In this section, we provide notes on how tirzepatide may be administered and dosed in an experimental setting.
- Tirzepatide is administered subcutaneously into the fatty tissue just beneath the subject’s skin, typically in the abdomen area. Researchers are advised to rotate the injection site with each administration [12].
- Due to its long half-life, tirzepatide may be administered once weekly and at any time of the day, with or without meals [13].
- Notably, administering tirzepatide concomitantly with insulin may result in a higher risk of hypoglycemia. In case tirzepatide is to be used in combination with insulin, the injections should be administered separately.
- Due to its gastric emptying effect, tirzepatide may alter the absorption of oral medications. It is especially important to monitor subjects who are also being administered drugs with a narrow therapeutic index [13].
- According to the available evidence, tirzepatide should be taken continuously rather than cycled [13].
Sample Tirzepatide Dosing Protocol
For reference purposes, here is a sample tirzepatide dosing protocol for weight loss in obese subjects [13,14]:
- Tirzepatide Weekly Dose: Initiate at 2.5mg/weekly for the first four weeks of the study period, followed by an increase to 5mg/weekly in weeks 5-8, 7.5mg/weekly in weeks 9-12, 10mg/daily in weeks 13-16, 12.5mg/weekly in weeks 17-20, and 15mg in weeks 21 and beyond.
- Frequency: Once weekly; subcutaneously.
- Study Duration: 24-72 weeks.
- Notes: Do not exceed a weekly tirzepatide dose of 15mg. Missed doses should be administered within 5 days or skipped, and every next doses should taken according to schedule
