If you're exploring tirzepatide as a potential treatment option, you probably have questions about the medication and our program and how it works. We've got you covered with the details you need to know.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzeaptide is an injectable drug that goes by two different brand names. One form of this drug, Mounjaro, is authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes, while its counterpart, Zepbound, is indicated for long-term weight management. Both use the same tirzepatide compound and work the same way on the body.
Tirzepatide helps the body better regulate blood sugar levels by mimicking natural hormones secreted from the pancreas that control blood sugar. Tirzepatide also slows down digestion, increases fullness and reduces appetite, helping to decrease calorie intake and reduce body weight.
What is the difference between the various forms of tirzepatide?
In Canada, there are two brands of the same drug/compound, called tirzepatide. The key differences are its intended use.
Both forms of tirzepatide function and work on the body the same way. The pancreas secretes hormones that control blood sugar production — these medications mimic this natural hormone. Tirzepatide helps the body to better regulate blood sugar levels as well as slowing down digestion, making your body feel “full.”
In Canada, tirzepatide was initially authorized for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus It was later authorized for the indication of weight management.
Results and dosage explained
In studies, those who took 15mg of tirzepatide, saw a mean body weight reduction of almost 20.9% compared to a reduction of 3.1% in the placebo group in people with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related complication, but without diabetes.The lifestyle changes in the studies included both dietary and physical activity changes.
Tirzepatide is a once a week injection medication. With the Felix program, you start at a dose of 2.5 mg per week. You stay at each dose for a minimum of 4 weeks and increase your dose based on your body’s response and side effects, to a maximum dose of 15 mg. It’s important that you do not increase your dose at a quicker rate than what is outlined in your medication dosing schedule and treatment guide, or what your practitioner has advised. This is because the medication was designed to be increased at a specific rate for your safety and in order to minimize side effects. This also allows your body time to adjust to the medication. Learn more about tirzepatide dosing here.
Additionally, your practitioner's aim is to find the lowest effective dose for you, so you may not need to be on the maximum dose of 15mg if a smaller dose is effective enough for you.
It’s also important to note that as your tirzepatide dose increases, so does the cost of your treatment. Here is more information about our prices — you can always reach out to your healthcare practitioner to find a treatment that works for you and is cost effective.
Eli Lilly’s Care Program
Eli Lilly offers assistance for patients that are taking tirzepatide. They offer patient resources to help you better understand your treatment, as well as financial assistance if eligible. Learn more about the Eli Lilly Care programs for Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Explore the Collection of Blogs Below For All the Info You Need
Off-Label Prescribing: what you need to know about this common practice
Tirzepatide: How and Where to Inject: how to use the medication, and where to inject tirzepatide
Tirzepatide: What are the Main Side Effects?: like all medication, tirzepatide may cause side effects — here are the most common ones
How to Properly Store Tirzepatide: storage tips to make sure your medication is kept at the right temperature
Your First 3 Months on Tirzepatide: what to expect during your first 3 months
Still have questions we didn’t cover? We can answer them at hello@felixforyou.ca.
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