Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is an FDA-approved weekly injection used for type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar. Tirzepatide has also been shown in clinical trials to be useful for weight loss, although currently it is not an FDA-approved weight loss drug. Tirzepatide works by activating the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Tirzepatide is only indicated for adults and should be used along with diet and exercise.

Diabetes is a long-term condition when your blood sugars (HbA1c) become too high as your body does not produce or use insulin normally.  Over time high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, vision loss, and blood circulation issues.

Tirzepatide works to decrease blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and also lowering the amount of sugar the liver makes. It also slows the rate food passes through your body which makes you feel full longer, and this may be one of the ways it may help weight loss.

Tirzepatide is a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it works on the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors.

Tirzepatide can be used as a single therapy (on its own) or with other diabetes medicines, including sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors or metformin.

It is not known if this medicine can be used in people who have had pancreatitis.

Tirzepatide should not be used in people who have type 1 diabetes.

Is Tirzepatide used for weight loss?

• Tirzepatide has been shown to help lose weight in overweight patients. Phase 3 clinical trials are currently underway for weight loss in adults who are overweight, obese, or have weight-related health issues. Tirzepatide has received FDA  Fast Track designation to speed up its FDA application for treating adults with obesity, or who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. 
• In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, the average weight loss with tirzepatide after 72 weeks was 15% for the 5mg dose, 19.5% for the 10mg dose, and 20.9% for the 15mg dose.
• Tirzepatide is not FDA-approved as a weight loss medication; it is FDA-approved to help reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and should be used together with diet and exercise. 

Tirzepatide may cause thyroid C-cell tumors. It is important to tell your doctor if you have a personal or your family has a history of thyroid cancer or a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) syndrome. This is a syndrome that causes tumors to develop on endocrine glands. If you experience any of these symptoms: lump or swelling in your neck, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath, then you should call your doctor immediately.

Keep all appointments with your doctor, health professionals, and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain tests to check your body's response to this medicine.

You should follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not understand. It is important to use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Tirzepatide comes as a solution (liquid) in a pre-filled pen that is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). 

It is usually given

• once a week.
• can be given with or without meals, at any time of the day. 
• may be injected into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. 
• You should rotate injection sites with each dose.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose which may be gradually increased, but not more than once every 4 weeks.

You may change the day of the week you use tirzepatide as long as there is at least three days between doses.

You may administer insulin in the same area as tirzepatide, but they should not be given right next to each other. Insulin and tirzepatide should be given as separate injections, and not be mixed in the same injection.

Tirzepatide controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. It may take four weeks or longer before you see the full benefit of this medicine. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

For more detailed instructions with diagrams, on how to give tirzepatide click here: Instructions for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) 

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Tirzepatide, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in this medicine.  There is a list of ingredients contained in this medicine, at the bottom of this page.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or pancreas disease, a history of diabetic retinopathy or any stomach problems such as difficulty digesting food.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor. 

If you miss a dose of Tirzepatide take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, if within 4 days after the missed dose. However, if it has been more than 4 days since your last dose then skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject two doses within 3 days of each other.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Poison Help If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Tirzepatide may cause side effects. You should tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• vomiting
• nausea
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite
• constipation
• upset stomach

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the Important Information section, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor immediately:

• stomach pain that will not go away (and may radiate to the back) with or without vomiting.

Tirzepatide may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms and signs of low blood sugar may include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heart rate and feeling jittery. This medicine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor or health professional if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription an over the counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are planning to take or are taking. They may interact with tirzepatide and your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Birth control pills may not work as well while receiving this medicine. Your doctor may suggest you use another form of birth control for 4 weeks after starting tirzepatide and for 4 weeks after each dose change.

Taking tirzepatide with other medicines to treat diabetes such as sulfonylureas or insulin may increase your risk of hypoglycemia. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about low blood sugar and how to manage it.

This list is not complete. Many other drugs may interact with Mounjaro, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. To check for interactions with this medicine, click the link below.