Medical Disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any medication or supplement. Dosage information reflects published FDA-approved labeling or publicly available clinical trial data — individual treatment decisions must be made by a licensed physician.
About tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound). This chart shows the standard dose escalation protocol as outlined in the FDA-approved prescribing information.
Indication
Type 2 diabetes management (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity (Zepbound).
Standard Titration Schedule
Frequency: Once weekly, on the same day each week. Maximum approved dose: 15 mg once weekly.
| Week / Phase | Dose | At 2.5 mg/mL | At 5 mg/mL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 2.5 mg | 10 units (2.5 mg/mL) | 5 units (5 mg/mL) | Initiation dose. Not intended for glycemic control. Taken to improve tolerability. |
| Weeks 5–8 | 5 mg | 20 units (2.5 mg/mL) | 10 units (5 mg/mL) | First maintenance dose. Dose may be maintained for additional 4 weeks if not tolerated. |
| Weeks 9–12 | 7.5 mg | 30 units (2.5 mg/mL) | 15 units (5 mg/mL) | Escalation step. GI side effects may increase temporarily. |
| Weeks 13–16 | 10 mg | 40 units (2.5 mg/mL) | 20 units (5 mg/mL) | Second maintenance dose. Many patients reach their target weight-loss response here. |
| Weeks 17–20 | 12.5 mg | 50 units (2.5 mg/mL) | 25 units (5 mg/mL) | Higher dose step for additional efficacy. |
| Week 21+ | 15 mg | 60 units (2.5 mg/mL) | 30 units (5 mg/mL) | Maximum approved dose. Continue only if clinically indicated. |
Units shown assume a standard U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Always confirm your vial concentration with your pharmacy.
Dose Calculator
Enter your prescribed dose and vial concentration to calculate how many units to draw.
mg ↔ Units Dose Calculator
Convert between milligrams and insulin-syringe units for compounded GLP-1 medications. Uses a standard U-100 syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
2.5 mg at 2.5 mg/mL → 1.000 mL → 100 units on a U-100 (100-unit / 1 mL) insulin syringe
Always verify calculations with your prescribing provider or pharmacist before administering any medication. This calculator is for reference only.
Injection Sites
Abdomen
Fatty tissue of the abdomen, at least 2 inches from the navel.
- Avoid injecting within 2 inches of your navel
- Rotate injection sites within the abdomen each week
- Fastest absorption site
Thigh
Outer or front of the thigh (upper/middle portion).
- Use the outer front area, not the inner thigh
- Good for self-injection, easy to see
- Slightly slower absorption than abdomen
Upper arm
Back of the upper arm (triceps area).
- Usually requires a caregiver or healthcare provider for injection
- Avoid bony areas — use fatty tissue only
- Pinch the skin if needed
Storage Instructions
- Store unopened pens in the refrigerator (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C)
- Do not freeze. Discard if frozen.
- Keep away from light; store in original packaging
- After first use, may store at room temperature (≤86°F / 30°C) for up to 21 days
- Discard pen 21 days after first use, even if medication remains
Common Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are severe or persistent.
- Nausea (most common, especially at dose increases)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite (also the therapeutic goal)
- Injection site reactions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units is 2.5 mg of tirzepatide?
What is the starting dose of tirzepatide?
Can I skip the titration steps?
What is the maximum dose of tirzepatide?
Is tirzepatide the same as semaglutide?
What if I miss a dose?
Primary Source
FDA / Clinical Source
Dosing information sourced from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
Related Guides
Tirzepatide Microdosing Chart
Mounjaro · Zepbound
Microdosing tirzepatide — sub-therapeutic dosing guide
Tirzepatide Injection Sites Guide
Mounjaro · Zepbound
Where to inject tirzepatide — site guide for Mounjaro and Zepbound
Semaglutide Dosage Chart
Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus
Full titration schedule for semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)