Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more
Tirzepatide has a
Highlights
- Tirzepatide is an injectable medication approved by the FDA to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and reduce excess body weight in specific patient groups (Zepbound).
- Tirzepatide is effective for weight loss when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
- Tirzepatide side effects are common; however, if you increase the dose slowly, as recommended by your provider, they are typically temporary and manageable.
- The maintenance dosage of tirzepatide is individualized according to how people experience side effects and how quickly they lose weight.
You’ve heard about tirzepatide, the newest kid on the block when it comes to weight loss injections, and you want to learn more about its dosing, safety, and results. We will get to all of that, but let’s cover a bit of background first: what it is and how it can help you lose weight.
What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Help with Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide is an injectable medication used to help lose weight and to control blood sugar levels. Unlike the other weight loss injections, that are GLP-1 receptor agonists, it has a powerful double action, being a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist.
- Reduces hunger.
- Keeps food in the stomach longer, making you feel satisfied with smaller portions.
- Lowers cravings for sugars and carbs.
- Lowers blood glucose levels by helping the body to burn glucose.
Branded Tirzepatide vs. Compounded Versions
Due to high demand, licensed pharmacies make ‘compounded’ versions of the original medication. However, unlike branded medicines, these compounds are not FDA-approved because they have not been thoroughly trialed for safety and effectiveness.
Tirzepatide Dosage for Weight Loss
Here are the approved tirzepatide dosing instructions for weight loss taken
- Tirzepatide is given as a weekly dose.
- It should be taken on the same day each week.
- It can be taken at any time of day.
- It can be taken with or without meals.
Starting Dose
The recommended tirzepatide starting dose is 2.5 mg weekly for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Tirzepatide Dose Escalation Schedule
A doctor may decide when to increase the tirzepatide dose, but a higher dose will only be considered every 4 weeks, and then only 2.5 mg at a time. Note that not everyone needs to reach the highest dose.
2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → 10 mg → 12.5 mg → 15 mg
The maximum dose of tirzepatide per week is 15 mg; the cons outweigh the pros above this.
Typical Maintenance Doses
The most common tirzepatide maintenance doses prescribed for weight loss range from 5 mg to 15 mg weekly.
Sometimes, low-dose tirzepatide (2.5 mg weekly) treatment might be continued. Reasons for this include experiencing side effects that don’t settle at 5 mg, or rapid weight loss on 2.5 mg, which is a rare occurrence.
Why Does Tirzepatide Dosage Start Low and Increase Gradually?
The reason that doctors start low and increase the tirzepatide dose very slowly is to help your body adjust to the medication. Unfortunately, side effects are common, even at low doses, but are dose-dependent. This means that the higher the dose, the more severe the side effects are likely to be; and, when you start at a lower dose, the side effects are more likely to be tolerable.
Branded Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
This table simplifies the branded tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) dosing regimen and will help you to plan appropriate clinical follow-up appointment dates. Note that this tirzepatide dosing schedule is provided for informational purposes only; everyone responds to medication differently, so remember to discuss and follow personalized recommendations from your healthcare provider.
|
Week |
Dose (once weekly) |
Finding the correct dose |
Maintenance range |
|
Weeks 1-4 |
2.5 mg |
Starting dose |
|
|
Weeks 5-8 |
5 mg |
Increase if tolerated and needed |
Long-term doses for weight loss |
|
Weeks 9-12 |
7.5 mg |
Increase if tolerated and needed |
|
|
Weeks 13-16 |
10 mg |
Increase if tolerated and needed |
|
|
Weeks 17-20 |
12.5 mg |
Increase if tolerated and needed |
|
|
Weeks 21→ |
15 mg |
Maximum dose |
Available brand strengths:
- 2.5mg/0.5mL
- 5mg/0.5mL
- 7.5mg/0.5mL
- 10mg/0.5mL
- 12.5mg/0.5mL
- 15mg/0.5mL
Pens contain four weekly doses. A vial contains one weekly dose. Your healthcare professional will explain how to measure and administer the correct dose, depending on whether you’re using pre-filled pens or vials.
Dosing of Brand vs. Compounded Tirzepatide
It’s important to realize that compounded tirzepatide is not identical to branded versions.
Let’s chat about what
They are versions of the original medication made by licensed pharmacies; however, they are:
- Not tested in trials to see if they are as safe as, and work as well as, the branded version.
- Not FDA-approved.
- Might have extra ingredients.
- They are not a standardized concentration.
Usually, compounded tirzepatide dosage is in units administered weekly (instead of mL or mg weekly), even though the concentration is in mg/mL. This can be confusing, and it gets more complicated, because the concentration may vary among pharmacies’ compounds.
This means that you should:
- Consult with your doctor if you are unsure.
- Double-check the tirzepatide doses in units given by the compounding pharmacy that mixed the batch you are using.
Expected Results and Timeframes
So, how long must you wait to feel and see the effects?
People report decreased appetite as early as one week, and significantly less hunger, reduced eating, and fewer cravings starting between weeks 3 and 8.
With regards to weight loss, everyone’s result will differ, but in general, trials found:
- A weight loss of
20%[8] from baseline at 72 weeks. - Around
8 out of 10 patients[8] lost ≥10% body weight at 72 weeks. - Weight changes were often noticed in the tirzepatide group
as early as 4 weeks[9] .
Looking at 7 trials, on average, the therapeutic dose of tirzepatide giving the
|
Maintenance Dose |
Average weight loss with tirzepatide (vs. placebo) |
|
5 mg |
–7.5 kg |
|
10 mg |
–11.0 kg |
|
15 mg |
–11.5 kg |
Importantly, to have a chance of achieving these results, you must stick to a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.
How to Use Branded Tirzepatide Safely at Home
Next, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how to store tirzepatide correctly and how to administer the dose.
Storage
- Store it in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F.
- It should not freeze.
- If it was stored at room temperature, it should not be returned to the refrigerator.
Exception: If you’re traveling and don’t have access to a fridge, the pens can stay at room temperature for up to 21 days.
Timing
Remember to choose a day of the week that fits into your schedule and is easy to remember, at a time that suits you.
Preparation
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check that the tirzepatide pen or vial hasn’t expired and isn’t damaged.
- Remove the pen or vial from the refrigerator 30 minutes before use to allow it to reach room temperature, making the injection more comfortable.
- Check that the solution is not frozen. It should be clear, colorless, and free of particles.
Choose an Injection Site
- Use the stomach (avoiding the 2-inch area around your belly button) or the thigh skin on yourself. Or, the back of your upper arms with someone’s help.
- Select a spot that is clean, dry, and free from cuts, scars, or rashes.
Site Rotation
- Changing the injection sites reduces irritation and tissue damage.
- An easy way of doing this is to alternate between the left and right sides.
Measure the Dose and Get the Injection Ready
Measuring the dose will be slightly different depending on whether you are using the vial or pen.
Administer the Dose
The method of giving the dose also differs between the vial and the pen, and a healthcare provider will guide you on what to do.
But these are typical steps that everyone will follow:
- Clean the site with an alcohol swab.
- Pinch the skin around the injection site to create a small fold.
- Push the pen or needle at a 90-degree angle into your skin.
- After removing the needle, press the site with an alcohol swab or some gauze.
Needle Disposal
- Do not recap the needle.
- Throw the pen or syringe into an FDA-cleared sharps container if you have one.
- Otherwise, use a heavy-duty plastic household container, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
- It must have a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, be leak-resistant, and be labeled, for example, ‘Medication Needles’.
These are general guidelines. If you have any concerns or questions, always reach out to your healthcare provider.
What to Do About Missed Doses
The important figure to remember about a missed dose is 4 days (96 hours); start counting these days from when you should have had the
- ≤ 4 days — take the missed dose immediately.
- > 4 days — skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the scheduled day.
Now that you’re more confident about the ins and outs of dosing and injecting, let’s look at what side effects you should look out for.
Potential Side Effects and Warnings
Common Side Effects
These are reported by
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Hair loss
As you can see, the gut is most often affected (gastrointestinal adverse reactions), but these are usually
If, however, any of these side effects are severe, don’t settle, or are impacting your life, you should ask for medical advice.
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain, which could be acute pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.
- Vision changes.
- Serious allergic reactions like hives, swollen lips or tongue, tight throat, and wheezy chest.
- Severe depression or anxiety, or have thoughts of self-harm.
Depending on your history and reaction to tirzepatide, your doctor might also monitor blood tests to check for:
- Kidney problems.
- Low blood sugar.
Finally, inform healthcare providers prior to having surgery that requires anesthesia or deep sedation. Because tirzepatide keeps food in your stomach for longer, there is a risk that stomach contents might push up the food pipe, flow over into the windpipe, and enter the lungs; this is called pulmonary aspiration and can be life-threatening.
Who Shouldn’t Use Tirzepatide?
Other people who should not use tirzepatide include:
- Pregnant patients
- Patients with a history of:
- Severe gut disease
- Serious allergy to tirzepatide
- Pancreatitis
- Suicidal behavior or thoughts
Interactions With Other Medications
Because the stomach takes longer to empty when you use tirzepatide, and there is a high
One important example is oral hormonal contraceptives; females should
Tips for Taking Tirzepatide Successfully
Pairing Medication With Healthy Habits
To achieve good results, it is essential that you follow a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly; the medication isn’t a magic weight-loss wand.
Tips for Managing Side Effects
Nausea
- Eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours.
- Avoid fatty and oily foods, and dairy.
- Sip water, mint tea, or ginger tea frequently.
- Avoid gulping full cups of fluids.
- Avoid strong smells; stay in well-ventilated areas.
Constipation
- Eat high-fiber food like vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, and peas.
- Eat more probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut, or take supplements.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses (or 2 liters) of water per day.
- Warm drinks, such as peppermint and ginger tea, may help get your gut moving.
- Get walking; about 30 minutes a day, especially after meals.
- Stick to a toilet routine; same time every day, especially after meals. If you need to go, don’t ignore the urge.
- Elevate your feet on a small step when you’re sitting on the toilet.
- Incorporate prunes or flaxseeds, which are nature’s laxatives, into your diet.
Diarrhea
- Replace the fluid you’re losing; stay hydrated.
- Eat small, frequent meals every 2 to 3 hours.
- Avoid fatty and oily foods, and dairy.
- Stick to bananas, rice, applesauce, peeled and grated apple, and toast (BRAT diet).
- Avoid high-fiber foods.
Get Support
Losing weight, even with medication, can be a physically and mentally challenging journey, so don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for referrals to a nutritionist or therapist.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide is an effective weight loss medication when used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular physical exercise. Although side effects are common, the good news is that they are usually temporary and manageable.
Zepbound is the FDA-approved tirzepatide registered for weight management, and certain individuals may qualify for an online prescription. If tirzepatide, for some reason, is not an option for you, don’t despair; another GLP-1 receptor agonist might be.
Book your online consultation with a MEDvidi healthcare professional to learn more about starting your weight loss journey.
FAQs
Can you take tirzepatide twice a week?
No, you cannot take tirzepatide twice a week; it is not necessary, as it stays in the body for
How many mL is 2.5 mg of tirzepatide?
Can you lose weight on 2.5 mg tirzepatide?
Is 25 units of tirzepatide a lot?
Can you start tirzepatide at 5 mg?
Can I take tirzepatide every 5 days?
No, you can’t take tirzepatide every 5 days; it is not necessary, as it stays in the body for
Can I take tirzepatide every other week?
No, you cannot take tirzepatide every other week; it only stays in the body for
Can you skip a week of tirzepatide?
You can skip a week of tirzepatide if you accidentally miss a dose and only realize it after 4 days. However, it is generally not recommended to skip doses, as blood levels will drop, and the medication will not work effectively.
