Overview
Tirzepatide is usually injected once weekly under the skin (subcutaneous). Some pens allow setting the dose by units. The example below uses 24U. Your actual dose and schedule may differ—follow your prescriber.
- Common injection sites: abdomen, thigh, upper arm. Rotate the site with each injection.
- Use a new sterile needle for every injection. Do not share needles or pens.
Before You Use
- Wash hands and prepare a clean surface.
- Check the label and expiry; solution should be clear and particle‑free.
- Allow the pen to reach room temperature (about 10–15 minutes) if taken from the refrigerator.
- Gather supplies: new sterile needle, alcohol swab, cotton/gauze, sharps container.
Dosage & Administration (24U example)
- Attach a new needle. Remove both inner and outer caps after attaching.
- Prime the pen. Turn to 2U and press with the needle pointing up until a drop is seen. Repeat if needed to remove air bubbles.
- Set the dose to 24U. Rotate the dial until the window shows 24 units.
- Prepare the injection site. Clean with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.
- Inject subcutaneously. Insert at 90° (45° if very slim). Press and hold until the dial returns to 0, then continue holding for 10 seconds before withdrawing.
- Apply gentle pressure. Use cotton/gauze if needed; do not rub.
- Remove the needle and dispose safely. Place used needles in a sharps container.
Dosage
The recommended starting dosage of Tirzepatide is 2.5 mg (25U) injected subcutaneously once weekly. Follow the dosage escalation below to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. The 2.5 mg (25U) dosage is for treatment initiation and is not intended for glycemic control.
After 4 weeks, increase the dosage to 5 mg (50U) injected subcutaneously once weekly.
If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 2.5 mg (25U) increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.
The maximum dosage of Tirzepatide is 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
If a dose is missed, instruct patients to administer Tirzepatide as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule.
The day of weekly administration can be changed, if necessary, as long as the time between the two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours).
Missed Dose
If you remember within 4 days, inject as soon as possible and resume weekly from that day. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your regular day. Do not double the dose.
Storage & Handling
- Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from heat and direct light.
- Follow the device label for in‑use storage time after first use.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Disposal
Place used needles and sharps in a puncture‑resistant sharps container. Follow local regulations or clinic guidance for disposal.
Warnings & When to Seek Care
- Stop and seek medical help for severe, persistent abdominal pain; signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing); or symptoms of very low blood sugar (dizziness, shaking, sweating).
- Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
- Use only the dose directed by your prescriber. Device models differ; follow your specific Instructions for Use.
References
- Instructions for Use and Prescribing Information for your specific pen model.
- Guidance from your healthcare professional or clinic.