Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg once weekly. The maintenance dose is 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly (10 or 15 mg for obstructive sleep apnea), and the maximum is 15 mg once weekly. Increases come in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. If a maintenance dose is not tolerated, the label says to consider a lower maintenance dose.
Zepbound dose at a glance
| Form | Single-dose pen, single-patient-use KwikPen, or single-dose vial used with a syringe; subcutaneous injection |
|---|---|
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly |
| Maintenance | 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly (10 or 15 mg for obstructive sleep apnea) |
| Maximum | 15 mg once weekly |
| How often | Once weekly, any time of day, with or without meals |
Checked against the Zepbound FDA label dated August 28, 2026. How long it keeps out of the fridge is on the Zepbound storage page.
Zepbound (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 only; not approved for maintenance. |
| Weeks 5–8 | 5 mg/week | First maintenance option. |
| Weeks 9–12 | 7.5 mg/week | — |
| Weeks 13–16 | 10 mg/week | Second maintenance option. |
| Weeks 17–20 | 12.5 mg/week | — |
| Week 21+ | 15 mg/week | Third maintenance option and the maximum. |
Maximum approved Zepbound dose: 15 mg once weekly. Source: FDA prescribing information.
Your Zepbound 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 Zepbound
- 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 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.
Zepbound pen colors — which pen is which dose
Zepbound 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: Confirm carton reads "Zepbound" NOT "Mounjaro" — the pens look nearly identical but indications differ.
FAQ about Zepbound dosage
Can I change the day or time I take Zepbound?
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 Zepbound?
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 Zepbound dosed differently for kidney or liver problems?
No dose change for kidney or liver impairment, including end-stage kidney disease.
Can children take Zepbound?
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.
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.