/week | Each 2.5 mg step comes after at least 4 weeks, only if needed. |
| Weeks 13–16 | 10 mg/week | — |
| Weeks 17–20 | 12.5 mg/week | — |
| Week 21+ | 15 mg/week | Maximum adult dose. |
Maximum approved Mounjaro dose: 15 mg once weekly for adults; 10 mg once weekly for children 10 and older. Source: FDA prescribing information.
Your Mounjaro titration calendar
Enter your start date to see the exact dates your dose steps up — and when to reorder so you don't run out mid-titration. Built from the FDA-labeled schedule above.
Reorder tip: a pen typically covers ~4 weeks, so request your next fill about a week before you run out to avoid a gap during titration. This calendar is the standard label schedule — your prescriber may titrate slower for tolerability. General information, not medical advice.
How to inject Mounjaro
- Inject under the skin of the abdomen or thigh. The back of the upper arm is for when someone else gives the injection. Rotate the site with each dose.
- Use only if the solution is clear and colorless to slightly yellow.
- From a vial, use a syringe that can measure your dose (for example a 1 mL syringe), and a new syringe and needle every time.
- The label does not recommend the KwikPen for children, or for people with impaired vision, to use on their own.
What if you miss a dose?
Inject the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) of the missed day. If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and inject on your usual day. Two doses must be at least 3 days (72 hours) apart.
Mounjaro pen colors — which pen is which dose
Mounjaro comes as single-dose pens, one strength per pen — the color tells you the dose. Always confirm the strength printed on your carton; formats can change.
| Dose strength | Pen / cap color |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | pale-yellow base ring |
| 5 mg | orange base ring |
| 7.5 mg | pink base ring |
| 10 mg | red base ring |
| 12.5 mg | magenta base ring |
| 15 mg | purple base ring |
Storage: Refrigerate 36–46°F until use; once removed, use within 21 days at ≤86°F. Quick check: Pen auto-injects — base ring color must match strength on carton. If colors mismatch, do NOT inject.
FAQ about Mounjaro dosage
Can I change the day or time I take Mounjaro?
You can move your weekly day as long as the two doses are at least 3 days (72 hours) apart.
What happens if I take too much Mounjaro?
Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or get medical care. Tirzepatide has a half-life of about 5 days, so observation and treatment may be needed for a while.
Is Mounjaro dosed differently for kidney or liver problems?
No dose change for kidney or liver impairment, including end-stage kidney disease. The label asks for kidney monitoring in people with kidney impairment who get severe stomach side effects while starting or increasing.
Can children take Mounjaro?
Approved for type 2 diabetes from age 10, up to 10 mg once weekly.
Always follow your prescriber's specific dosing instructions over generic guides. Full medical disclaimer.
If you take a compounded version drawn from a vial rather than a fixed-dose pen, your dose is prescribed in milligrams but measured in syringe units — and the conversion depends on your vial's concentration. See tirzepatide dosage in units for the concentration-by-concentration chart.