COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

• Start at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 5 mg weekly. Titrate gradually to 10 mg or 15 mg weekly to achieve desired glycemic control or degree of weight loss.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

• Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptors. By activating these pathways, it enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. It also reduces appetite and promotes weight loss through central mechanisms of satiety regulation.

• The combination of GIP and GLP-1 activity may offer synergistic benefits for glycemic control and weight reduction compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists alone.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These are dose-dependent and often occur during dose escalation.

• Metabolic: Hypoglycemia, primarily when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Injection Site: Mild irritation or redness at the injection site.

• Severe Effects: Rare events include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and worsening of diabetic retinopathy in patients with pre-existing disease.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Absolute: Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or hypersensitivity to semaglutide or its excipients.

• Relative: Severe gastrointestinal disease, a history of pancreatitis, or significant renal impairment. Patients with gallbladder disease should be monitored due to the risk of gallstone formation.

NOTES ON EFFICACY / COMPOUNDING

• The average patient completing a course of tirzepatide for weight loss will lose approximately 23% of their body weight.

• Our formulations of tirzepatide are available compounded with Vitamin B6 (to decrease nausea) or Levocarnitine (to help decrease muscle catabolism during rapid weight loss).

MORE INFORMATION

• FDA Safety Data Sheet can be found here