Tirzepatide Prescription Medication
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a drug that was FDA-approved in May 2022 with the purpose of treating adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes. It works by targeting two receptors in your body called GLP-1 and GIP. GLP1 and GIP are hormones that are manufactured and released in your body when you eat.
Tirzepatide works a bit differently than Semaglutide and other prescription medications used to treat diabetes, overweight, and obesity and is the first medication that mimics the effects of both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones.
How Does Tirzepatide Promote Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide prescription medication acts just like the key hormones in your body that keep your insulin levels and your glucagon levels in check, which lowers your blood sugar and helps suppress your appetite. These two things working together will result in your stomach taking longer to empty and your brain relaying the message that you're full. Individuals will feel satisfied longer and consume fewer calories, which will help them lose weight.
How Do You Use Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is administered through a single-dose injection pen that is prefilled with the appropriate weekly dose. It is meant to be injected on a weekly basis subcutaneously into the thigh, stomach, or back of the upper arm. It is recommended that you administer your injection at about the same time of day and on the same day of the week.
When using Tirzepatide for weight loss, the starting dose is 2.5 mg, and the dose is increased every four weeks for a six-month duration until the highest dose of 15mg is reached according to the following schedule:
Who Is A Candidate For Tirzepatide?
Approved candidates for tirzepatide are at least 18 years of age, have type 2 diabetes, or are individuals who have a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-driven medical condition such as severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc., or an individual with a BMI of at least 30 who has not been successful in their previous weight loss attempts.
Tirzepatide Should Not Be Used By Patients Who:
- Are currently using another GLP-1 medication,
- Have a personal or family history of MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma), MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2).
- Have gallbladder disease, decreased kidney function, or medical issues related to the pancreas.
- Have allergies to tirzepatide.
- Are currently pregnant, nursing, or attempting to conceive.
What Benefits Does Tirzepatide Offer For Treating Overweight Or Obesity?
- Assists with appetite suppression and helps keep patients from eating too much.
- Reduces the speed at which food is digested and prolongs the feeling of fullness. Individuals do not feel hungry as frequently, so they do not consume as much.
- Clinical trials showed the use of tirzepatide lowered the average patient's cholesterol by an average of about 6% and triglycerides by about 23%, while significantly improving blood sugar levels.
- Phase 3 trials showed that patients lost an average of 22% of their total body weight in a year.
Are There Side Effects Associated With Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, like most prescription medications, may have adverse side effects. Fortunately, the adverse effects are most common when you begin taking tirzepatide and fade over time as your body adjusts to it. Most people experience mild to moderate side effects, which are mainly gastrointestinal in nature. They could include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, an upset stomach, abdominal pain, etc.
How Do I Know If Tirzepatide Is Right For Me?
When you work with the team of expert KIINILIFE doctors, you will be presented with a personalized solution that will be the best fit for your unique situation.
Incorporating a prescription medication into your weight loss program, such as compounded tirzepatide or one of the name brands, can help boost your weight loss potential. KIINILIFE's experts can guide you through the various options available and assist you in selecting which will be the most effective, safest, and cost-effective for you.
