What to do if you miss a dose
Missing a weekly dose happens. What matters is how many days have passed and whether taking it late would push your next dose too close.
The simple rule
Weekly peptides such as Tirzepatide and Retatrutide have a long half-life, so a dose a day or two late makes very little difference. The problem is stacking two doses too close together, which is what causes most of the nausea people report after a missed week.
The general approach used with weekly GLP-1 style compounds is: if you remember within four days, take it and carry on with your normal day. If more than four days have passed, skip it and take the next one on your usual day.
| Days since your usual day | What most people do |
|---|---|
| 1-2 days | Take it now, keep your usual weekly day |
| 3-4 days | Take it now, then leave at least 3 days before the next one |
| 5+ days | Skip it. Resume on your normal day |
| More than 2 weeks | Consider dropping back a strength for a week |
General guidance only. If you are unsure, speak to a healthcare professional.
If you have missed several weeks
Tolerance to appetite-suppressing peptides fades. If you have been off for two weeks or more, going straight back to your previous strength is the most common cause of a bad week of nausea.
Most people step back one strength for a week or two, then return to where they were. Our dosage guide shows which pen matches which weekly amount.
Coming back after a break? Step down one strength for a week rather than restarting at your old dose.
Changing your weekly day
You can move your injection day as long as there are at least three days between doses. Shift it gradually - a day or two each week - rather than in one jump.
Missed doses because you ran out
The most common reason for a missed dose is simply not reordering in time. Orders placed before 2pm on a working day are dispatched the same day on free Royal Mail Tracked 24, so ordering the moment you open your last pen is usually enough.
Subscriptions repeat automatically on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly cycle, which removes the problem entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take two doses to catch up?
No. Doubling up is the main cause of severe nausea and vomiting. Skip the missed dose instead and resume on your usual day.
How late is too late?
As a rule of thumb, more than four days past your usual day means it is better to skip and resume normally.
Will I regain weight after one missed week?
A single missed week rarely changes results. Appetite may return noticeably towards the end of the week, which is normal.
Can I change my injection day?
Yes, provided you leave at least three days between doses. Move it gradually over a couple of weeks.
I have been off for a month - do I restart at the same strength?
Most people step back one strength for a week or two, because tolerance to appetite effects fades during a break.
Does a missed dose affect side effects?
Side effects are usually milder after a missed week, and can be stronger than usual if you double up. Never double up.