What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a combination glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication that’s used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for those who have overweight or obesity.
Tirzepatide can be used by itself, or in combination with other medications.
The generic name for this medication is Tirzepatide, and the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredients as Tirzepatide.
If you’d like to learn more about Tirzepatide and how it functions, click here and here to explore the medication monographs.
How does Tirzepatide work?
As a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, Tirzepatide works in a few different ways. It enhances insulin secretion, reduces glucagon secretion, modulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, regulates appetite, blood sugar and caloric intake.
In turn, this can be a beneficial way to help control blood sugar levels for patients who are living with type 2 diabetes.
By slowing down digestion, increasing fullness and reducing appetite, helping to decrease calorie intake and reduce body weight.
tirzepatide injections can help with weight management treatment. It can often help to decrease hunger, feel full longer and decrease food cravings.
What is Tirzepatide used to treat?
As a diabetes treatment, Tirzepatide medications are used as a treatment for patients living with type 2 diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels, as well as control your body’s natural insulin levels.
In some cases for diabetes treatment, Tirzepatide may be used as a solo medication, or sometime in combination with certain other diabetic treatment medications.Â
Never combine other medications with your Tirzepatide prescription without first consulting your practitioner for guidance and direction.
As a weight management treatment, Tirzepatide is used to help patients that are living with overweight or obesity as part of their weight management plan, alongside a healthy diet, a calorie deficit, and regular exercise.
By slowing down digestion, increasing fullness and reducing appetite, helping to decrease calorie intake and reduce body weight, using tirzepatide injections may be a beneficial part of your overall weight management plan.
How do you take Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide doses will come in a pre-loaded injector pen, which should be administered once per week at the same time.
It can be a good idea to set an alarm, so that you don’t forget to take your Tirzepatide medication dose when it’s time. Missed or improperly timed dosages may impact Tirzepatide’s effectiveness and your health. This is especially important if you are taking it to control your blood sugar levels. The Felix app has an injection tracker where you can log your doses and have a record of past doses. You can also view your treatment schedule as well as set up reminders to help stay on track.Â
You can choose to take your Tirzepatide medication anytime, day or night, and it doesn’t need to be taken after eating.
Your practitioner may provide you with a Tirzepatide dosage chart to use as you begin your treatments. This will explain how Tirzepatide works so that you can help your body get used to the treatments.
‍SIDE NOTE:. You should not administer Tirzepatide injections into either muscles or veins. Follow the dosing location instructions provided alongside your Tirzepatide prescription for more information.
How long does Tirzepatide last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Tirzepatide?
Some people that use Tirzepatide won’t experience any kind of side effects, and those that do usually find that they disappear over time as their body adjusts to the medication.
With that in mind, some common side effects of Tirzepatide include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Fatigue or low energy
If any of your Tirzepatide side effects become severe or persistent, please seek immediate in-person care at your local emergency department or urgent care. For mild or moderate symptoms, be sure to let your practitioner know right away. They may be able to adjust your Tirzepatide dosage or medication that may work better for you, consider alternative medications to Tirzepatide or suggest other treatments (e.g. dietary adjustments or over-the-counter medications) that could help with the negative side effects that you are experiencing.
Who shouldn't take Tirzepatide?
There are some who shouldn’t use Tirzepatide medications at all, including (but not limited to):
- Patients with an allergy to Tirzepatide medications or any of its ingredients
- You or a family member has ever had Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
- You’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Patients under the age of 18
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients who have Type 1 Diabetes
You should also be sure to let your health care practitioner know if you:
- Have a heart condition that raises your heart rate
- Have stomach or digestive issues
- Have had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Have or have had liver problems
- Have or have had kidney problems
- Have ever attempted suicide or had suicidal ideation
- Use insulin or medications that stimulate insulin production from your pancreas
- Have or have had conditions related to your pancreas or gallbladder
- Have retinopathy (diabetic eye disease)
- Have severe stomach problems or issues with digestion
You and your health care practitioner will need to decide if Tirzepatide is a good medication for you or if an alternative medication should be considered.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Tirzepatide?
There are certain things that you should be mindful about while using Tirzepatide medications.Â
When using Tirzepatide , you should also be mindful to avoid dehydration. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or decreased fluid intake, you are at risk of dehydration. This can increase your chances of adverse health consequences like kidney problems.
When you begin to experience changes in your appetite, it may lead to some people not eating enough calories to sustain what their bodies need to be healthy. It is important to eat regularly each day, focusing on adequate amounts of healthy foods, including getting enough protein and fiber, staying hydrated, and avoiding long periods of time without eating, since this is important to your overall health while taking Tirzepatide.
Tirazepatide can’t be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. This means, if you’re planning to become pregnant, you need to stop Tirzepatide at least 8 weeks beforehand.
Be sure to take extra precautions and talk to your practitioner if you use heavy equipment or machinery regularly (low blood sugar may make it difficult to concentrate).
Additionally, Tirzepatide prescriptions may interact negatively with certain other medications, so be sure to let your practitioner know all of your current medications, especially if you’re currently using or planning to use:
- Oral birth control medications
- Anti-diabetic medications
- Medications that could increase your heart rate
Is There a Difference Between Tirzepatide, Zepbound & Mounjaro?
All three medications contain the same active ingredients. Tirzepatide is the generic name for this medication, whilst Zepbound and Mounjaro are the brand names it is sold under.
The only difference between Tirzepatide, Zepbound, and Mounjaro are its intended use. Zepbound has been authorized for sale by Health Canada for weight management, and Mounjaro for managing type 2 diabetes.
Will Tirzepatide Interact with My Current Medications or Supplements?
At this time, there are no known direct drug interactions with Tirzepatide medications, although it may affect the absorption of medications.
As with any new treatment, it’s essential that you let your practitioner know all of the other treatments, medications, or supplements that you’re currently using, so that your practitioner can ensure your overall weight management plan remains safe and healthy.
Tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control, so you may be advised to switch to non-oral birth control or use a backup method while taking Tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide may increase the risk of getting low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medicines such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Speak to your practitioner about managing the dosage of your medication while taking Tirzepatide.
Additionally, you should be cautious with taking Tirzepatide at the same time as medications (prescription and over-the-counter) that can increase your heart rate.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Tirzepatide?
If it’s been 4 days (96 hours) or less since the time that you would normally have taken your Tirzepatide injection, you should take the injection at that time, then inject your next dose on your usual day
More than 96 hours after the missed dose, you should skip the missed dose, and simply take the next one at its normal scheduled time.
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Further reading
