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Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:29 AM (IST)
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TIRZEPATIDE
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:29 AM (IST)
TIRZEPATIDE
Background and Date of approval TIRZEPATIDE
Tirzepatide is an antidiabetic medication that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved on May 13, 2022. It is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise. It is also being studied for its potential benefits in Chronic weight management. It is a prescription medicine. Trizepatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and it works by glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor.
Uses of TIRZEPATIDE
Tirzepatide injection is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. It helps improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with diet and exercise. In addition to its benefits for blood sugar management, Tirzepatide for diabetes has shown effectiveness in promoting weight loss, making it a potential option for managing obesity.
How is TIRZEPATIDE administered?
Tirzepatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The Tirzepatide dosage will be determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient's response and tolerance. Patients should not self-administer the Tirzepatide injection without proper training from a healthcare professional.
Side Effects of TIRZEPATIDE
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects of Tirzepatide:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
Serious side effects of Tirzepatide:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): There is a Higher risk when used with sulfonylureas or insulin. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, sweating, slurred speech, confusion, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
- Serious allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting, rapid heartbeat.
- Kidney problems: Dehydration from diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting can worsen kidney issues.
- Severe stomach problems: Stomach problems that are severe or persist.
- Changes in vision: Notify your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in vision.
- Gallbladder problems: Symptoms include upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), and clay-coloured stools
Warnings
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis has been reported in clinical trials. Discontinue immediately if pancreatitis is suspected.
- Hypoglycaemia with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues: Risk of hypoglycaemia increases when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. Discontinue treatment if suspected.
- Acute Kidney Injury: Monitor renal function in patients with renal impairment who experience severe gastrointestinal side effects.
- Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: Not recommended for use in patients with severe gastrointestinal diseases.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: In patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy, monitor for progression as the drug has not been studied in these conditions.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: Gallbladder issues, including cholelithiasis, have been observed in clinical trials. Perform gallbladder studies and clinical follow-up if needed.
Precautions
Tirzepatide should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, as it may exacerbate the condition. Close monitoring is required for patients taking insulin or insulin secretagogues to avoid hypoglycaemia. Additionally, patients with renal impairment should be carefully monitored, particularly if they experience severe gastrointestinal reactions.
Word of Advice
Patients using tirzepatide should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to optimise treatment and minimise risks. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, kidney function, and any gastrointestinal symptoms is essential. It's important to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare professional promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
Is tirzepatide available in India?
Yes, tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, is now available in India. Eli Lilly launched it on March 20, 2025, after receiving approval from India's drug regulator. Mounjaro is prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss.
Q2.
Is tirzepatide harmful to the kidneys?
Tirzepatide is not directly harmful to kidneys, but it may cause kidney-related issues in some patients, especially those with pre-existing renal conditions. It's essential to monitor kidney function during treatment, particularly if severe gastrointestinal side effects occur.
Q3.
Who cannot take tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide should not be taken by individuals with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal diseases, or diabetic retinopathy. It is also not recommended for those with severe kidney issues or hypersensitivity to the drug. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if tirzepatide is suitable for your condition.
Q4.
Can I get tirzepatide for weight loss?
Yes, tirzepatide is approved for weight loss in addition to managing type 2 diabetes. It has shown significant weight loss benefits in clinical trials and is prescribed for overweight or obese individuals. These benefits make it an option for those seeking Tirzepatide weight loss treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Q5.
Is tirzepatide better than Ozempic?
Tirzepatide has shown superior results compared to Ozempic (semaglutide) in clinical trials, particularly in weight loss and blood sugar control. However, the choice between the two depends on individual patient needs and response to treatment, so it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Q6.
What are the drawbacks of tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide side effects may include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which can be severe in some cases. In addition to these, it may also increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, especially when used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues. Moreover, Tirzepatide side effects can include more serious complications, such as pancreatitis and kidney issues, which require careful monitoring during treatment. Other potential side effects include dizziness, headaches, and allergic reactions. It is important for patients to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider and undergo regular monitoring throughout the treatment.
References
1. Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. [Updated 2024 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/
2. Forzano I, Varzideh F, Avvisato R, Jankauskas SS, Mone P, Santulli G. Tirzepatide: A Systematic Update. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9741068/
3. Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, Pérez Manghi FC, Fernández Landó L, Bergman BK, Liu B, Cui X, Brown K; SURPASS-2 Investigators. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34170647/
4. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.
