Tirzepetide is a prescription injectable medicine for adults used to treat type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management (obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition), and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.
— a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — to manage type 2 diabetes, obesity, and weight-related conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. It helps improve blood sugar control and reduces appetite and slows digestion, promoting weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. (NCBI)
Here’s a sample dosing protocol (male & female) — dosing is the same for adults generally; dose adjustments depend on tolerability, not sex.
| Week | Dose (subcutaneous, once weekly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Initiation dose to assess tolerance. (FDA Access Data) |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | Increase if tolerated and needed. (Drugs.com) |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Further escalation if side effects manageable. (MEDvidi) |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Maintenance escalation. (Fay Nutrition) |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Optional stepping toward maximum. (MEDvidi) |
| 21 onward | 15 mg max | Maximum recommended maintenance dose. (FDA Access Data) |
Because clinical response and side-effect tolerance vary individually, your provider may slow escalation, pause at a lower dose, or avoid reaching 15 mg. Maintenance dose typically remains 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly. (Ro)
Use exactly the same schedule for males and females. For females of reproductive potential on oral contraceptives, consider non-oral contraception or barrier method during dose escalation and 4 weeks after each increase. (FDA Access Data)
References
https://www.drugs.com/tirzepatide.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tirzepatide-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20534045
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/mounjaro-zepbound-tirzepatide-4000264
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management
https://iapam.com/medical-weight-management-library/tirzepatide-dosage-guide
