Tirzepatide

What is tirzepatide used for?

tirzepatide may be used for:

• Weight management in overweight or obese patients.
• Blood sugar management in overweight or obese patients.
• Help regulating appetite and food reward signaling in the brain.
• Other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What should I tell my clinician before using tirzepatide?

Your clinician will discuss your symptoms and weight and health history before determining if tirzepatide is right for you. You should let your clinician know if you have/are:

• Allergy to tirzepatide
• History of medullary thyroid cancer or other thyroid C-cell cancer
• History of pancreas or kidney problems
• History of tachyarrhythmias
• History of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions
• History of diabetic retinopathy
• History of severe stomach problems, like gastroparesis
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Additionally, tell your clinician about any other medication you’re taking. Due to the nature of the medication, tirzepatide may slow gastric emptying. This could interfere with the breakdown of other medications.

Who shouldn’t use tirzepatide?

Don’t use tirzepatide if you have a hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any component of the formulation or if you have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or other thyroid C-cell cancer. You also shouldn’t use tirzepatide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you do not need it to maintain a healthy weight.

How should tirzepatide be administered?

Important: Always follow the package directions and dosing schedule provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber.

• This medication should be given by subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection delivers medicine into the fatty layer between skin and muscle, used to give a small quantity of certain kinds of medications.
• Rotating your injection site is recommended. Commonly used injection sites include: the outer area of the upper arm, the abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch circle around the navel), or the front of the thigh.
• Wash hands and sanitize the injection site with alcohol prior to administration. 
• Do not use the solution if it becomes cloudy, has particles, or changes color.
• Dispose of used needles in a Sharps container.
• Do not use past the beyond use date indicated on the prescription label.
• Keep the medication refrigerated and discard 28 days after initial puncture.

What should I do if I miss a dose of tirzepatide?

• If you miss a dose within 4 days of your scheduled dose, administer it as soon as possible.
• If more than 4 days have passed since you missed a dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not double up on doses.

Where should I store my tirzepatide medicine?

• Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
• Store injectable tirzepatide at refrigeration, between 36 to 46 degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
• Keep away from light sources.
• Keep out of reach from children and pets.

What are common side effects of tirzepatide?

Common side effects include

• Decreased appetite
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as abdominal pain or stomach upset
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting

These side effects typically go away as your body gets used to the medication.

What are more serious side effects that I should alert my clinician about?

Contact your clinician immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:

• Neck mass
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Vocal hoarseness that will not go away
• Kidney problems or urinary complications
• Gallbladder problems
• Very rapid heartbeat
• Eyesight changes
• Severe dizziness
• Signs of low blood sugar
• Inflammation of the pancreas 
• Worsening behavioral or mood changes like depression or thoughts of self-harm
• An allergic reaction to this medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing

You may experience side effects not listed above. Contact your clinician with questions.

If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient.

This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine.

For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.