Protocol
Weight Loss and Metabolic
Tirzepatide Titration Protocol [2026]
Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism titrated gradually for maximum tolerance and research outcomes.
Compounds
Tirzepatide
Dose: 2.5 mg
Freq: Once weekly
Recon: 5mg + 1mL BAC
Conc: 5 mg/mL
Draw: 5 units (U-100)
Calculate Tirzepatide dose
Protocol Phases
Initiation
Weeks 1 to 4
2.5 mg subcutaneous once weekly. This is always the starting dose. Do not begin at a higher dose regardless of prior GLP-1 experience.
Escalation 1
Weeks 5 to 8
5 mg once weekly. Most tolerable escalation step. GI effects typically peak here then diminish.
Escalation 2
Weeks 9 to 12
7.5 mg once weekly if prior step tolerated. Can hold at 5 mg for additional 4 weeks if needed.
Escalation 3
Weeks 13 onward
10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg at 4-week intervals. Most research protocols target 10 to 15 mg as their maintenance dose.
FAQ
What makes tirzepatide different from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Semaglutide acts only on GLP-1 receptors. The GIP component in tirzepatide adds additional metabolic effects and may improve tolerability compared to GLP-1 alone at equivalent efficacy.
Can I start tirzepatide at 5 mg if I was previously on semaglutide?
Research protocols advise starting at 2.5 mg regardless of prior GLP-1 history. The dual mechanism produces different GI effects and prior tolerance to semaglutide does not reliably predict tirzepatide tolerance.
How do I calculate my tirzepatide draw?
For 5 mg vial in 1 mL BAC water: 5 mg/mL concentration. For 2.5 mg dose: 2.5 divided by 5 = 0.5 mL = the 50 unit line on a U-100 syringe. Use the ASCEND calculator to adjust for any vial size and water volume.
What should I eat on tirzepatide injection day?
Lighter meals and avoiding very high fat foods on injection day reduces nausea risk. Many research subjects eat their smallest meal in the evening of injection day. Staying well hydrated is consistently cited as the most effective nausea mitigation strategy.
Research Notes
- Always start at 2.5 mg. Never skip starting dose.
- Each escalation step requires a minimum 4-week hold.
- Store lyophilized vials in freezer. Refrigerate once reconstituted. Use within 28 days.
Related Protocols
For research use only. Not medical advice.