What is the most appropriate initial dose for a patient starting tirzepatide?

What is the most appropriate initial dose for a patient starting tirzepatide?

• A. 5 mg once weekly
• B. 2.5 mg once weekly
• C. 1 mg once weekly
• D. 10 mg once weekly

Answer: (B)

Starting tirzepatide at a low weekly dose helps your body adjust and reduces gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The approved approach is to begin with 2.5 mg once weekly and then increase gradually if you tolerate it. After about 4 weeks, you can move to 5 mg, then 10 mg, and eventually up to 15 mg weekly as needed. This stepwise titration improves tolerability and helps you achieve better long-term control. Higher starting doses are more likely to cause intolerance, so 2.5 mg is the best initial choice.

Starting tirzepatide at a low weekly dose helps your body adjust and reduces gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The approved approach is to begin with 2.5 mg once weekly and then increase gradually if you tolerate it. After about 4 weeks, you can move to 5 mg, then 10 mg, and eventually up to 15 mg weekly as needed. This stepwise titration improves tolerability and helps you achieve better long-term control. Higher starting doses are more likely to cause intolerance, so 2.5 mg is the best initial choice.