What is Tirzepatide used for?

Tirzepatide is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (evidence tier A), Obesity (evidence tier A), Weight loss (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Tirzepatide?

Common side effects of Tirzepatide (≥ 1 in 100): Nausea (20-30%), Diarrhoea (15-20%), Vomiting (8-15%), Constipation, Decreased appetite, Injection site reactions. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Tirzepatide safe during pregnancy?

FDA category C. Contraindicated in pregnancy: fetal weight and development may be impaired; women of reproductive age are advised to use contraception and discontinue tirzepatide at least 2 months before planned conception.

Is Tirzepatide compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding: data on excretion in breast milk are unavailable.

Who should not take Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is contraindicated in: Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer; Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2); Active or prior pancreatitis; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Severe gastroparesis. Full list in the Safety section.

Tirzepatide

AEMPS

Blood glucose lowering drugs, GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists

ATC code: A10BJ09 (Tirzepatide)

Brand names

Mounjaro, Zepbound

Mechanism of action

Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. It is the first commercial drug with dual incretin activity. GLP-1 activation stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite and glucagon production. Additional GIP activation enhances the insulinotropic effect and positively affects lipid metabolism. Administered subcutaneously once weekly, half-life is approximately 5 days. Doses 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 mg.

Indications

Obesity

First line

Tirzepatide as Zepbound is -approved (November 2023) and -approved (August 2024) for adult obesity with BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with comorbidities. The SURMOUNT programme: SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff 2022, n=2539, 72 weeks) showed 15-21% weight loss vs 3% on placebo across 5/10/15 mg doses; SURMOUNT-2 in type 2 diabetes patients (Garvey 2023) and SURMOUNT-3 after intensive lifestyle intervention (Wadden 2023). Efficacy exceeds (Wegovy 2.4 mg) in indirect comparisons. AACE 2023 and Obesity Society 2024 guidelines list tirzepatide as first-line. Use requires gradual dose titration due to GI side effects.

Tirzepatide

Mechanism of action

Indications

Obesity

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Marketing claims without evidence base

Weight loss

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Drug interactions

Check interaction with another drug

Official sources

Safety

Contraindications

Serious adverse effects

Common adverse effects

PregnancyFDA C

Breastfeeding

Frequently asked