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What does tirzepatide look like? Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound for weight management) is supplied as a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution in single-dose prefilled pens for subcutaneous injection. Each pen features a color-coded base corresponding to its dosage strength, ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, with essential labeling including brand name, strength, expiration date, and lot number. The ergonomic pen design includes a hidden needle protected by a safety shield. Understanding the appearance and authentication features of tirzepatide pens is crucial for medication safety, proper administration, and avoiding counterfeit products.
Quick Answer: Tirzepatide is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution supplied in single-dose prefilled pens with color-coded bases indicating dosage strength from 2.5 mg to 15 mg.
Tirzepatide is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (marketed as Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (marketed as Zepbound). The medication is supplied as a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution contained within single-dose prefilled pens designed for subcutaneous injection. Each pen is intended for one-time use only and should be discarded after administration, even if solution remains.
The prefilled pen device features an ergonomic design with a hidden needle that is protected by a safety shield. The pen includes essential information on its label including the brand name, dosage strength, expiration date, and lot number—all critical elements for medication safety and traceability. The base of each pen is color-coded according to dosage strength, providing a visual cue to help prevent medication errors, though patients should always verify the printed dosage strength on the label.
Before each use, patients should check that the pen is not damaged, verify the expiration date, and confirm proper storage conditions have been maintained. If the pen appears damaged or compromised in any way, it should not be used and should be returned to the pharmacy.
The packaging includes the pen itself, which arrives in a sealed carton with patient information leaflet and instructions for use. Each pen is individually sealed to maintain sterility until use. For safety, patients should never share pens with others, even if the needle is changed, and should dispose of used pens in an FDA-cleared sharps container.
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With the increasing demand for tirzepatide and other diabetes and weight management medications, counterfeit products have emerged as a significant patient safety concern. Authentic tirzepatide pens manufactured by Eli Lilly contain several features that help distinguish genuine medication from potentially dangerous counterfeits. Understanding these features is essential for both healthcare providers and patients.
Authentic tirzepatide pens should only be obtained through state-licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. The outer carton includes specific elements: a unique lot number, expiration date printed (not handwritten), and tamper-evident packaging. The carton should display clear, professional printing without spelling errors, smudging, or irregular fonts. The Eli Lilly logo and product name should appear crisp and properly aligned.
The pen device itself bears permanent markings including the product name and dosage strength clearly printed on the pen body. The color-coded base should show consistent, professional coloring without fading or irregularities. Authentic pens feature smooth surfaces and precise manufacturing—any rough edges, misaligned components, or loose parts suggest counterfeit products.
Key authentication steps include:
Verify the prescription was filled at a state-licensed, reputable pharmacy
Check that packaging is sealed and undamaged
Confirm lot numbers and NDC (National Drug Code) match between carton and pen
Inspect for professional printing quality and correct spelling
Avoid unapproved or compounded tirzepatide products (including salt forms)
Report any suspicious products to the FDA MedWatch program (www.fda.gov/medwatch)
Patients who suspect they have received counterfeit medication should not use the product and should contact their pharmacy and healthcare provider immediately. The FDA's BeSafeRx program provides additional guidance on safely purchasing medications and avoiding counterfeits.
Proper storage and handling of tirzepatide is essential to maintain medication stability, efficacy, and patient safety. Tirzepatide is a peptide-based medication that requires specific temperature conditions to preserve its molecular structure and therapeutic activity. Improper storage can lead to degradation of the active ingredient, potentially reducing effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
Refrigerated storage requirements:
Unused tirzepatide pens must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Pens should be kept in their original carton to protect from light until ready for use. The medication should never be frozen; if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded even if it subsequently thaws. Patients should store pens away from the freezer compartment and avoid placing them directly against refrigerator cooling elements. When traveling, tirzepatide should be transported in a cooler with ice packs, ensuring the pens do not come into direct contact with ice.
Room temperature storage:
Once removed from refrigeration, tirzepatide pens may be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 21 days. This flexibility allows for convenient use and reduces injection discomfort, as room-temperature medication is generally better tolerated than cold injections. However, after 21 days at room temperature, any unused pen must be discarded regardless of remaining solution. Patients should note the date when first removed from refrigeration on the carton or in a calendar to track this 21-day window.
Handling precautions:
Pens should be protected from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never store tirzepatide in vehicles, where temperature extremes can occur. Keep medication out of reach of children and pets. Before each injection, allow refrigerated pens to reach room temperature naturally (approximately 30 minutes) rather than using artificial heating methods. Always inspect the pen for damage before use and discard any pen showing signs of damage or leakage. After use, dispose of pens in an FDA-cleared sharps container.
Tirzepatide is available in multiple dosage strengths to accommodate the medication's escalation schedule, which is designed to improve gastrointestinal tolerability while achieving therapeutic efficacy. Each dosage strength is identified by a distinct color-coded base on the prefilled pen, providing a visual safety feature that helps prevent dosing errors. However, patients should always confirm the printed milligram strength on the pen and carton label rather than relying solely on color.
Available dosage strengths and corresponding pen colors for Mounjaro:
2.5 mg – Gray base (starting dose)
5 mg – Blue base
7.5 mg – Green base
10 mg – Yellow base
12.5 mg – Orange base
15 mg – Purple base (maximum approved dose)
The FDA-approved dosing schedule for type 2 diabetes typically begins with 2.5 mg administered subcutaneously once weekly for four weeks. This initial dose serves primarily as a tolerability step rather than a therapeutic dose. After four weeks, the dose is increased to 5 mg once weekly. If additional glycemic control is needed, the dose may be increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least four weeks on the current dose, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Dose escalation should be individualized based on patient response, tolerability, and glycemic targets.
For chronic weight management (Zepbound), the dosing schedule follows a similar escalation pattern, starting at 2.5 mg weekly and increasing as tolerated. While the dosage strengths are the same, patients should always verify the specific product and dosage information on their prescription and medication packaging. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the importance of using the correct pen for their prescribed dose, as using an incorrect strength could result in subtherapeutic dosing or increased adverse effects.
Clinical considerations for dose escalation:
The gradual dose titration schedule is designed to minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects, which are the most commonly reported side effects of tirzepatide. These include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. By slowly increasing the dose, patients' gastrointestinal systems can adapt to the medication's effects on gastric emptying and satiety signaling. If patients experience intolerable side effects during dose escalation, healthcare providers may consider delaying the increase for an additional four weeks or maintaining the current dose if therapeutic goals are being met.
Authentic tirzepatide pens should only come from state-licensed pharmacies with valid prescriptions, feature tamper-evident packaging with clear professional printing, display matching lot numbers between carton and pen, and show consistent color-coded bases without irregularities. Report any suspicious products to FDA MedWatch immediately.
Each tirzepatide dosage strength has a distinct color-coded base: gray (2.5 mg), blue (5 mg), green (7.5 mg), yellow (10 mg), orange (12.5 mg), and purple (15 mg). Always verify the printed dosage strength on the label rather than relying solely on color.
Unused tirzepatide pens must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F and never frozen. Once removed from refrigeration, pens may be stored at room temperature up to 86°F for up to 21 days before discarding, even if solution remains.
All medical content on this blog is created using reputable, evidence-based sources and is regularly reviewed for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep our content current with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider with any medical questions or concerns. Use of this information is at your own risk, and we are not liable for any outcomes resulting from its use.
