From the Research
The recommended maintenance dose of Zepbound (tirzepatide) is 15 mg once weekly, which is typically reached after a gradual dose escalation, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. To achieve this dose, start with 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. Continue increasing by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until reaching the target maintenance dose of 15 mg weekly. Some key points to consider when administering Zepbound include:
- Some patients may achieve adequate results at lower maintenance doses (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, or 12.5 mg weekly), so the dose can be individualized based on effectiveness and tolerability.
- Once you reach your maintenance dose, continue it indefinitely as long as you're receiving benefit and not experiencing intolerable side effects.
- Stopping the medication typically results in weight regain, as obesity is considered a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.
- The gradual dose escalation helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common with this medication.
- Always administer Zepbound as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and maintain consistent weekly dosing for optimal results. The effectiveness of tirzepatide in improving glycemic outcomes, metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and reducing body weight has been demonstrated in various studies, including a recent case report on individuals with Alström syndrome 1. Additionally, studies have shown that tirzepatide is well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, and that it can be used as a monotherapy for type 2 diabetes treatment 2, 3. Overall, the use of Zepbound (tirzepatide) as a maintenance therapy can be an effective treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, and its dose should be individualized based on patient response and tolerability.