What is the timing for the next dose of tirzepatide (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) in an adult patient with type 2 diabetes and no significant renal or hepatic impairment?

When to Inject the Next Dose of Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is administered once weekly, and you should inject the next dose exactly 7 days after your previous injection, on the same day of the week each week. 1, 2

Standard Dosing Schedule

• Inject tirzepatide subcutaneously once every 7 days (once weekly) on the same day each week to maintain consistent therapeutic levels 1, 3, 4
• The medication has a prolonged half-life of approximately 5 days, which enables this once-weekly dosing schedule 5
• Choose a specific day of the week (e.g., every Monday) and maintain this schedule throughout treatment 1, 2

If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a scheduled dose and fewer than 4 days (96 hours) have passed:

• Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember 1
• Then resume your regular weekly schedule on your originally scheduled day 1

If 4 or more days have passed since your missed dose:

• Skip the missed dose entirely 1
• Wait until your next regularly scheduled injection day 1
• Do not double the dose to make up for the missed injection 1

Dose Escalation Timing

During the initial titration phase, the timing between dose increases follows a specific schedule:

• Start at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks 6
• Increase to 5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks 1, 2
• Increase to 7.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (if prescribed) 2
• Increase to 10 mg once weekly for 4 weeks 1, 2
• Increase to 12.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (if prescribed) 2
• Reach maintenance dose of 15 mg once weekly 1, 2

Each dose escalation occurs after completing a full 4-week period at the previous dose level 6, 2

Critical Timing Considerations

Never inject tirzepatide more frequently than once weekly, as this would result in excessive drug accumulation and increased risk of adverse effects, particularly severe gastrointestinal symptoms 1, 4

Maintain consistent weekly timing to optimize glycemic control and weight loss outcomes, as the medication's pharmacokinetics are designed for steady-state levels with weekly administration 5, 4

Practical Administration Tips

• Set a recurring weekly reminder on your phone or calendar for your injection day 2
• Keep track of your injection schedule in a medication diary or app 2
• If you need to change your regular injection day, you may do so as long as the time between doses is at least 3 days (72 hours) 1
• After changing your injection day, continue with the new weekly schedule 1