Instructional: How to Take Tirzepatide

Instructional: How to Take Tirzepatide

Table of Contents

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I. Tirzepatide Dosages

II. Tirzepatide Dosage for Weight Loss

III. How to Take Tirzepatide

IV. Missing a Tirzepatide Dose

V. Tips for Success

VI. Conclusion

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Starting an injectable medication can seem overwhelming, especially when you have to learn how to properly administer it yourself. The good news is that tirzepatide is designed to be an easy injectable medication to use. The pens come pre-filled with a single dose that is simple to inject.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with tirzepatide. We'll discuss the dosages, explain step-by-step how to use the pens, explore weight loss at different dosages, and share tips to help you find success.

Tirzepatide Dosages

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that comes in six different dosages: 

• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg

Tirzepatide pens are single-use only. Each pre-filled pen contains one full dose and can be discarded after use. ²

Tirzepatide is injected once weekly in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. ¹

When starting tirzepatide, your doctor will prescribe a low dose for the first month. This allows your body to adjust without significant effects.

• Month 1: Your doctor will start you on 2.5 mg injected once weekly for the first month. 

• Month 2: Your doctor will increase your dosage to 5 mg once weekly.

• After the second month: If a higher dose is needed for your treatment, your doctor will increase your dosage in increments of 2.5 mg at a time, waiting at least four weeks between increases. ¹

The FDA recommends target dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly. Your doctor will work with you to find the most effective dosage for your needs. ¹

Tirzepatide Dosage for Weight Loss

When starting tirzepatide, the dosage is increased gradually over a couple of months to minimize side effects. During this time, some weight loss may occur, but the full impact on weight is seen at maintenance dosages. ¹

Research has shown the amount of weight loss is directly related to the dosage of tirzepatide. ³ In a 72-week study of overweight or obese adults without diabetes, participants lost:

• 1 kg (35.5 lbs) on 5 mg of tirzepatide
• 2 kg (48.9 lbs) on 10 mg of tirzepatide
• 6 kg (52 lbs) on 15 mg of tirzepatide ³

In addition to taking tirzepatide, participants also made healthy lifestyle changes such as:

• Meeting regularly with a dietician to develop a healthy eating plan
• Maintaining a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day
• Getting a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. ³

How to Take Tirzepatide

When starting tirzepatide, your doctor will walk you through how to properly use the injection pen. For your reference, here are the steps to follow:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Choose an injection site on your abdomen, thigh, or back of your upper arm. Make sure to rotate the injection site each week.
• Ensure your pen is locked by checking that the green line on the lock ring is aligned to the gray lock image.
• Pull the gray base cap straight off and discard it.
• Place the clear base on your injection site.
• Unlock the pen by turning the lock ring so the green line aligns with the green unlock image.
• Press and hold the purple injection button for up to 10 seconds. You will hear two clicks. The first click indicates that the injection has started. The second click means the injection is complete. You can also confirm the injection is done when you see the grey plunger.
• After your injection, dispose of the used pen in a sharps container or heavy-duty plastic garbage bin. ²

Missing a Tirzepatide Dose

If you happen to miss a dose of tirzepatide, don't worry - you have a four-day window (96 hours) to take the missed dose. ⁴

However, if more than four days have passed since you missed your dose, it is recommended to skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule on the next planned day. Do not take two tirzepatide doses within a three-day (72 hour) period. ⁴

Tips for Success

To ensure your tirzepatide works effectively, follow these tips:

• Store your tirzepatide pen in the refrigerator between 36- and 46-degrees Fahrenheit. You can also keep it at room temperature up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 21 days. However, once at room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator.

• If refrigerated, you do not need to bring the pen to room temperature before injecting. You can inject directly from the refrigerator.

• In addition to the medication itself, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle is key. Tirzepatide works best when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

• Pay close attention to any new or unusual side effects and alert your doctor right away if anything concerning arises.

• If you want to change the day of the week you take a dose, be sure to leave at least 72 hours between doses. ²

Conclusion

While injectable medications may seem intimidating, tirzepatide offers a convenient solution with its user-friendly pre-filled pen. Once you grasp the dosage instructions and injection method, administering tirzepatide becomes a straightforward process.

If any part of the dosing or injection process seems unclear, be sure to ask your healthcare provider. They can ensure you take tirzepatide properly, safely, and effectively.