How Tirzepatide Injections Work

If you've just been prescribed tirzepatide, learning how to inject yourself for the first time may seem pretty intimidating. But here’s the good news: self-injecting tirzepatide is a lot more straightforward than you might think. With a little practice and the right information, giving yourself the injection will become second nature in no time.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to become a pro at self-administering your tirzepatide. We'll go over proper dosing, how to prepare and inject using a syringe, storage tips, and what to eat to maximize the med’s effectiveness.

Tirzepatide Dosages

Tirzepatide is available in six different dosages:

• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg ¹

If you're using compounded tirzepatide, your healthcare provider will specify the number of units you should take each week. The units align with the strengths mentioned above.

Starting out on tirzepatide requires a bit of patience. Initially, your doctor will start you on a low dose during the first month. Over time, based on your body's response, the dosage will be gradually increased monthly. This slow introduction to tirzepatide allows your body to adjust to the med. ¹

• Month 1: When you first start taking tirzepatide, your doctor will have you begin with a low 2.5 mg dose for the first month. This gives your body time to adjust to the medication without causing significant side effects.

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

• After the second month: If your doctor decides you need more tirzepatide to reach treatment goals, they can raise your dose in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks. ¹

The FDA has approved target doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. But the perfect amount for you depends on your needs and response. Some people see results at lower doses, while others require more. Your doctor will work closely with you to land on the ideal maintenance dosage. ¹

How to Inject Tirzepatide With Syringe

If you're using compounded tirzepatide instead of the brand-name med, you won't have the fancy autoinjector pen that comes with the brand name. Instead, you’ll be injecting the med using a vial and syringe. But don't worry, your healthcare provider will guide you through the process and we've got you covered with the steps and materials needed.

Before you start the injection process, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

• 1 tirzepatide vial
• 1 syringe and 1 needle (your syringe may come with the needle already attached)
• 1 alcohol swab
• Gauze
• Sharps container ²

Now let's get started on drawing up the tirzepatide solution into your syringe:

1. Start by washing your hands with soap and water.
2. Remove the plastic protective cap from the tirzepatide vial, but don't remove the rubber stopper on the vial.
3. Wipe the rubber stopper on the vial with an alcohol swab to disinfect it.
4. Unwrap the syringe. If your syringe comes with a needle attached, skip to step 6.
5. Unwrap the needle and place it straight on top of the syringe. Then, turn or push it until it is firmly attached.
6. Remove the needle shield by pulling it straight off.
7. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up.
8. Fill the syringe with air by pulling down the plunger until the plunger tip reaches the line on the syringe that matches the number of tirzepatide units you were prescribed.
9. Push the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial.
10. Push the syringe's plunger all the way in. This puts air into the vial, making it easier to pull the solution from the vial.
11. Flip the vial and syringe upside down. With the needle tip in the solution, gently pull back on the plunger until it's just past the line for your prescribed dose. If you see air bubbles, tap the syringe to make them float to the top.
12. Slowly push the plunger until it’s exactly at the line for your dose.
13. Pull the syringe straight out of the vial. ²

After filling the syringe with your prescribed dose of tirzepatide, it’s time to inject.

1. Choose your injection site: your stomach, thigh, or the back of your upper arm.
2. Insert the needle into your skin.
3. Push down on the plunger to administer the full dose.
4. After injecting, wait for 5 seconds before removing the needle. This ensures you get the full dose.
5. If you see blood after removing the needle, press a gauze pad on the injection site. Don't rub it!
6. Avoid recapping the needle to prevent accidental injuries. Instead, place the needle and syringe directly into a sharps container. ²

How to Store Tirzepatide

Storing tirzepatide properly is key to keeping it effective. This medication can lose potency if not kept at the right temperature or exposed to light. ² Follow these tips to keep your tirzepatide in optimal condition:

• Unopened vials: Store in the refrigerator between 35.6^OF to 46.4^OF or store at room temperature below 86^OF for a maximum of 21 days.

• Opened vials: Once a vial has been opened, discard it after use, even if there is medication remaining.

• Do not freeze: If tirzepatide is frozen, do not use the medication.

• Keep away from light: To protect tirzepatide from light exposure, store it in its original carton. ²

What to Eat on Tirzepatide

While tirzepatide doesn't come with a specific "diet plan," eating well and exercising regularly are key to getting optimal results. When taking tirzepatide, aim to make healthy lifestyle changes like these:

• Fill at least half your plate with vegetables at each meal.
• Include a lean protein source in every meal.
• When you do eat carbs, choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, or whole wheat bread. Limit carbs to about a third of your meal.
• Pick low-fat and low-sugar dairy options.
• Choose unsaturated oils such as olive, sunflower, or rapeseed oil.
• Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight cups of water per day. ³

One of the most common side effect of tirzepatide is nausea. In clinical trials, about 25% of people taking the 5 mg dose experienced nausea. The incidence of nausea only increased as the dose went up. But don't worry, the nausea is usually temporary and tends to occur when first starting tirzepatide or after a dose increase. ¹ Here are some tips to manage nausea:

• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
• Stop eating when you feel full.
• Avoid fatty and fried foods.
• Choose bland foods such as rice, crackers, or toast. ⁴

If nausea persists or worsens, be sure to talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe anti-nausea medication.

Conclusion

Taking your first dose of tirzepatide can be an intimidating experience. Though your healthcare provider will walk you through the injection process initially, it's normal to feel some anxiety doing it on your own for the first time. But don't worry - with the right knowledge and preparation, you'll be self-injecting like a pro in no time. The key is being confident about how to properly inject, store, and handle your medication.

Make sure you understand the injection technique and have practiced setting up the syringe. Know the proper storage requirements to keep your tirzepatide vials effective. And don't hesitate to reach out to your provider if you have any questions or concerns.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.