How do you inject Zepbound (tirzepatide)?

Zepbound® is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the abdomen, thigh or back of the upper arm, not into a muscle or a vein. It is recommended to change injection sites weekly (e.g. left side of the belly, then right side of the belly, etc). Zepbound comes in two forms, as an auto-injector and in vials.

The Zepbound autoinjector is a pre-filled, single use pen with the needle self-contained inside. To administer, you can first clean the injection area with alcohol, then take the pen and remove the gray base then place the clear base flat against your skin in the area you plan to inject. Twist the lock ring to the unlock position, then press and hold the purple injection button. You’ll hear the first click which means the injection has started followed by a second click to indicate the injection is complete. At that point the gray plunger will also be depressed. After hearing the second click, it is recommended to continue to hold the button while you count to six before releasing the button and removing the pen from the skin. This will make sure that you have received the full amount of the medication. In total, the injection takes about 10 seconds to complete. For more information, check out these links for detailed instructions and an instructional video.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) single dose vials became available in August 2024. To learn more about Zepound vials, including how to inject this form of Zepbound, visit our FAQ page

Go here to learn more about how to administer Zepbound from a vial.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate

Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.

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Zepbound® and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.