Tirzepatide: Mounjaro & Weight Loss Drug Guide
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. By mimicking both incretin hormones, it synergistically stimulates insulin release, suppresses glucagon, and significantly delays gastric emptying while reducing appetite.
The drug has demonstrated superior efficacy in both glycemic control for diabetics and substantial weight loss for obesity management compared to single-hormone agonists. On Unifarm, you can find details on medications (such as Mounjaro/Zepbound) containing this active ingredient.
Indications
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
- Chronic Weight Management: For adults with an initial BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m² (obesity) or ≥ 27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Dosage and administration
Tirzepatide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). It can be taken at any time of day, with or without meals.
Titration Schedule:
- Initial Dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
- Step-up: Increase to 5 mg once weekly after the initial period.
- Maintenance/Adjustments: Dose can be increased by 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks if needed.
- Maximum Dose: 15 mg once weekly.
- Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC).
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Known serious hypersensitivity to Tirzepatide.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (discontinue at least 2 months before planned conception).
- Severe gastroparesis.
Most side effects are gastrointestinal and tend to subside over time:
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia.
- Pancreas: Risk of acute pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder: Cholelithiasis (gallstones).
- Injection site: Redness or itching.
- Hypoglycemia: Increased risk when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues.
