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Injection Guide
The dual-action powerhouse that targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, delivering the most dramatic weight loss results ever seen in a medication—averaging over 20% body weight reduction while also crushing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Route
Subcutaneous
Sites
3 recommended
Frequency
Once weekly
Preparation
Pre-filled tirzepatide single-dose pen (Mounjaro or Zepbound)—no mixing required
Alcohol swabs for injection site cleaning
Sharps container for safe pen disposal
Calendar or reminder app for weekly dosing
Pro Tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example Calculation
Tirzepatide comes in pre-filled, single-dose pens at specific strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg. Each pen contains exactly one dose—no calculations or dose selection needed. Simply use the entire pen contents for your weekly injection.
Dose Calculation
Each pen is designed for single use at its labeled dose. For example, a 5mg pen delivers exactly 5mg when fully administered. The pen mechanism ensures you receive the complete dose. Use one pen per week at your prescribed strength.
Pro Tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Site 03
Upper Arm
Back or outer area of the upper arm. This site may require assistance from another person for proper technique.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro Tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by Step
Remove pen cap and check the medicine window—solution should be clear and colorless
Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
Remove the base cap to reveal the needle (it's hidden until you're ready)
Press the pen firmly against your skin at a 90-degree angle
Press and hold the purple injection button until you hear two clicks
Keep the pen pressed against your skin until the gray plunger is visible (about 5-10 seconds)
Remove the pen and dispose of the entire pen in a sharps container—each pen is single-use
Pro Tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—the pen makes it quick and virtually painless, and you can easily do it yourself at home. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal Timing
Best time
Pick any day of the week that works for you and stick with it. Many people choose a weekend day so they can rest if they experience mild nausea. The exact time of day doesn't matter much thanks to the long half-life—just be consistent.
With food?
Tirzepatide injections can be taken with or without food—it won't affect how the medication works. However, because it slows stomach emptying significantly, eating smaller meals will help you avoid nausea and discomfort. Avoid large, fatty meals.
Stacking notes
Tirzepatide is typically used as a standalone weight management therapy. If you have diabetes and take insulin or sulfonylureas, those doses will likely need to be reduced to prevent low blood sugar. Always coordinate with your healthcare provider before combining medications.
Sample Daily Schedule
Same day each week (e.g., every Sunday morning)
As prescribed (2.5mg to 15mg depending on titration phase) injection
Site: Rotate between abdomen, thigh, and arm weekly
Pick a day you'll consistently remember—many people choose weekends so they can rest if needed. The injection takes under a minute once you're comfortable with it. If you miss a dose and it's been less than 4 days, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take your next dose on the regular day.
Dosing Tiers
Dose
2.5 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
4 weeks
This introductory dose helps your body adjust to the medication and minimizes GI side effects. Don't expect much weight loss yet—this phase is all about building tolerance. Think of it as your body's training wheels period.
Dose
5-10 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
4+ weeks at each dose
After 4 weeks at 2.5mg, increase to 5mg. Stay here for at least 4 weeks, then move to 7.5mg, then 10mg. This gradual climb reduces side effects while ramping up the weight loss. Most people start seeing serious results at 5-10mg doses.
Dose
12.5-15 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
Ongoing/maintenance
The 15mg dose delivers maximum weight loss—averaging over 20% of body weight in trials. Continue increasing by 2.5mg every 4 weeks until reaching 15mg or your optimal maintenance dose. This is where the jaw-dropping results happen.
Preservation
Before Mixing
Store new, unopened pens in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Never freeze tirzepatide—freezing destroys the medication. Keep pens in the original carton to protect from light. If needed, unopened pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for up to 21 days.
After Mixing
Tirzepatide pens are single-use and do not require reconstitution. Once you use a pen, dispose of it properly in a sharps container. Never reuse pens or attempt to get multiple doses from one pen.
Shelf Life After Mixing
Single-use pen (discard after use)
Signs of Degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles (should be clear and colorless)
Pen has been frozen or exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C) for extended periods
Solution looks yellow, brown, or has changed from its original appearance
Pen is damaged, cracked, or the mechanism doesn't click properly
Important
When to Stop
Severe or persistent GI symptoms that prevent adequate nutrition despite dose adjustments and supportive care
Signs of pancreatitis—severe abdominal pain radiating to the back requiring emergency evaluation
Allergic reaction—rash, hives, itching, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing
Signs of thyroid problems—neck lump, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing
Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (stop at least 1 month before attempting conception)
Severe kidney problems or persistent dehydration from GI symptoms
Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation for any reason
Tirzepatide is a prescription medication that should only be started, adjusted, or stopped under medical supervision. This information is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. While stopping tirzepatide abruptly is generally safe, discuss any changes with your healthcare provider. Weight regain is common after discontinuation.
Clean Technique Checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above