Once approved for tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) treatment, you’ll receive a 12-week (3 months) prescription. It’s normal to have questions about the dosing process or what the first few months will look like after starting tirzepatide. Here is a detailed breakdown of your first 12 weeks to refer back to as needed, along with some other helpful information about tirzepatide.
Note: The information shared below is the standard dosing schedule for tirzepatide. Your dose may or may not increase at the same rate depending on the presence of side effects, the efficacy of the medication, or your healthcare practitioner has recommended that you remain at the same dose.
Your first month on tirzepatide: Weeks 1-4
Your initial treatment package shipment includes enough medication for your first 4 weeks. Your remaining doses will be shipped automatically as needed to ensure your medication remains safe, viable and ready for use.
You should take your medication once per week on the same day, at any time, with or without food. You’ll begin your treatment with a dose of 2.5mg and will continue at this dose for another 3 weeks. You’ll administer each weekly dose by injecting (or having someone help you inject) the medication into your lower stomach area, upper thigh, or the back of your upper arm, rotating your injection location each week, so that you aren’t injecting in the exact same spot each week.
We recommend keeping track of your injections and doses each week. The Felix app has an injection tracker where you can log your doses and have a record of past doses. You can also view your treatment schedule as well as set up reminders to help stay on track. If necessary, you can change the day of your weekly injection provided it has been at least 3 days (72 hours) since your last one. If you choose to change your weekly dose, don’t forget to update your calendar or reminder.
A note on side effects
It’s normal to experience some short-term side effects during the first few weeks of treatment or immediately following a dose increase, but these symptoms should resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. You can read more about tirzepatide side effects here.
If your side effects do not subside, reach out to your healthcare practitioner for guidance. If your side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, your practitioner may be able to offer additional strategies to help manage these symptoms. If you experience severe side effects or require immediate support at any point during your treatment, please seek in-person care or visit your closest emergency department.
Your second month on tirzepatide: Weeks 5-8
Your second order of tirzepatide will be sent to you before you start week 5 so it’s ready for use. This shipment will last you another 4 weeks.
At week 5, you’ll increase your dose to 5mg unless directed otherwise by your healthcare practitioner. You should continue administering the same dose, on the same day for the next 3 weeks (until the end of week 8).
You should not increase your dose if any of the following are true:
- You are still having side effects. This suggests your body needs more time to adjust to the current dose.
- You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. This indicates the current dose is still effective.
- You are losing more than 2 pounds per week. This indicates the current dose might be too high.
- You are noticing a decrease in your appetite, less cravings, and feeling full sooner.
If you aren’t sure that you should increase your dose, or have other questions, please message your Felix health care practitioner right away to discuss this. You will need to have your practitioner change your prescription in order to stay on your current dose and avoid having the wrong medication dose shipped to you.
Your third month on tirzepatide: Weeks 9-12
Your third order of tirzepatide will arrive before you start week 9 and will last the remaining 4 weeks of your prescription until your first renewal.
At week 9, you’ll increase your dose to 7.5mg if necessary and continue this dose until the end of week 12. During week 11, you’ll be prompted to complete a renewal to allow enough time to receive your next order.
Continuing tirzepatide treatment: Weeks 13+
In order to continue with your treatment past week 12, you’ll need to do 3 things:
- Complete your labs: If you haven’t already, download your lab requisition form and complete the tests at a local lab, or skip the lab visit and have a technician come to your home (only available in Ontario). Your labs must be complete before your renewal.
- Submit your renewal: Complete a short questionnaire to help your practitioner assess how your treatment journey is going.
- Chat with your practitioner: Your practitioner will reach out to confirm you want to continue treatment and discuss any adjustments if needed.
When your renewal is approved, you’ll be charged a $40 renewal fee and your new prescription will be filled by our pharmacy. Then, we’ll automatically ship your medication as needed for the duration of your prescription. You can also choose to have your prescription sent to a pharmacy of your choice.
Reminder: How to store and handle tirzepatide
To remain stable and effective, the medication must remain between 2 to 30°C. Your medication is shipped to you in temperature-controlled packaging, but we recommend storing your medication in the fridge as soon as you receive it. If necessary, tirzepatide KwikPens can be stored at room temperature for a maximum of 30 days. Do not freeze tirzepatide or use the medication if it’s been frozen. Keep your medication away from heat and light.
If you have any issues or concerns about your medication, book a call with a Felix pharmacist.
This information does not replace medical advice. Any questions you have about your treatment are best discussed directly with your healthcare practitioner.
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