Let’s be honest—GLP-1 shots like tirzepatide can do great things for your health, but figuring out your dose can be confusing.
Your vial says milligrams (mg), your syringe says units (U) or mililiters (ml), and suddenly it feels like a math test.
Don’t worry. Flow Wellness will help you make sense of it.
The Basics
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Tirzepatide dosing (and similar GLP-1s like semaglutide) is measured in milligrams (mg).
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Insulin syringes measure volume in units (U) or milliliters (ml).
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There are 100 units in 1 milliliter (mL).
To find out how many units you need, you have to know how strong your medicine is—how many milligrams are in each milliliter. This is called the concentration, and it’s always printed on your vial.
Example: How Many Units Is 2.5 mg?
Say your vial says Tirzepatide 10 mg / 1 mL.
That means:
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1 mL (100 units) = 10 mg
If your dose is 2.5 mg, here’s the math:
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2.5 ÷ 10 = 0.25 mL
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0.25 mL × 100 = 25 units
Answer: 2.5 mg = 25 units (when your vial is 10 mg/mL)
Quick Conversion Chart
| Vial Label | 1 mL = | 2.5 mg = |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg/mL | 100 units | 50 units |
| 10 mg/mL | 100 units | 25 units |
| 2.5 mg/mL | 100 units | 100 units (1 mL) |
Always check your pharmacy label before drawing up your dose—compounded tirzepatide can come in different strengths.
Flow Tip: Fast Math
If your prescription says your dose in milliliters (mL), multiply that number by 100 to get your units.
Example:
0.2 mL × 100 = 20 units
If your prescription lists milligrams (mg) instead, do this:
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Divide your mg by your vial’s strength.
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Multiply by 100 to get your units.
Example (10 mg/mL vial):
2.5 ÷ 10 = 0.25 mL
0.25 × 100 = 25 units
Don’t Guess Your Dose
Using the wrong amount can make you feel awful—or stall your progress.
That’s why Flow Wellness walks every patient through their exact dose, syringe markings, and step-by-step plan.
No confusion. No internet math. Just clear instructions from real medical professionals.
Exceptions
Not every pharmacy includes insulin syringes with your medication (because, of course, that would be too easy). Some vials come with syringes marked in tenths of a milliliter (mL), and others may include larger 3 mL syringes.
That’s why it’s so important to understand your exact dose—and remember that the amount you draw up depends on both your prescribed dose and the strength of your medication.
If anything feels unclear, don’t guess. We’re here to help. Stop by the office, give us a call, or send a quick photo to your provider for confirmation. We’d much rather double-check your syringe than have you second-guess your dose.
The Flow Wellness Way
At Flow Wellness, we blend medical know-how with real-life wellness.
Your GLP-1 plan is designed around you—your body, your goals, and your safety.
We serve patients across Oregon and Washington, in-clinic and by telehealth, helping you reach your goals without the stress or guesswork.
Watch this video to have the Flow Wellness owner and medical director walk you through drawing up your medicine and giving yourself an injection.
Have more questions, please don’t hesitate to call the clinic at 541-422-3569 or message us at info@theflowwellness.com. We’re always here for you!
Learn more about GLP-1 injections here:
- Your At-Home Injection Guide (Spoiler: It’s Easier Than You Think)
- Unboxing Your Medication: What GLP-1 Vials Really Look Like
- GLP-1 Additives Explained
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. GLP-1 weight loss medication may only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed health care provider. If your prescriber feels GLP-1 medication is right for you, obtaining a prescription is hassle-free through Flow Wellness.
