TIRZEPATIDE is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, manage chronic weight in adults with obesity, and treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. It is a once-weekly injectable drug sold under the brand names Mounjaro® (for diabetes) and Zepbound® (for weight loss and sleep apnea).
Mechanism of Action: Tirzepatide is a dual agonist for the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. It mimics these natural gut hormones to stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite, which helps lower blood sugar and leads to significant weight loss.
Administration: It is administered as a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once a week, with dosage gradually increasing over time as advised by a healthcare provider.
Effectiveness: In clinical trials, tirzepatide has shown superior efficacy compared to other medications like semaglutide in reducing both blood sugar (HbA1c) and body weight.
Safety & Side Effects: The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which typically improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney injury (often due to dehydration).
Boxed Warning: The medication carries a boxed warning because it caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rats; it is not known if this risk applies to humans. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use tirzepatide.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Pregnancy: The effects on pregnant or breastfeeding women are not well-studied, and it should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Medication Interactions: Tirzepatide can affect the absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying. Patients on oral contraceptives should use a barrier method for at least four weeks after starting treatment or increasing the dose.
Cost and Access: Brand-name tirzepatide can be expensive, with or without insurance coverage. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, offers information and potential savings through their LillyDirect website.
Compounded Versions: Compounded versions of tirzepatide are not FDA-approved and may pose safety risks. The FDA encourages reporting adverse events from any medication use
