Tirzepatide is a medication that is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults or for the treatment of obesity and maintenance of weight loss. It helps to increase insulin production in the pancreas and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, which can help to keep blood sugar within normal levels.

This medication is injected on a weekly basis and must be incorporated into an active, lifestyle diet. It is found in injection form for weekly application, under the brand names Mounjaro or Zepbound. It can be used alone or combined with other diabetic medication, as guided by your doctor.

Tirzepatide should be used as prescribed by your doctor. Its use and effectiveness should be regularly monitored to ensure treatment goals are achieved and side effects are mitigated.

What it's used for

Tirzepatide can be used:

To improve blood sugar management in adults with type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro)
For weight loss and long-term weight management in patients who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity (Zepbound)

In diabetics, this medication can be used on if metformin in not well-tolerated, or it can be used with other diabetic medications, as prescribed by an endocrinologist.

How it works

Tirzepatide has a dual action, as it acts on both GPL-1 receptors (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP receptors (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These receptors are present in the pancreas, brain, intestines, heart, kidneys, adipose tissue, leukocytes and blood vessels.

GPL-1 and GIP are hormones, called incretins, that are produced naturally in the gut. Read more about them below:

GIP: This hormone is produced in the gut when you eat carbohydrates and fat. It informs your pancreas to produce insulin. Medications that target GIP receptors can help to make them more efficient by promoting insulin production only when blood sugar levels are high.
GLP-1: This hormone is also produced in the gut to manage blood sugar levels and appetite. Medications that target GLP-1 receptors help to signal the pancreas to produce insulin when blood sugars are high as well as reduce the amount of sugar produced in the liver.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, like tirzepatide, also help to slow down how quickly your stomach empties after eating. This can help to keep you fuller for longer. Together, these mechanisms can help with diabetes management and weight loss.

Can you take tirzepatide for weight loss?

Tirzepatide is sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss, however it is indicated for diabetes management, which can lead to weight loss when managed effectively..

Zepbound, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for weight loss in obese adults or overweight adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

Furthermore, your doctor will recommend incorporating these medications into an active lifestyle with a healthy diet, which may also contribute to weight loss.

Dosing and how to take

Tirzepatide is injected in the subcutaneous layer of the skin (under the skin), either in the belly, thigh or upper arm. It can be used before or after a meal, at any time of the day. Read more about subcutaneous injections and how they are injected.

The normally recommended doses of tirzepatide for adults are:

Initial dose: 2.5 mg of tirzepatide injected once a week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the dose can be increased by the doctor to 5 mg, once a week;
Maintenance dose: 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg of tirzepatide, once a week, as advised by your prescriber.

Increasing the doses of tirzepatide should be guided by a doctor and done in increments of 2.5 mg. New doses should be maintained for at least 4 weeks, with increases depending on the patient's response to treatment, tolerance, and side effects.

The maximum dose of tirzepatide should not exceed 15 mg per week.

Tirzepatide is available in the form of a prefilled injectable pen, with doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg. Application sites should be rotated every week.

Missed doses

If you forget to inject your weekly dose on the correct day and time, you can inject it immediately up to a maximum of 4 days after the missed dose.

After 4 days, you should skip the missed dose and continue your weekly schedule.

Do not inject 2 doses of tirzepatide with an interval of less 3 days between each dose.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of tirzepatide are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, excess intestinal gas, frequent burping, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, bloating, or fatigue.

Tirzepatide can also reduce blood sugar abruptly and cause hypoglycemia, especially when used with other diabetes medications. Read more about the symptoms of hypglycemia you should monitor for.

Tirzepatide can also cause side effects at the injection site, such as pain, itching, irritation, lesions and bruising where it was injected.

Although it is rare, tirzepatide can cause serious allergic reactions. Discontinue use immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, feeling of a closed throat, hives or swelling in the mouth, tongue or face.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, which can present as pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, or yellow, pale stools.

Contraindications for use

Tirzepatide should not be taken by children and adolescents, nor by people who have type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis or allergies to this medicine or any other component of its formula.

Furthermore, this remedy should be used with caution in people with serious gastrointestinal diseases (such as gastroparesis), those who have diabetic retinopathy, or elderly people over 85 years of age.

Tirzepatide should only be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding if approved by a doctor, after evaluating the benefits of treatment for the woman and potential risks for the baby.