Tirzepatide is dosed differently than semaglutide.

It comes in multiple vial sizes (10mg, 30mg, 40mg) and requires careful titration from 2.5mg weekly to 10-15mg over 16-20 weeks for maximum results.

This guide covers complete tirzepatide dosing - how to dose each vial size, titration schedules, reconstitution for different strengths, what to expect at each dose level, and troubleshooting common issues.

Understanding tirzepatide dosing

Before diving into specific protocols, understanding the basics prevents mistakes.

Why tirzepatide requires titration

You can't start at full dose. Your body needs time to adapt to GLP-1 receptor activation.

Starting too high causes:

• Severe nausea and vomiting

• Extreme fatigue

• Intolerable side effects

• Protocol abandonment

Gradual titration:

• Minimizes side effects

• Allows adaptation

• Improves tolerance

• Maintains adherence

Standard schedule: Start 2.5mg weekly, increase every 4 weeks until reaching maintenance dose.

Learn more about how peptides work.

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide dosing

Key differences:

Tirzepatide:

• Dual agonist (GLP-1 + GIP)

• Higher starting dose (2.5mg vs 0.25mg)

• Faster titration schedule

• Typically higher maintenance dose

Semaglutide:

• Single agonist (GLP-1 only)

• Lower starting dose (0.25mg)

• Slower titration

• Lower maintenance dose

Effectiveness: Tirzepatide produces 15-22% weight loss vs semaglutide's 15-17%. Both excellent options.

Read our complete semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison.

Common vial sizes

Research peptides come in three main sizes:

10mg vials: Smallest, good for testing tolerance or single dose

30mg vials: Most popular, lasts 3-12 weeks depending on dose

40mg vials: Bulk option, best value for long protocols

Which to buy? Start with 30mg vials. Most versatile for titration schedules.

Calculate exactly what you need with our peptide cost calculator.

Complete titration schedule

Standard protocol for maximum results with minimal side effects.

Week 1-4: Starting dose (2.5mg)

Weekly dose: 2.5mg

Why this dose:

• Introduces GLP-1 effect

• Minimal side effects

• Tests tolerance

• Begins appetite suppression

What to expect:

• Mild appetite reduction (20-30%)

• Slight nausea first few days (30% of users)

• Weight loss: 2-4 lbs (mostly water)

• Energy may dip initially

Common mistake: Thinking 2.5mg is "too low" and skipping to 5mg. Don't. This foundation dose matters.

Week 5-8: Low therapeutic dose (5mg)

Weekly dose: 5mg (double from 2.5mg)

Why this dose:

• First therapeutic dose

• Noticeable appetite suppression

• Steady weight loss begins

• Side effects still manageable

What to expect:

• Moderate appetite suppression (40-50%)

• Consistent 1-2 lb weekly loss

• Nausea reduces (if present initially)

• Energy normalizes

Total weight loss so far: 6-10 lbs

Week 9-12: Medium dose (7.5mg)

Weekly dose: 7.5mg

Why this dose:

• Increased effectiveness

• Strong appetite control

• Accelerated fat loss

• Still tolerable for most

What to expect:

• Strong appetite suppression (60-70%)

• 1.5-2 lbs weekly loss

• Minimal side effects (body adapted)

• Improved insulin sensitivity

Total weight loss so far: 12-18 lbs

Week 13-16: High therapeutic dose (10mg)

Weekly dose: 10mg

Why this dose:

• Maintenance dose for many users

• Maximum appetite suppression

• Optimal metabolic effects

• Sustainable long-term

What to expect:

• Very strong appetite control (70-80%)

• Continued 1-2 lb weekly loss

• Minimal hunger most days

• Excellent insulin control

Total weight loss so far: 18-26 lbs

Week 17-20: Maximum dose (12.5-15mg)

Weekly dose: 12.5mg or 15mg (optional)

Why this dose:

• For those who plateau at 10mg

• Additional 3-5% weight loss

• Maximum therapeutic effect

• Not needed by everyone

What to expect:

• Maximum suppression (80-90%)

• Final 5-10 lbs to goal

• Very little hunger

• Excellent metabolic health

Total weight loss (20 weeks): 25-35 lbs average

Note: Many people maintain at 10mg. Only increase to 12.5-15mg if weight loss stalls.

Use our semaglutide calculator (works for tirzepatide too).

Dosing 10mg vials

10mg vials are smallest size. Best for single doses or testing.

Reconstitution for 10mg vials

Add 2ml bacteriostatic water to 10mg vial

Concentration: 5,000mcg per ml (5mg/ml)

Why 2ml: Easy math, manageable injection volume.

Supplies needed:

• 10mg tirzepatide vial

• 2ml bacteriostatic water

• 3ml syringe for mixing

• Insulin syringes for injecting

Learn how to reconstitute peptides properly.

Dose chart for 10mg vials

With 2ml water (5mg/ml concentration):

Problem with 10mg vials: Only contains one 10mg dose or four 2.5mg doses. Not ideal for long protocols.

Best use: Testing tolerance before buying larger vials.

Supply needed (10mg vials)

For complete 20-week protocol:

• Week 1-4 (2.5mg): 1 vial (use 1/4 of vial weekly)

• Week 5-8 (5mg): 2 vials

• Week 9-12 (7.5mg): 3 vials

• Week 13-16 (10mg): 4 vials

• Total: 10 vials minimum

Cost: $400-600 for complete protocol (at $40-60 per 10mg vial)

Better option: Use 30mg vials (more economical).

Dosing 30mg vials

30mg vials are most popular. Best value and flexibility.

Reconstitution for 30mg vials

Add 3ml bacteriostatic water to 30mg vial

Concentration: 10,000mcg per ml (10mg/ml)

Why 3ml: Perfect for all dose levels, easy calculations.

Alternative: Add 2ml for stronger concentration (15mg/ml) but larger syringe units needed.

Use our reconstitution calculator for exact measurements.

Dose chart for 30mg vials

With 3ml water (10mg/ml concentration):

30mg vial advantages:

• Lasts 3-12 weeks depending on dose

• Economical ($80-120 vs multiple 10mg vials)

• Flexible for any dose level

• Standard from most suppliers

Supply needed (30mg vials)

For complete 20-week protocol:

• Week 1-4 (2.5mg x 4 doses): 10mg total = 1/3 of vial

• Week 5-8 (5mg x 4 doses): 20mg total = 2/3 of vial

• First vial lasts 8 weeks

• Week 9-12 (7.5mg x 4 doses): 30mg total = 1 vial

• Week 13-16 (10mg x 4 doses): 40mg total = 1.33 vials

• Week 17-20 (12.5mg x 4 doses): 50mg total = 1.67 vials

Total: 4-5 vials for complete 20-week protocol

Cost: $320-600 for complete protocol (at $80-120 per 30mg vial)

Most economical option for full protocol.

Source from best peptide vendors.

Example weekly schedule (30mg vial)

Week 1: 2.5mg dose

• Reconstitute 30mg vial with 3ml water

• Monday: Inject 0.25ml (25 units)

• Vial contains 29 doses of 2.5mg remaining

• Refrigerate, use over next 11 weeks

Week 2-4: Continue 0.25ml weekly

Week 5: Increase to 0.5ml (50 units) for 5mg dose

Week 9: New vial or continue (depending on dose progression)

Dosing 40mg vials

40mg vials are bulk option. Best for long-term use or high doses.

Reconstitution for 40mg vials

Add 4ml bacteriostatic water to 40mg vial

Concentration: 10,000mcg per ml (10mg/ml)

Why 4ml: Matches 30mg vial concentration (10mg/ml), easy consistency.

Alternative: Add 2ml for 20mg/ml concentration (very strong, smaller injection volumes).

Dose chart for 40mg vials

With 4ml water (10mg/ml concentration):

40mg vial advantages:

• Lowest cost per mg

• Lasts longer (less reconstitution)

• Good for maintenance dosing

• Bulk discount pricing

Disadvantage: Larger upfront cost, might expire if protocol ends early.

Supply needed (40mg vials)

For complete 20-week protocol:

• Week 1-8: 30mg total = 3/4 of first vial

• Week 9-16: 70mg total = 1.75 vials

• Week 17-20: 50mg total = 1.25 vials

Total: 3-4 vials for complete 20-week protocol

Cost: $360-720 for complete protocol (at $120-180 per 40mg vial)

Best for: People committed to long-term use (6+ months).

Injection technique

Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Same day each week.

Best injection sites

Abdomen (recommended):

• 2 inches from belly button

• Most fat tissue

• Easy to reach

• Rotate quadrants weekly

Front of thigh: Alternative if abdomen not suitable

Back of upper arm: Requires assistance or flexibility

Injection process

Step 1: Calculate dose using charts above

Step 2: Draw dose into insulin syringe

Step 3: Clean injection site with alcohol swab

Step 4: Pinch skin, insert needle at 45-90 degree angle

Step 5: Inject slowly (5-10 seconds)

Step 6: Withdraw needle, apply pressure

Step 7: Dispose needle in sharps container

Timing: Same day each week (e.g., every Monday morning)

Rotating sites: Prevents tissue damage, improves absorption.

Compare injectable vs oral peptides options.

Managing side effects at each dose

Side effects vary by dose level.

2.5mg dose side effects

Common (30-40% of users):

• Mild nausea (first 2-3 days)

• Slight fatigue

• Reduced appetite

Management:

• Eat smaller meals

• Avoid greasy foods

• Stay hydrated

• Ginger for nausea

Duration: Usually resolves within 3-5 days

5mg dose side effects

Common (40-50%):

• Moderate nausea (dose day + 1-2 days after)

• Constipation

• Mild headache

Management:

• Anti-nausea medication (Zofran) if needed

• Increase fiber and water

• Walk after meals

• Electrolyte supplementation

7.5-10mg dose side effects

Common (30-40%):

• Nausea (body adapted by now, less severe)

• Constipation (more common)

• Fatigue on injection day

Management:

• Miralax or magnesium for constipation

• Inject evening instead of morning

• Meal timing strategies

• Lower fat intake

12.5-15mg dose side effects

Common (20-30%):

• Similar to 10mg but slightly more intense

• GI slowdown

• Occasional reflux

Management:

• Smaller, more frequent meals

• Avoid late-night eating

• Antacids if needed

• Consider staying at 10mg if intolerable

Read our peptide safety guide for complete information.

Troubleshooting common dosing issues

Not losing weight at current dose

Wait 4 weeks: Weight loss isn't linear. Plateaus normal.

Check diet: GLP-1 agonists reduce appetite but don't override terrible food choices.

Increase dose: If 4 weeks at same dose with no loss, increase to next level.

Consider stacking: Add other peptides for enhanced results.

Side effects too severe

Reduce dose temporarily: Go back to previous dose for 2 more weeks.

Slow titration: Increase by 1.25mg increments instead of 2.5mg jumps.

Timing strategies: Inject Friday evening so weekend side effects don't affect work.

Medication: Anti-nausea meds, GI support supplements.

Stop if: Severe vomiting, extreme fatigue, signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain).

Calculating doses incorrectly

Use calculators: Don't eyeball measurements.

Double-check math: Concentration × volume = dose.

Mark syringes: Write dose on syringe before injection.

Reconstitution calculator: Use our peptide reconstitution calculator.

Dosage calculator: Use our semaglutide calculator (works for tirzepatide).

Running out mid-protocol

Plan ahead: Order next vials when current vial 70% used.

Shipping delays: Account for 5-10 day delivery.

Backup suppliers: Have 2-3 vetted vendors identified.

Storage: Unopened vials stable for 2+ years, reconstituted stable 28 days.

Read our peptide storage guide.

Alternative titration schedules

Standard schedule works for most people. Alternatives for special cases.

Fast titration (aggressive)

Week 1-2: 2.5mg Week 3-4: 5mg Week 5-6: 7.5mg Week 7-8: 10mg Week 9+: 12.5-15mg

Pros: Reach therapeutic dose faster, quicker results

Cons: Higher side effect risk, lower adherence

Best for: People with prior GLP-1 experience, high tolerance

Slow titration (conservative)

Week 1-6: 2.5mg Week 7-12: 5mg Week 13-18: 7.5mg Week 19-24: 10mg

Pros: Minimal side effects, excellent tolerance

Cons: Slower initial results, longer protocol

Best for: Side effect-sensitive people, first-time users, health conditions

Micro-dosing (very gradual)

Increase by 1mg increments instead of 2.5mg jumps

Example: 2.5mg → 3.5mg → 4.5mg → 5.5mg → etc.

Pros: Almost zero side effects

Cons: Complex dosing calculations, very slow

Best for: Extreme sensitivity, previous GLP-1 intolerance

Maintenance dosing

After reaching goal weight, what's next?

Finding maintenance dose

Most people: 5-10mg weekly maintains weight

Some need: 2.5mg weekly for maintenance

Few require: 12.5-15mg to prevent regain

Process: Reduce dose gradually, monitor weight for 4 weeks at each level.

Maintenance schedule

Month 1-2: Stay at current dose, assess stability

Month 3-4: Reduce by 2.5mg, monitor weight

Month 5-6: Reduce again if weight stable

Long-term: Minimum dose that prevents regain

Coming off tirzepatide

Not recommended: Abruptly stopping often leads to rapid weight regain.

Better approach: Gradual dose reduction over 2-3 months while building sustainable habits.

Success factors:

• Established eating habits

• Regular exercise routine

• Metabolic adaptation complete

• Sustainable calorie intake

Reality: Many people stay on low maintenance dose long-term (2.5-5mg weekly).

Cost analysis by vial size

Which vial size offers best value?

Cost per mg comparison

10mg vials at $50 each: $5 per mg

30mg vials at $100 each: $3.33 per mg (33% savings)

40mg vials at $140 each: $3.50 per mg (30% savings)

Winner: 30mg vials offer best value

Total protocol costs

Using 10mg vials (10 vials needed):

• 10 vials × $50 = $500-600

Using 30mg vials (4-5 vials needed):

• 5 vials × $100 = $400-500

Using 40mg vials (3-4 vials needed):

• 4 vials × $140 = $480-560

Winner: 30mg vials most economical for 20-week protocol

Calculate your specific needs with our peptide cost calculator.

Budget strategies

Start small: Test tolerance with one 10mg or 30mg vial before bulk buying.

Bulk discounts: Many vendors offer 10-20% off for 5+ vials.

Compare suppliers: Prices vary $20-40 per vial between suppliers.

Quality matters: Don't choose cheapest option. Third-party testing essential.

Comparing to other weight loss peptides

How tirzepatide stacks up.

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide

Semaglutide:

• Single receptor (GLP-1)

• 15-17% weight loss average

• Lower starting dose (0.25mg)

• Slower titration

• More established research

Tirzepatide:

• Dual receptor (GLP-1 + GIP)

• 15-22% weight loss average

• Higher starting dose (2.5mg)

• Faster results

• Newer, less long-term data

Winner: Tirzepatide edges out for weight loss effectiveness.

Read our complete semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison.

Tirzepatide vs peptide stacks

Peptide stacks for weight loss:

• Multiple peptides combined

• More complex protocols

• Different mechanisms (GH release, metabolism)

• No appetite suppression

Tirzepatide:

• Single peptide

• Simple weekly dosing

• Direct appetite suppression

• Easier to maintain

Winner: Tirzepatide for simplicity and weight loss. Stacks for body composition + performance.

Use our stack calculator to compare options.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Which tirzepatide vial size should I buy?

A: 30mg vials for most people. Best balance of value and flexibility. Start with one vial to test tolerance, then buy 3-4 more for complete protocol.

Q: Can I start at 5mg instead of 2.5mg?

A: Not recommended. Side effects will be severe. Always start at 2.5mg for 4 weeks. The titration schedule exists for good reasons.

Q: How do I dose a 30mg vial for 2.5mg weekly?

A: Add 3ml bacteriostatic water to vial (makes 10mg/ml). Draw 0.25ml (25 units on insulin syringe) weekly. Use our reconstitution calculator.

Q: What if I miss a weekly dose?

A: Take it within 4 days of scheduled dose. If more than 4 days late, skip and resume normal schedule. Don't double up.

Q: How long does tirzepatide work?

A: 5-7 day half-life. Weekly dosing maintains stable blood levels. Effects accumulate over weeks.

Q: Can I increase dose faster than recommended?

A: You can, but side effects will be worse. Most people who rush the titration end up quitting. Slow and steady wins.

Q: Is tirzepatide better than semaglutide?

A: Slightly more effective (15-22% vs 15-17% weight loss). Read our comparison guide.

Q: Where do I buy tirzepatide?

A: Research peptide suppliers with third-party testing. Check our vendor guide for vetted sources.

Q: How much does complete tirzepatide protocol cost?

A: $400-600 for 20-week protocol using 30mg vials. Use our cost calculator.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate tirzepatide?

A: Yes, both before and after reconstitution. Read our storage guide.

The bottom line

Tirzepatide requires careful dosing across multiple vial sizes. 30mg vials offer best value for most protocols.

Standard titration schedule:

• Week 1-4: 2.5mg weekly

• Week 5-8: 5mg weekly

• Week 9-12: 7.5mg weekly

• Week 13-16: 10mg weekly

• Week 17-20: 12.5-15mg weekly (optional)

Vial recommendations:

• 10mg vials: Testing tolerance only

• 30mg vials: Best value, most flexible

• 40mg vials: Bulk option for long-term use

Complete protocol requires:

• 4-5x 30mg vials (most economical)

• 20 weeks minimum

• $400-600 total cost

• Weekly injections

Success factors:

• Follow titration schedule (don't rush)

• Source quality peptides from reputable vendors

• Use proper reconstitution technique

• Manage side effects proactively

• Support with diet and exercise

Use our calculators:

• Semaglutide calculator (works for tirzepatide)

• Reconstitution calculator

• Cost calculator

• General peptide calculator

Start with 2.5mg weekly for 4 weeks. Increase gradually every 4 weeks. Most people maintain at 5-10mg long-term.

Related resources

• Semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison (complete guide)

• Best peptides for weight loss (all options)

• Semaglutide dosage calculator (similar protocol)

• Best peptide stack for weight loss (alternatives)

• How to reconstitute peptides (step-by-step)

• Peptide reconstitution calculator (exact measurements)

• Peptide storage guide (shelf life)

• Best peptide vendors (sourcing)

• Peptide cost calculator (budget planning)

• Getting started with peptides (beginners)

• Peptide safety and risks (important)

• Injectable vs oral peptides (comparison)

In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night. Take care of yourself. Cheers.