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Tirzepatide
FDA ApprovedSince 2022
Also known as Mounjaro, Zepbound
Function
Primary
Type 2 Diabetes · Obesity
Mechanism
Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist — synergistic effect on insulin secretion, appetite suppression, and adiposity reduction.
Evidence
Clinical RCT (Phase III)
Research
Phase III SURPASS/SURMOUNT programs
Dosing
Range
2.5–15 mg/week
Frequency
Weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
Administration & Technique
Subcutaneous (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
Once weekly.
DeviceAuto-injector pen or U-100 insulin syringe for compounded vials.
TechniqueAbdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly. Refrigerate; unused pen ≤ 21 days at room temp.
Injection & Application Sites
Front
Back
Subcutaneous (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
- Upper arm / deltoid — Back of the upper arm for SubQ; 2 in below the shoulder bone for IM.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
Continuous; 4-week titration steps from 2.5 → 15 mg.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
Once weekly, same day each week, any time, with or without food. Rotate injection sites (abdomen/thigh/upper arm).
Do not combine with
- ·Other GLP-1s (Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Exenatide) or dual/triple agonists (Retatrutide, Survodutide)
- ·Sulfonylureas / insulin without dose reduction
- ·MTC / MEN2 history — contraindicated
Complements
- ·Cagrilintide (research combos) for satiety
- ·Protein-forward diet + resistance training
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Manufactured pens/vials: refrigerate 2–8°C until first use.
After Reconstitution
Per FDA label: use within 21 days of first use when kept at 2–8°C or up to 30°C.
Notes
Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Reconstitution Calculator
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Volume per dose
0.100 mL
Insulin syringe
10.0 units (U-100)
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
Your Notes
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Benefits
- ·Superior weight loss vs GLP-1 alone (up to ~22%)
- ·HbA1c reduction ~2.0–2.5%
- ·Improved lipids and BP
Risks
- ·GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation)
- ·Gallbladder disease
- ·Hypoglycemia with sulfonylureas/insulin
- ·Thyroid C-cell tumor warning
Contraindications
- ·MTC / MEN-2
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Severe gastroparesis
Regulatory
FDA-Approved Rx
Veterinary Use (Pets)
No established veterinary protocol for Tirzepatide. Consult a licensed veterinarian before considering off-label use in any species.
Full veterinary reference →