The standard weekly titration schedule, explained step by step — plus a dosage chart converting each dose to mL and syringe units across common vial strengths.
Medically reviewed content · Educational use only
This guide is for general education, not medical advice. Tirzepatide is prescription-only. Your actual starting dose, titration pace, and maintenance dose are determined by a licensed provider based on your health history — not by this page. iSTRYVE members get an individualized schedule from their care team.
Tirzepatide is injected once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of day — with or without food. As a dual GLP-1/GIP medication, providers increase the dose gradually to keep GI side effects manageable while the medication takes effect.
| Timeline | Weekly dose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose — introduces your body to dual GLP-1/GIP action gradually. |
| Weeks 5–8 | 5 mg | First increase, once your provider confirms you're tolerating 2.5 mg. |
| Weeks 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Many patients see appetite control strengthen noticeably here. |
| Weeks 13–16 | 10 mg | A common long-term maintenance dose for many patients. |
| Weeks 17–20 | 12.5 mg | For patients who need a higher dose to continue progressing. |
| Week 21+ | 15 mg | Maximum typical dose. Most patients never need to go this high. |
This is the standard schedule most providers reference. Your iSTRYVE provider may slow it down, hold a dose longer, or adjust it based on how you respond.
Compounding pharmacies mix tirzepatide at different concentrations, so the same dose can mean a very different draw volume depending on your specific vial. Use this chart alongside the label on your vial — never guess the concentration.
| Vial strength | 2.5 mg | 5 mg | 7.5 mg | 10 mg | 12.5 mg | 15 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg/mL | 0.25 mL (25 units) | 0.5 mL (50 units) | 0.75 mL (75 units) | 1 mL (100 units)* | 1.25 mL (125 units)* | 1.5 mL (150 units)* |
| 20 mg/mL | 0.125 mL (12.5 units) | 0.25 mL (25 units) | 0.375 mL (37.5 units) | 0.5 mL (50 units) | 0.625 mL (62.5 units) | 0.75 mL (75 units) |
| 30 mg/mL | 0.08 mL (8.3 units) | 0.17 mL (16.7 units) | 0.25 mL (25 units) | 0.33 mL (33.3 units) | 0.42 mL (41.7 units) | 0.5 mL (50 units) |
| 50 mg/mL | 0.05 mL (5 units) | 0.1 mL (10 units) | 0.15 mL (15 units) | 0.2 mL (20 units) | 0.25 mL (25 units) | 0.3 mL (30 units) |
*A standard U-100 insulin syringe only measures up to 100 units (1 mL). At lower concentrations, higher doses may require a larger syringe or a more concentrated vial — your pharmacy accounts for this when filling your prescription.
Wash your hands and let the vial come to room temperature if it's been refrigerated.
Draw the dose your provider prescribed, double-checking the mL/unit marking against your vial's concentration.
Pinch a fold of skin on your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm and inject subcutaneously at a 90° angle.
Rotate injection sites each week to reduce irritation, and dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
Nausea, mild constipation, and reduced appetite are most common in the first few weeks after a dose increase and typically ease within days. Eating smaller, lower-fat meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding lying down right after eating all help. Tell your provider if side effects are severe or don't improve — your titration pace can always be adjusted.
Take the 2-minute quiz and a licensed provider will build a titration schedule around you.
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