IMPORTANT WARNING
Tirzepatide has the potential to cause thyroid C-cell tumors. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or a condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome, which leads to the development of tumors in the endocrine glands.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor without delay: a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Ensure you keep all scheduled appointments with your doctor and any necessary laboratory tests. Your healthcare provider may request specific tests to monitor your body’s response to tirzepatide.
At the beginning of your treatment with tirzepatide, and each time you refill your prescription, your doctor or pharmacist will provide you with the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (medication guide).
Take the time to read this information thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you might have. For additional details, you can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (FDA Medication Guide).
Discuss the potential risks associated with using tirzepatide with your doctor.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Tirzepatide injections (Mounjaro) are prescribed in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise to help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This condition occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated due to the body’s inability to produce or utilize insulin effectively. It is important to note that tirzepatide is not intended for treating type 1 diabetes—a condition where the body fails to produce insulin—and is not suitable for managing diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication arising from untreated high blood sugar. Additionally, tirzepatide is not a replacement for insulin therapy.
Tirzepatide injections (Zepbound) are used in conjunction with a personalized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise regimen to assist in weight loss for adults who are obese or overweight. This includes individuals who may also be dealing with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, or high cholesterol.
Tirzepatide belongs to a class of medications known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It functions by enhancing insulin production while reducing glucagon levels, a hormone responsible for regulating glucose production in the liver. Furthermore, tirzepatide injections help slow gastric emptying, which can lead to a reduced appetite and support weight loss efforts.
How should this medicine be used?
Tirzepatide is available as a solution (liquid) in a pre-filled pen designed for subcutaneous injection (under the skin). It is typically administered once a week, with or without meals, at any time of day. Be sure to follow the instructions on your prescription label closely, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification on any part of the instructions you find unclear.
Use tirzepatide precisely as directed. Avoid taking more or less than the prescribed amount or injecting it more frequently than instructed by your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will likely initiate treatment with a low dose of tirzepatide and will gradually increase your dosage, with adjustments not exceeding once every four weeks.
You may change the day of your weekly injection as long as a minimum of three days has elapsed since your last dose.
Tirzepatide can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Be sure to rotate injection sites with each dose to minimize discomfort.
Insulin can be administered in the same area as tirzepatide, but these injections should not be placed right next to each other. Additionally, do not combine tirzepatide and insulin into a single injection.
While tirzepatide is effective in managing type 2 diabetes, it does not cure the condition. It may take four weeks or longer to experience the full benefits of tirzepatide.
Continue taking tirzepatide even if you feel well. Consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for additional uses. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before starting tirzepatide:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to tirzepatide, other medications, or any of the components found in tirzepatide. Consult your pharmacist or review the medication guide for a complete list of ingredients.
Share with your healthcare provider all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication doses or monitor you closely for potential side effects.
Notify your doctor if you have a history of pancreas or kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues such as difficulty digesting food, or if you have experienced diabetic retinopathy.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding. Should you become pregnant while taking tirzepatide, contact your doctor promptly. Note that birth control pills may be less effective when using tirzepatide, and your doctor may recommend an alternative form of contraception for four weeks after initiating tirzepatide and for four weeks following any dose adjustments.
Using tirzepatide alongside other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, could heighten your risk of hypoglycemia. Discuss the signs of low blood sugar and management strategies with your doctor and pharmacist.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, maintain your regular diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you remember the missed dose within four days, take it as soon as possible. However, if more than four days have elapsed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer two doses within a three-day period.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Tirzepatide may lead to side effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or persist:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below or those detailed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, discontinue tirzepatide and contact your doctor immediately:
Tirzepatide may also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of low blood sugar can include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of jitters.
Other side effects may occur while using tirzepatide. Reach out to your doctor if you notice any unusual issues during treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider can report it to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (800) 332-1088.
What should I know about the storage and disposal of this medication?
Tirzepatide should be refrigerated at temperatures between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. It is advisable to keep tirzepatide in its original carton until you are ready to use it, as this helps protect it from light exposure. If necessary, single-dose pens may be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days. Always follow the storage instructions provided and ensure you understand how to keep your medication properly.
It is crucial to keep all medications out of reach and sight of children, as many containers (such as weekly pill organizers and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant. Young children can easily open these containers. To prevent accidental poisoning, always secure safety caps and promptly store the medication in a safe location that is elevated, out of sight, and inaccessible to children.
For more information on safe medication storage, visit: Up and Away.
Unused medications should be disposed of in a manner that prevents pets, children, and others from consuming them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. The safest method of disposal is through a medicine take-back program.
Consult your pharmacist or reach out to your local waste management department to find out about take-back programs in your area. For additional information on safe disposal of medicines, visit the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at FDA Disposal if there are no take-back options available in your community.
In case of an emergency/overdose
If an overdose occurs, contact the poison control helpline at (800) 222-1222. You can also find information online at Poison Help.
If the individual has collapsed, experienced a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or cannot be awakened, immediately call emergency services by dialing 911.
What other information should I know?
Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider.
Never share your medication with anyone else. If you have any questions regarding refilling your prescription, feel free to ask your pharmacist for assistance.
It is essential to maintain a written record of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking, as well as any additional products like vitamins, minerals, or dietary supplements.
Always bring this list with you to each doctor's appointment or if you find yourself admitted to a hospital. Having this information readily available is also crucial in emergency situations.
Brand names
- Mounjaro®
- Zepbound®