How to inject Zepbound: a step-by-step guide

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication for weight loss and weight management. The brand-name drug is prescribed to adults with obesity or overweight and should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If you’re new to Zepbound, understanding how to inject Zepbound properly can help you feel confident about giving yourself a shot. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to inject Zepbound using both a pen and a vial.

Using the Zepbound single-dose pen is straightforward and convenient. The pens are prefilled and equipped with a built-in needle. Here’s how to inject Zepbound using a pen, according to the instructions included in the drug’s Medication Guide.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Make sure you have:

• A new pen of Zepbound

• An alcohol swab

• A gauze pad or bandage

• A sharps disposal container

Before injecting Zepbound, inspect the prefilled pen for any damage and ensure the liquid inside is clear to slightly yellow and particle-free. Also, check the expiration date and confirm you have the right dose of Zepbound. The dose is listed directly on the pen, between the word “Zepbound” and the lock and unlock symbols. Zepbound pens come in six different strengths, with color-coded blocks on the pen label, as follows:

• 2.5 mg: Dark gray

• 5 mg: Dark purple

• 7.5 mg: Dark teal

• 10 mg: Pink

• 12.5 mg: Blue

• 15 mg: Red

Step 2: Wash your hands  

Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Then, dry them with a clean towel. This step reduces the risk of introducing bacteria into the injection site.

Step 3: Prepare the injection site

Choose your injection site: stomach, thigh, or upper arm. If you choose the latter location, having someone else do the injection for you may be easier. 

It’s generally recommended you also clean the skin of the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry completely.

Step 4: Remove the gray cap on the pen

Ensure the pen is in the locked position; the green line should be aligned with the closed padlock symbol. Remove the gray base cap. Do put it back on, as this could damage the needle.

Step 5: Unlock and position the pen

Place the clear, triangular base of the pen flat against the skin of your injection site at a 90-degree angle. Turn the lock ring until it’s aligned with the green, opened padlock symbol.

Step 6: Inject your dose

Press and hold the purple injection button. You will hear two clicks: The first tells you the injection has started, and the second tells you when it is complete. Hold the pen in place for up to 10 seconds to ensure the entire dose is delivered.

If you see any blood at the injection site, lightly press (not rub!) the area with a gauze pad or an alcohol swab.

Step 7: Safely dispose of the pen

Dispose of the used pen in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic container with a secure lid, such as a laundry detergent bottle. Do not put it in your household trash.

Zepbound is also available in single-dose vials. To inject Zepbound using a vial, you’ll need a separate syringe and needle for each injection, which must be purchased separately. Always use a new syringe and needle for each injection to prevent infections and blocked needles.

Here’s how to inject Zepbound using a vial, according to the instructions included with the medication.

Step 1: Prepare your supplies

You will need:

• A new Zepbound vial

• A syringe and needle

• An alcohol swab

• A gauze pad or bandage

• A sharps disposal container

Before you inject Zepbound, inspect the vial for any damage and ensure the liquid inside is clear, free of particles, and colorless to slightly yellow; it should not be cloudy or frozen. Also, check the expiration date and confirm you have the right dosage strength. The 2.5 mg vial has a dark gray color block on the label, while the 5 mg vial has a dark purple color block. 

Step 2: Wash your hands

At this point, you (should!) know the drill: Wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry them with a clean towel to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the injection site.

Step 3: Prepare the vial

Gently shake the vial. Then, place the vial on a flat surface, remove the plastic cap, and clean the rubber stopper with a fresh alcohol swab. Do not remove the rubber stopper.

Step 4: Prepare the syringe

Remove the needle and syringe from their wrappers. Some syringes have a needle pre-attached. If the syringe and needle are separate, attach the needle to the syringe by placing it on top and turning until it feels tight. 

Remove the caps from both the plunger side and the needle side. The needle should be kept sterile, so don’t touch it. 

Step 5: Draw your dose

Then, with the needle pointing up, hold the syringe in one hand. With your other hand, pull down on the plunger until the tip reaches the 0.5 mL line. This indicates that you have drawn 0.5 mL of air into the syringe. 

Insert the needle into the vial’s rubber stopper, then push the plunger all the way in. This puts air into the vial and makes it easier to pull the solution into the syringe. 

Turn the vial and syringe upside down. Make sure the needle tip is in the liquid, and then slowly pull the plunger down until the plunger tip is slightly past the 0.5 mL line. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe.

Next, slowly push the plunger until the tip reaches the 0.5 mL line, and pull the syringe out of the rubber stopper. There may be some medicine left in the vial, but don’t save it. Each vial is meant only for one dose, so discard the vial after each injection.

Step 6: Prepare the injection site

Choose your injection site: stomach, thigh, or upper arm. You can self-inject Zepbound into your stomach or thigh, but someone else should inject your arm (we’ll cover this in more detail soon). Again, it’s generally recommended you clean the skin of the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry completely prior to administering the injection.

Step 7: Inject your dose

Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the skin of your injection site. Push the plunger down to inject your dose. 

Keep the needle in place for at least five seconds to ensure you have delivered a complete dose. Then, remove the needle from your skin. 

Step 8: Dispose of the syringe and vial

Place the syringe and needle in an FDA-cleared sharps container. The empty vial can be discarded in your regular household trash.

Zepbound can be injected into three areas on your body:

• Stomach: at least 2 inches away from the belly button, avoiding the waistline.

• Thigh: the outer side of your upper thigh. Avoid your inner thigh.

• Upper arm: the back of your upper arm. It may be easier if someone else is administering the injection.

You should rotate through the injection sites weekly with each new injection. This allows the area to heal between the injections. You can also use different spots within the same area that are at least one inch away from each other to avoid repeatedly injecting in the exact location. 

Zepbound should be injected subcutaneously, which means under the skin. You’ll inject it into the layer of fat beneath your skin, never a vein or muscle. 

Here’s a little bit more information about the three injection sites for Zepbound. 

Stomach

The stomach is a popular spot for self-administered injections because it’s easy to access. 

• Pros: This site is often the easiest to access for self-injection and allows good visibility during the process. The stomach also provides a larger surface area for rotating through different injection sites.

• Cons: You must avoid areas close to the belly button and waistline to prevent irritation from your clothes against the injection site.

Thigh

The outer thigh is a convenient option when you need to alternate from the stomach and if you prefer sitting down during the injection process.

• Pros: The outer thigh is easily accessible, especially when sitting. It’s a good option for those who might find the stomach area uncomfortable.

• Cons: You must avoid the inner thigh to prevent your clothes or thighs from rubbing against each other and causing irritation to the injection site.

Upper arm

This back of the upper arm is best for people who have assistance during injections, as it can be hard to reach on your own.

• Pros: This site works well if someone else is administering the injection for you, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver.

• Cons: It can be challenging to inject into this area on your own due to limited reach and visibility. 

How often should you rotate Zepbound injection sites?

Injection site rotation is crucial to avoid skin irritation, bumps, or tissue damage. Rotate sites with every dose, ensuring you use a different spot each time—even if it’s within the same general area. For example, if you’re using your stomach, alternate between the left and right sides and vary the exact injection point.

Where is the best place to inject Zepbound? 

There is no single “best” place to inject Zepbound as all three areas (stomach, outer thigh, back of the upper arm) absorb the medication effectively. The best place to inject Zepbound is wherever it’s easiest and most comfortable for you. Having said that, the stomach can be the preferred option since it is so easy to reach and tends to cause less pain than the thigh area. 

Does it matter where you inject Zepbound? 

Zepbound can be injected into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, and you can choose among these three areas. Always inject Zepbound into the fatty layer beneath your skin, never a vein or muscle. Do not inject it in a spot where your skin is red, swollen, bruised, or otherwise injured. And keep in mind these tips for injecting in each area: 

• Stomach: Make sure to choose a spot at least 2 inches away from your belly button and avoid your waistline.

• Thigh: Inject on your outer thigh, not your inner thigh.

• Upper Arm: Inject on the back of your upper arm, at least 3 inches away from your elbow and shoulder.

Try to rotate through the injection sites each week. If you prefer to stick to one injection area, make sure to administer each injection at least 1 inch away from where you last injected Zepbound.

Do Zepbound injections hurt?

Injection site reactions are a common side effect of Zepbound, with 6–8% of people reporting bruising, pain, irritation, or rash at the injection site. While Zepbound injections can cause a little bit of discomfort, some people report that they don’t feel it at all. That’s because the needle in the Zepbound pen is very thin, and it’s mostly hidden by the pen. Some people may feel uncomfortable seeing the needle when using Zepbound vials, but the needle itself is also very thin. 

Zepbound, like other GLP-1 medications, is a subcutaneous injection (rather than the intramuscular injections you may be used to from the flu shot, for example). That means that the medication goes just under the surface of your skin into the fatty tissue, as opposed to muscle. As such, the needle can be much smaller, making it less painful for most people than a typical intramuscular injection.

Since it takes several seconds between clicking the button on the pen and completing the dose, it’s important to wait until you hear the second click from the pen to take it off your skin—even if you don’t feel anything. 

If you have any additional questions about your Zepbound injections, you can check out Eli Lilly’s website, which has a video with more guidance, or speak with your prescribing healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

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You’ll know you’ve injected the entire dose of Zepbound if you don’t see any remaining medication in the syringe, or if you’re using a Zepbound pen, you’ve heard the second click and the gray plunger is visible. 

To ensure you get your full Zepbound dose every time, follow these tips:

• Inspect your pen or vial for damage or expiration before each injection.

• Inject Zepbound into healthy skin (i.e. skin that isn’t injured, bruised, cut, scarred, or swollen).

• Use fresh supplies each time, including a new needle and syringe (for those injecting Zepbound vials). 

• Keep the needle or pen in place until you know the entire dose has been delivered. If using a Zepbound pen, wait up to 10 seconds until you hear two clicks. If using a Zepbound vial, wait at least five seconds.

• Rotate through injection sites with each injection to prevent complications.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve administered the full dose of Zepbound, contact your healthcare provider.

Injecting Zepbound can be a straightforward process that typically becomes easier with practice. Proper preparation and technique are key to ensuring you get the full benefit of this medication and avoid injection site reactions. Here are the biggest takeaways:

• Always inspect your supplies before you use Zepbound. Check your pen or vial for damage or expiration and ensure that you have everything you need to administer the medication properly. Wash your hands with soap and warm water first.

• Choose a new injection site each time. The stomach, thigh, and upper arm are all effective options for administering the medication. Select a site that works for you and rotate spots to avoid irritation.

• Follow each step carefully. Whether using a pen or vial, adhere to the instructions and your healthcare provider’s medical advice. This helps ensure you receive a full dose of Zepbound each time. 

• Dispose of used supplies responsibly. Always use an FDA-cleared sharps container to discard Zepbound pens, syringes, and needles safely.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

January 29, 2025

Written by

Amelia Willson

Fact checked by

Steve Silvestro, MD, DABOM, FAAP and Patricia Weiser, PharmD

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About the medical reviewers

Steve Silvestro, MD, DABOM, FAAP

Steve Silvestro, MD, DABOM, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and Associate Director of Clinical Content & Education at Ro.

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist, health content writer, and medical reviewer with more than a decade of clinical experience in community and hospital pharmacy.