Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
If you are curious about medical weight loss, you might have heard of a medication called tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro). Tirzepatide has shown impressive results in helping people lose significant weight when combined with a healthy lifestyle. However, understanding the correct dosage is important to ensure safety and effectiveness. In this article, we will explain tirzepatide dosages in plain language, provide charts for reference, and discuss the concepts of dosing in “units” and microdosing.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication originally developed for controlling blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Doctors have since discovered that it can also help people lose weight, making it increasingly popular at medical spas and weight loss clinics.
Tirzepatide comes in pre-filled injection pens at different strengths. The doses are measured in milligrams (mg), not units like insulin. However, some people refer to their injection in “units” based on the markings on their injection pens or syringes—more on that later.
Here is a standard dosing schedule for tirzepatide when used for weight loss:
| Week | Tirzepatide Dose (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 2.5 mg/week | Starting/introductory dose |
| 5-8 | 5 mg/week | Step-up dose |
| 9-12 | 7.5 mg/week | If needed, based on tolerance |
| 13-16 | 10 mg/week | If needed |
| 17-20 | 12.5 mg/week | If needed |
| 21+ | 15 mg/week | Maximum dose |
Important: Your provider will help you find the right dose for your body and goals. Most people start at a low dose and increase slowly to minimize potential side effects (like nausea or stomach upset).
Tirzepatide Dosage in Units
Unlike insulin, which is usually measured in “units,” tirzepatide’s dose is based in milligrams. However, if your clinic gives you tirzepatide in a multi-dose vial, you may be drawing it up with an insulin syringe, which is marked in units. This can get confusing!
- 1 milligram (mg) does not always equal 1 unit on a syringe.
- The number of “units” you draw will depend on how concentrated your tirzepatide is.
Example: If your tirzepatide vial is labeled as “10mg/mL” (meaning there are 10 milligrams in every 1 milliliter of liquid), and you are prescribed 2.5 mg:
- Dose needed: 2.5 mg
- Strength: 10 mg/mL
- Volume to inject: 2.5 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 0.25 mL
If you are using a standard insulin syringe (where the “100” line = 1 mL):
0.25 mL is the same as “25 units” on your syringe.
Your clinic should always tell you exactly how many “units” to draw based on the concentration of your medication. Never guess—always double-check with your healthcare provider.
Tirzepatide Dosing for Weight Loss in Units
To make things clearer, here’s a hypothetical chart. Always follow your clinic’s instructions since compounding pharmacies might use different concentrations!
Example concentration: 10 mg/mL
| Tirzepatide Dose (mg) | Volume (mL) | Units on U-100 Syringe |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 0.25 | 25 |
| 5.0 mg | 0.50 | 50 |
| 7.5 mg | 0.75 | 75 |
| 10 mg | 1.0 | 100 |
| 12.5 mg | 1.25 | 125 |
| 15 mg | 1.5 | 150 |
If your vial is a different strength (such as 5 mg/mL), the number of units you need will change. Always ask your provider for your specific dosing instructions!
What is "Microdosing" Tirzepatide?
“Microdosing” means taking much smaller doses than typically recommended, especially at the start of treatment. Some clinics use ultra-low starting doses to minimize side effects and let your body gradually adjust to the medication.
Why microdose?
- Reduces risk of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
- Can help people who are sensitive to medications or have experienced side effects before.
What does microdosing look like?
- Starting at 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, or 0.5 mg per week instead of the full 2.5 mg.
- Very small volumes drawn up - sometimes just a few "units" on the syringe.
Some people experience more serious but less common side effects, such as:
- Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems
- Allergic reactions
Who should microdose?
- Often helpful for people who want to take it slow, are nervous about side effects, or have had trouble with other weight loss injections.
Microdosing is not necessary for everyone, but it can be a useful option for some.
Key Takeaways
- Tirzepatide is dosed in milligrams (mg), not "units."
- If using a syringe, the "units" refer to the syringe scale, not the medication strength itself.
- Always check your vial's concentration and follow your clinic’s instructions for the number of units to draw.
- Typical dosing starts at 2.5 mg weekly and increases over time.
- Microdosing (very low starting doses) can help minimize side effects for sensitive clients.
- NEVER guess the dose or change your dosing schedule without consulting your provider!
Always rely on your medical provider’s instructions and never hesitate to ask questions about dosing. Your safety and success are the top priority! Do you have more questions about tirzepatide or weight loss injections?
Contact our MedSpa—our experts are happy to help!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general knowledge only and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns about your health or medications, please consult your physician or healthcare provider. They are best equipped to provide guidance specific to your medical needs.