Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptors. Clinical programmes (SURPASS, SURMOUNT) report substantial HbA1c and body-weight changes versus placebo and some active comparators. Like other incretin mimetics, research use centres on slow weekly titration to limit gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Overview
Reconstitution Table (2 mL mL BAC water u2192 10 mg)
| Phase | Daily Dose (mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase | Dose | Draw (U-100 @ 2 mL) |
| Start (Weeks 1u20134) | 2.5 mg weekly | 50 Units |
| Step-up | 5 mg weekly | 100 Units (full barrel u2014 or split / use larger reconstitution) |
| Higher research steps | 7.5u201310 mg weekly | See note u2014 may need more BAC water or multi-draw |
Reconstitute 10 mg with 2 mL BAC water u2192 5 mg/mL. Then 2.5 mg = 50 Units; 5 mg = 100 Units on a U-100 1 mL syringe. For doses above 5 mg at this concentration, either increase BAC water volume (e.g. 4 mL u2192 2.5 mg/mL) so draws stay on-scale, or use a protocol-specific reconstitution table. Inject subcutaneously once weekly.
MISSING / REVIEW: Higher-dose draws (7.5u201315 mg) need a reconstitution volume chosen for the syringe on hand u2014 confirm vial size and water volume before publishing a single fixed table. This entry uses a common 10 mg / 2 mL starting frame.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Dual incretin signalling (GIP + GLP-1)
- Large mean weight-loss magnitudes in SURMOUNT trials
- Glycemic improvement in SURPASS type 2 diabetes programme
- Once-weekly administration
Possible Side Effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Injection-site reactions
- Label warnings in approved products include thyroid C-cell tumor risk in rodents u2014 follow local regulatory framing
Storage Instructions
- Short-term (<3 months): Refrigerate at 2u00b0Cu20138u00b0C
- Long-term: Freeze at u221220u00b0C or lower
- Protect from light and moisture
- Allow vial to reach room temperature before opening
- Refrigerate at 2u00b0Cu20138u00b0C u2014 do not freeze
- Use within 28 days when reconstituted with BAC water
- Always use sterile technique when drawing doses
References
Jastreboff AM et al. (2022)
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1)
View SourceFrias JP et al. (2021)
Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2)
View Source