Frequently Asked Questions

Tirzepatide is a typically a once-weekly injectable prescription medication used for weight management in adults with chronic weight-related conditions, intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Tirzepatide is a medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It has shown significant potential for weight loss in individuals with obesity or diabetes. Tirzepatide works by mimicking the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which help in reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness, leading to weight loss. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tirzepatide can lead to a 20% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks, and it has been associated with significant improvements in BMI, lipid levels, diabetes indicators, and blood pressure. Individual results may vary from patient to patient and results are not guaranteed. However, it's important to note that the weight loss effects may not persist beyond the period of active treatment, and discontinuation of the medication can lead to weight regain. The medication has also been associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine if Tirzepatide is suitable for your individual circumstances.

Tirzepatide mimics natural hormones that control appetite and food uptake, leading to reduced calorie consumption. It also improves insulin regulation, which helps manage blood sugar levels. Be sure to watch the videos at the bottom of this page for more detailed information.

• Initial Weight Loss: Most people who follow a healthy diet and exercise routine begin reporting some weight loss within a month to two months of starting the medication.

• Substantial Weight Loss: After 12 weeks of intensive lifestyle intervention, Tirzepatide showed an additional 21.1% weight loss, for a total mean weight loss of 26.6% from study entry over 84 weeks.

• Sustained Treatment Benefits: A controlled clinical trial demonstrated that Tirzepatide led to a 20% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks. Those who continued on the drug lost another 5%, so their overall weight loss was about 25%.

• Long-Term Results: With consistent use and combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, substantial weight loss can be observed 6 months and beyond.

It's important to note that individual results can vary based on factors such as adherence to the prescribed diet and exercise regimen, starting weight, metabolic rate, and other health conditions. Additionally, Tirzepatide's effectiveness in weight loss is significantly enhanced when combined with lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Tirzepatide has undergone rigorous clinical trials and is considered safe when taken under medical supervision.

The side effects of Tirzepatide can include both common and more serious effects. The most common side effects are usually temporary and include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Upset stomach

• Bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Burping

• Flatulence (gas)

• Facial changes

• Vivid dreams

• Hair loss

More serious side effects, such as gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions, are rare but possible. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if any side effects seem excessive or severe. 

Additionally, Tirzepatide may cause acute kidney injury. Tirzepatide is not be suitable for individuals with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome (MEN2).

Store Tirzepatide in the refrigerator when not in use. If traveling, it is recommended to take ice packs with you during travel to keep it cold but not to have the ice packs touch any vials directly. Upon arrival at your destination place it in the refrigerator. There is a TSA approved travel pack link on our Resource Page.

Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly injection. There are certain circumstances where your physician will make recommendations to inject more of less frequently and/or titrate your dosage.

It is recommended to stay on a particular dose for at least 4 weeks before increasing to the next dose. Most individuals will start out at 2.5MG injections each week for 4 weeks, then 5.0MG injections each week for 4 weeks, and then 7.5MG injections each week for 4 weeks. If you notice you are losing weight too quickly or are having too many side effects (e.g. nausea/vomiting), it is recommended to step down to the previous dose. Your Provider will help guide you to see if 7.5MG is what is recommended to continue at or if increasing is a better and safe option for you.

Please note that getting to the 15MG vial is not the ultimate goal. It is achieving your weight loss goals in a controlled, slow but steady, and safe manner. Please contact your Provider if you have any questions along your weight loss journey.

If you miss a dose and are within 4 days of your dosing date, take it as soon as possible. If you are 5 days past your dosing date, please contact us and we will help you get back on this medication. Starting and stopping this medication may have significant side effects like nausea and vomiting especially if at higher doses.

Discontinuing Tirzepatide may lead to weight regain if lifestyle modifications are not maintained.

While not common, diarrhea may occur. Stay hydrated and contact your provider if you experience diarrhea.

To prevent constipation, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, consume dietary fiber, and consider using over-the-counter remedies like Metamucil or stool softeners if needed. C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital Michigan Medicine*** has a helpful PDF to help choose high fiber foods.

If you're constipated, increase your fiber and water intake. If constipation continues consider start taking over-the-counter Miralax and follow the prevention recommendations once regular bowel movements resume.

Weight loss varies by individual, but studies have shown significant reductions in mean body weight, with some patients experiencing a weight loss of 20% or more. Again, Individual results may vary from patient to patient and results are not guaranteed.

The duration of Tirzepatide treatment varies from person to person, but it may be a long-term commitment to maintain weight loss.

Tirzepatide is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is not known to cause diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Tirzepatide, a synthetic peptide, acts as a dual agonist at the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptors. By stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, reducing glucagon secretion, and increasing adiponectin levels, Tirzepatide helps in lowering hyperglycemia and promoting weight loss. Its dual agonism at the GIP and GLP-1 receptors contributes to its glycemic and weight control effects. The medication works by mimicking the natural hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which are involved in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion.

Tirzepatide is contraindicated in certain individuals and should not be taken by:

• Patients with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

• Individuals with known serious hypersensitivity to Tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in the medication

Additionally, Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease and is not recommended for these patients.

It should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease, as it has been reported to cause acute pancreatitis and gallbladder problems in clinical trials.

Patients should also be monitored for signs of acute kidney injury.

Patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should NOT take Tirzepatide, as Tirzepatide may harm the unborn baby. Additionally, it is not recommend to take Tirzepatide while breastfeeding.

It is also important to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting Tirzepatide if there are any concerns about thyroid tumors, as the medication may increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.

Before starting Tirzepatide, it is crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate based on individual health conditions and history.

Yes, Tirzepatide can be used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been evaluated and approved for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the phase III SURPASS trials, once-weekly subcutaneous Tirzepatide was tested as monotherapy or as add-on therapy to oral glucose-lowering medications and insulin. It was found to be superior to the GLP-1 receptor agonists dulaglutide and semaglutide, as well as basal and prandial insulin, when used in combination with these medications.

Tirzepatide has been shown to achieve better glycemic control in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction and improved insulin sensitivity. It was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with that of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) and was associated with a low risk of clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate combination of medications for individual patients, as combining medications can increase the risk of certain side effects and requires careful monitoring.

Tirzepatide should not be used in combination with certain diabetes medications due to the increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Specifically, caution is advised when using Tirzepatide with:

• Insulin: Combining Tirzepatide with insulin can significantly lower blood sugar levels. If used together, a healthcare provider may need to adjust the insulin dosage to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

• Sulfonylureas (such as glimepiride, glyburide, and glipizide): These medications also lower blood sugar, and using them in combination with Tirzepatide may further increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dosage adjustments of the sulfonylurea may be necessary.

• Meglitinides (such as nateglinide and repaglinide): Similar to sulfonylureas, meglitinides can cause hypoglycemia, and combining them with Tirzepatide may enhance this effect.

Patients should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, shaking, headache, and sweating, when Tirzepatide is used in combination with these medications. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or adjusting any diabetes medication regimen.

Yes! There are two great videos by Harvard** that dive into how GLP-1 medications work. Please be sure to watch both to understand these medications.