Injection Administration, Side Effects, Contraindications and How to Manage Side Effects
Tirzepatide Injection Sites
- This is a weekly injection and it is recommended to administer the medication on the same day and ideally the same time each week.
- Administer once weekly at any time of day, with or without meals.
- Inject subcutaneously (fat tissue) in the stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. The abdomen is the preferred site as medications gets absorbed the best in this site.
- Rotate injection sites with each new dose. For example, if you injected the previous dose on the right side of the belly button, on your next dose, you would inject the left side.
- If a dose is missed, you can take it within 3 days (72 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
What is the best day of the week to inject the medication
Tirzepatide ?
Some patients prefer to start the regimen on a weekend for maximum appetite suppression including less craving & food noise. Others prefer administration on a Friday evening so that if they experience any early side effects it won’t interfere with their activities scheduled during the week. Some prefer to start on the weekdays because they prefer to enjoy the weekend with family if there are any side effects experienced. The effect of the medicine is strongest right after administration and appetite suppression decreases progressively by the 5th or 6th day for most individuals. Ultimately the day you start the treatment is up to you.
What are the Contraindications to Tirzepatide ?
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or plan to become pregnant.
Mix Alcohol and
Tirzepatide ?
You can drink alcohol while taking this medicine. However, the medication makes you feel full and you will not be able to drink as much without feeling sick or bloated the same day or sometimes even the next day. You may feel “buzzed” quicker than usual if you are drinking on an empty stomach. Not drinking enough water while consuming alcohol increases the likelihood of feeling hung over the next day. Remember that alcohol causes dehydration. Hydrate with water if you decide to drink any alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
Oral Contraception
and Tirzepatide
Use of Mounjaro may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives. If you are currently taking oral contraceptives, switch from an oral hormonal contraceptive to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with Mounjaro.
Why is Hydrating with water while taking Tirzepatide important?
As you take this medication your appetite will be suppressed. That means you are going to eat less. Your body has excess calories, it can break down fat to give energy to you. But do not forget to hydrate with water. Hydration with coffee, soda, juices, and other sweet beverages will increase your chance of dehydration. Do not forget to HYDRATE with water always!
How to manage common Side Effects of Tirzepatide ?
The most common side effects of Mounjaro are nausea, vomiting (in severe cases especially if you eat more than your body wants), diarrhea, abdominal pain (stomach ache) and constipation (unable to poop), dehydration (often from not drinking enough water). Some other side effects my patients have experienced are flatulence (farts) burping, or bloating, which is the feeling of the stomach being overfull from eating too much. These can be reduced proper nutrition counseling and if you listen to your body and don’t overeat when you aren’t hungry or if you feel full. Also remember to drink water to stay hydrated throughout the day even if you do feel full. As you get used to this new medication you should listen to what your body is telling you to help reduce side effects.
We are excited for you to get started with your weight loss journey soon. Please make an appointment
with our board certified nurse practitioner today.