How to Inject Tirzepatide: Step-by-Step Injection Guide
Complete subcutaneous injection technique for Tirzepatide: injection site selection, rotation schedule, needle selection, pain reduction, and common mistakes to avoid.
Supplies Checklist
The 3 Injection Zones
Rotate among these three anatomical areas to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps from repeated injections at the same site). Absorption rate is slightly faster from the abdomen and slower from the thigh.
Abdomen
At least 2 inches away from the navel in any direction. Avoid the midline (linea alba) and areas with scar tissue. The most accessible site for self-injection.
Outer Thigh
The lateral (outer) surface of the mid-thigh, roughly 4–6 inches above the knee and 4–6 inches below the hip crease. Avoid the inner thigh — less subcutaneous fat there.
Upper Outer Arm
The posterior deltoid fat pad — the back of the upper arm, between shoulder and elbow. Requires assistance or a mirror for self-injection. Pinching is harder here.
Injection Site Rotation Schedule
For weekly injections, a simple three-zone rotation works well. Divide each zone into sub-sites (left/right, or specific areas within the zone) to create enough variation for long-term treatment:
| Week | Zone | Sub-site |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Abdomen | Left side, upper quadrant |
| Week 2 | Thigh | Right thigh, mid-lateral |
| Week 3 | Abdomen | Right side, upper quadrant |
| Week 4 | Thigh | Left thigh, mid-lateral |
| Week 5 | Abdomen | Left side, lower quadrant |
| Week 6 | Upper Arm | Right arm |
| Week 7+ | Repeat cycle | Continue rotating in same pattern |
Step-by-Step Injection Instructions
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Pain Reduction Techniques
Injection Site Reactions: What Is Normal vs. Concerning
Normal Reactions (No Action Needed)
- ✓Mild redness or pink discoloration at the injection site (fades within hours)
- ✓Small raised bump or welt immediately after injection (resolves within 30–60 min)
- ✓Mild itching at the injection site for 1–2 hours
- ✓Very slight bruising, especially if a small blood vessel was nicked
- ✓Temporary swelling no larger than a coin
Concerning Reactions (Contact Healthcare Provider)
- !Redness spreading beyond the injection site over hours
- !Warmth and swelling that increases rather than resolves
- !Pus, discharge, or open sore at injection site
- !Fever accompanying injection site changes
- !Hard lump larger than 2–3 cm that persists for weeks
- !Severe allergic reaction: hives spreading from site, difficulty breathing, facial swelling
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you inject Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in one of three rotation zones: the abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the navel), the outer thigh (mid-thigh, lateral surface), or the upper outer arm (posterior deltoid fat pad). Rotate sites with every injection — never use the same spot twice in a row. Repeated injections at the same site cause lipohypertrophy (hard, fatty lumps) that impair absorption.
What needle gauge should you use for Tirzepatide?
25–31 gauge needles work for subcutaneous injection of Tirzepatide. Finer gauges (29–31G) cause less pain and are preferred for regular self-injection. Shorter needle lengths (4–6mm) are appropriate for subcutaneous depth in most adults. 8mm needles may reach muscle in lean individuals — err toward shorter needles unless advised otherwise.
Does injecting Tirzepatide hurt?
Most people rate subcutaneous injections as minimal to mild discomfort. Pain is reduced by: allowing the peptide to reach room temperature before injecting (cold solution from the fridge stings more), injecting slowly over 5–10 seconds, using a fine gauge needle (29–31G), ensuring the site is fully dry after alcohol swabbing, and rotating injection sites to avoid sensitized tissue.
What do you do if you get a lump at the injection site?
Small lumps (nodules) at the injection site are usually transient lipodystrophy or minor inflammatory reactions. They resolve within days to weeks when you rotate away from that site. Persistent, hard lumps indicate lipohypertrophy from overusing one site — discontinue injections there until fully resolved. Warm compresses can help reduce inflammation. If a lump is warm, red, growing, or accompanied by fever, contact your healthcare provider — these signs suggest infection.
Should you inject Tirzepatide in the morning or evening?
Timing is flexible — Tirzepatide has a half-life of approximately 7 days, so the hour of injection within the day has minimal pharmacological impact. Practically, many people inject in the morning to monitor for side effects while awake. If nausea is your primary side effect, some prefer evening injections to sleep through the peak discomfort period. Establish a consistent weekly day and approximate time.
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