Zepbound & Mounjaro Dose Tracking: The Tirzepatide Schedule Explained
Tirzepatide — sold as Zepbound for weight management and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes — is a dual GIP/GLP-1 weekly injection with six dose levels. More levels means more titration decisions, and more reason to keep a clean record.
The tirzepatide dose ladder
| Weeks | Weekly dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Starter dose — for adaptation, not therapeutic effect |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | First maintenance-eligible dose |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Increase in 2.5 mg steps, each held ≥ 4 weeks |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Common maintenance dose |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | If further escalation is needed and tolerated |
| 21+ | 15 mg | Maximum dose |
Unlike Wegovy's fixed five steps, tirzepatide maintenance can be 5, 10, or 15 mg (Zepbound) — your prescriber picks the landing spot based on your results and tolerability. That makes your personal response record the key input to the decision.
Tirzepatide's missed dose rule: 4 days, not 5
If you miss a Zepbound or Mounjaro dose, Eli Lilly's guidance is to take it within 4 days (96 hours); after that, skip it and resume your normal schedule. Never double up. (Semaglutide's window is 5 days — if you've switched medications, don't carry the old rule over.)
What to track on tirzepatide
- Dose and date of every injection — six possible strengths makes "what was I on last month?" a real question.
- Injection site — same rotation rules as other GLP-1s: abdomen, thigh, upper arm, rotated weekly.
- Side effects per step — nausea and digestive symptoms typically spike for 1–2 weeks after each increase, then fade. A log shows whether yours are fading or persisting.
- Weight trend, not daily weight — tirzepatide's trial results are strong, but week-to-week loss is uneven. Trend lines beat single weigh-ins.
How to do this in Wellion
- Select Zepbound or Mounjaro (or a custom tirzepatide plan) and your current strength — all six dose levels are supported.
- Log each weekly shot with site and optional pain level; reminders track your dose day and warn you before the 4-day window closes on a missed dose.
- Watch dose vs. weight. The dose journey chart overlays your escalation steps on your weight curve — the exact view that helps your prescriber choose your maintenance dose.
- Stay private. No account, no cloud sync — your entire tirzepatide history lives on your phone.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is for tracking and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and talk to your doctor before changing your medication, dose, or schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro?
Both are tirzepatide made by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. The molecule, pen, and dose ladder are the same.
What is the maintenance dose of Zepbound?
Zepbound maintenance is 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly depending on your response and tolerability — your prescriber decides after the escalation phase. Tracking your weight and side effects at each step informs that choice.
Can Wellion track both Mounjaro and a previous Ozempic history?
Yes. Wellion supports every GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medication, so if you switched from semaglutide to tirzepatide your full history stays in one timeline.
