Zepbound dosing
Every Zepbound dose and when it changes, the four ways it comes, how many units a vial dose is, and how to store it.
Key facts
- Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 5 mg; increases are 2.5 mg, at least 4 weeks apart.
- Maintenance doses: 5, 10 or 15 mg for weight, 10 or 15 mg for sleep apnoea. Maximum 15 mg.
- Single-dose vial: 50 units at every strength. Multi-dose vial: 60 units. Pens need no syringe.
- A missed dose can be taken within 4 days; after that, skip it.
Zepbound dosing chart
Zepbound is tirzepatide approved, with diet and exercise, to reduce body weight and keep it off in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, and to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity.
| Step | Weekly dose | When | Maintenance for | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 2.5 mg | weeks 1–4 | no, starting only | 2.5 mg → |
| Step 2 | 5 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | weight | 5 mg → |
| Step 3 | 7.5 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | no, a step | 7.5 mg → |
| Step 4 | 10 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | weight, sleep apnoea | 10 mg → |
| Step 5 | 12.5 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | no, a step | 12.5 mg → |
| Maximum | 15 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | weight, sleep apnoea | 15 mg → |
Choosing the Zepbound maintenance dose
The label names the maintenance doses: 5, 10 or 15 mg for weight management and 10 or 15 mg for sleep apnoea. It asks prescribers to weigh response and tolerability when choosing one, and to consider a lower maintenance dose if one is not tolerated.
The steps exist to limit nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which are most common in the weeks after each increase.
Zepbound pens and vials
Zepbound comes in the same six strengths in four presentations. Only the vials are drawn with a syringe.
| Zepbound presentation | Holds | Each dose | How the dose is given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-dose pen | 1 dose | 0.5 mL | Automatic: press against the skin; no syringe, no dialling |
| Single-dose vial | 1 dose | 0.5 mL | Drawn with a syringe: 50 units on a U-100 syringe |
| Multi-dose vial | 4 doses, 2.4 mL | 0.6 mL | Drawn with a syringe: 60 units on a U-100 syringe |
| KwikPen | 4 doses, 2.4 mL | 0.6 mL | Dialled on the pen with a new pen needle each time; no syringe |
Zepbound concentrations by strength
Every branded dose comes in the same volume, so the concentration rises with the strength. This is why the unit count never changes.
| Strength | Single-dose pen / vial | Multi-dose vial / KwikPen |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 5 mg/mL | 4.17 mg/mL |
| 5 mg | 10 mg/mL | 8.33 mg/mL |
| 7.5 mg | 15 mg/mL | 12.5 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | 20 mg/mL | 16.7 mg/mL |
| 12.5 mg | 25 mg/mL | 20.8 mg/mL |
| 15 mg | 30 mg/mL | 25 mg/mL |
Work out a vial dose in units
Filled from the calculator. Add your next step and print. Nothing is sent or stored.
Missed doses, timing and injection sites
Zepbound can be injected at any time of day, with or without meals, in the abdomen or thigh, or the back of the upper arm if someone else gives it. Rotate the site each week.
Storing Zepbound
Keep it in the original carton, away from heat and light, and never freeze it.
| Presentation | In the fridge (2–8 °C / 36–46 °F) | Out of the fridge (up to 30 °C / 86 °F) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-dose pen or vial | Until the expiry date | Up to 21 days in total, then throw it away |
| Multi-dose vial or KwikPen, unopened | Until the expiry date | Throw away after 30 days |
| Multi-dose vial or KwikPen, in use | Fridge or room temperature; throw away 30 days after first use or after 4 doses, even if medicine is left | |
Getting Zepbound prescribed
Frequently asked questions
What is the Zepbound starting dose?
2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks. It is for starting treatment only and is not a maintenance dose; the label then moves to 5 mg.
What are the Zepbound maintenance doses?
5, 10 or 15 mg once a week for weight management, and 10 or 15 mg for obstructive sleep apnoea. The maximum is 15 mg.
How many units is a Zepbound vial dose?
50 units (0.5 mL) from a single-dose vial and 60 units (0.6 mL) from a multi-dose vial, at every strength. Only the concentration changes.
Is the Zepbound KwikPen dosed in units?
No. The KwikPen holds 4 doses of one strength and delivers each dose itself; you attach a new pen needle each week, with no syringe.