From the Guidelines
The maximum dose of Zepbound (tirzepatide) is 15 mg once weekly, administered as a subcutaneous injection. This dose has been shown to provide the greatest weight loss benefit, with a mean weight loss of 20.9% at 72-week follow-up, as reported in a recent RCT of 2539 adults with obesity and without diabetes 1. Patients typically start at a lower dose and gradually increase to the maximum dose, with each dose level maintained for at least 4 weeks before increasing, to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Key points to consider when prescribing Zepbound include:
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks
- Gradual titration to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and finally 15 mg once weekly
- Administration: subcutaneous injection
- Storage: refrigerator
- Injection site rotation: between the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm to prevent lipodystrophy
- The 15 mg maximum dose of Zepbound has been associated with greater weight loss compared to other medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, as reported in a recent meta-analysis of RCTs 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Each single-dose pen or single-dose vial contains a 0.5 mL solution of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide The max dose of Zepbound (tirzepatide) is 15 mg 2.
From the Research
Max Dose of Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- The maximum dose of tirzepatide (zepbound) is 15 mg per week, as indicated in several studies 3, 4, 5.
- This dose has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes, with significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss compared to lower doses and placebo 4, 5.
- However, the 15 mg dose has also been associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, compared to lower doses 4, 5.
- The optimal dose of tirzepatide may vary depending on individual patient factors, such as baseline HbA1c and body weight, as well as the presence of any comorbidities or concomitant medications 6, 7.
Efficacy and Safety
- Tirzepatide has been shown to be efficacious in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a dose-dependent effect 3, 4, 5.
- The safety profile of tirzepatide is generally consistent with that of other GLP-1 receptor agonists, with gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common 4, 5.
- However, tirzepatide has also been associated with a lower incidence of hypoglycemia compared to basal insulin regimens 5.
Mechanism of Action
- Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, with a unique pharmacological profile that may contribute to its efficacy in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight 7.
- The imbalance towards GIP receptor engagement, combined with distinct signaling properties at the GLP-1 receptor, may account for the promising efficacy of tirzepatide 7.