Tirzepatide Dosing Instructions

How Do I Know How Much Tirzepatide to Inject?
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Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medicine used for weight loss and diabetes. The right dose and how to inject it are important for safety and best results. This handout explains how to figure out your dose, how to increase it over time, and how to measure the right amount if using a vial.
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​1. How Much Tirzepatide to Inject: Starting Dose and Titration
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- The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg injected once a week. This helps your body get used to the medicine and lowers the chance of stomach side effects like nausea or vomiting.[1][2][3]
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- After 4 weeks, the dose is usually increased to 5 mg once a week.[1][2][3]
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- If more weight loss or blood sugar control is needed, the dose can be increased by 2.5 mg steps every 4 weeks (to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and up to a maximum of 15 mg once a week), as long as you are not having bothersome side effects.[1][4][2][3]
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- The most common maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once a week.[1][4][2][3]
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- Never increase your dose faster than every 4 weeks, unless your healthcare provider tells you to.[1][4][2][3]
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​2. How to Inject Tirzepatide
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- Tirzepatide is injected under the skin (subcutaneous) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week to avoid skin problems.[1][2]
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- It can be injected at any time of day, with or without food.[1][2]
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- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember within 4 days (96 hours). If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regular day.[1][2][3]
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​3. How to Calculate Injection Volume for Different Vial Concentrations
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Tirzepatide comes in different strengths, usually as pre-filled pens or single-dose vials. The most common vial strengths are 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, and 15 mg/0.5 mL.[1][2]
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- Each vial or pen contains the full dose for one injection. For example, a 5 mg/0.5 mL vial contains 5 mg in 0.5 mL. If your dose is 5 mg, inject the full 0.5 mL.[1][2]
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- If you are prescribed a dose that matches the vial or pen (for example, 10 mg from a 10 mg/0.5 mL vial), inject the full 0.5 mL.[1][2]
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- If you are prescribed a dose that does not match the vial (for example, 7.5 mg from a 15 mg/0.5 mL vial), you need to calculate the volume to inject:
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- Formula:
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\[ \text{Volume to inject (mL)} = \frac{\text{Prescribed dose (mg)}}{\text{Vial strength (mg per 0.5 mL)}} \times 0.5 \text{ mL} \]
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- Example:
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If your dose is 7.5 mg and you have a 15 mg/0.5 mL vial:
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\[ \frac{7.5 \text{ mg}}{15 \text{ mg}} \times 0.5 \text{ mL} = 0.25 \text{ mL} \]
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So, you would inject 0.25 mL.
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- Always use a syringe that can measure small amounts accurately (such as a 1 mL syringe with 0.01 mL markings).[1][2]
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​4. Tips for Safe Use
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- Check the solution before injecting. It should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles.[1]
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- Store tirzepatide in the refrigerator. It can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for up to 21 days. Do not freeze.[1]
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- Do not mix tirzepatide with insulin in the same syringe. If you use both, inject them separately.[1][2]
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- If you have side effects like severe nausea, vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing), contact your healthcare provider right away.[1][3]
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​5. When to Adjust or Hold Doses
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- If you have ongoing stomach problems, your provider may recommend staying at your current dose longer or lowering the dose until you feel better.[5][4][2]
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- If you miss 3 or more doses in a row, talk to your provider before restarting. You may need to restart at a lower dose.[5][2]
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​6. Special Considerations
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- Tirzepatide is not approved for use in children.[1]
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- No dose adjustment is needed for most adults with kidney or liver problems, but monitoring is recommended if you have severe stomach side effects.[1]
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- Always follow your provider’s instructions for dosing and injection technique.
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This handout is based on the latest clinical guidelines and FDA-approved instructions for tirzepatide dosing and administration.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][5][1][4][2][3]
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