What is Zepbound’s dosage?

This section describes Zepbound’s typical dosage, but always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Zepbound comes as a liquid solution in prefilled, disposable injection pens. It also comes in a vial to be used with a needle and syringe. The drug is given as an injection under your skin.

Zepbound is available in six strengths:

2.5 milligrams in 0.5 milliliters of liquid solution (2.5 mg/0.5 mL)

5 mg/0.5 mL

7.5 mg/0.5 mL

10 mg/0.5 mL

12.5 mg/0.5 mL

15 mg/0.5 mL

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Zepbound that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor.

The recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected once per week for 4 weeks. This low dose helps your body get used to the medication. It also reduces your risk of having digestive side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.

After the first 4 weeks, your doctor will increase your dosage to 5 mg injected once per week for 4 weeks.

If needed, your doctor may increase your weekly dose in increments of 2.5 mg until you reach the dosage that’s right for you. You’ll inject each prescribed dose for at least 4 weeks before your doctor increases your dose again.

The maximum dosage of Zepbound is 15 mg injected once per week.

The recommended maintenance dosage for adults with obstructive sleep apnea is 10 mg or 15 mg injected once per week.

Your doctor will explain how you should inject Zepbound. They’ll also explain how much to inject and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Zepbound is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin using the injection pen or a vial and syringe. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself these injections at home. You’ll also find instructions in the leaflet that comes with the medication.

Each Zepbound pen or vial is single-dose, meaning it’s used only once.

You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for more instructions, including a video on how to inject Zepbound.

You should inject Zepbound into your abdomen, thigh, or the back of your upper arm. (If you want to have the injections in your upper arm, another person will need to administer the injections for you.)

The injection should be given into a slightly different spot each week to avoid irritating your skin.

This section answers some common questions about Zepbound.

Should I inject Zepbound with food? You can inject Zepbound with or without food.

Is there a best time of day to inject Zepbound? Zepbound is injected once per week. You can inject Zepbound at any time of day, but it’s best to inject a dose on the same day each week.

How should I store Zepbound? Keep Zepbound in the refrigerator until you use it. If needed, you can store it at room temperature for up to 21 days, but don’t freeze it.

What if I miss a dose of Zepbound? If you miss a dose of Zepbound, inject it as soon as you remember. But if it’s been more than 4 days (96 hours) since your dose was due, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose at the usual time. You should not inject two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. And do not inject two doses within 3 days (72 hours) of each other. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.

Will I need Zepbound treatment long term? If Zepbound works for you and doesn’t cause bothersome side effects, your doctor will likely recommend long-term treatment with it.

How long does Zepbound take to work? Zepbound starts working as soon as you start treatment, but it might take a few weeks before you notice weight loss. Improvements in sleep apnea symptoms may take several months and usually happen as you lose weight over time. Your doctor can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your individual progress.

Do not inject more Zepbound than your doctor prescribes. Injecting more than this can lead to harmful effects.

Call your doctor if you think you’ve injected too much Zepbound. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.