What Are The Side Effects Of Tirzepatide?

What is Tirzepatide?

Obesity and diabetes are chronic conditions that can range in severity, leading to the development of secondary chronic diseases, and consistently contribute to high rates of mortality. The complexities of these conditions have made prevention top priority for many health organizations.

Even more, discoveries in treatment are providing more options to combat the effects of weight and insulin-related illness. Thus, drugs that can stimulate lipid regulation, have antidiabetic properties, and reduce hunger mechanisms have great clinical applications for a myriad of cases. Tirzepatide is a highly popular and effective medication that targets weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Mechanism of Action

Tirzepatide works as a mimetic meaning it mimics naturally occurring hormones and increases the responses caused by said hormones. Tirzepatide is considered an incretin mimetic as it replicates the effects regulated by incretin hormones. The molecule is a synthetic peptide consisting of 39 amino acids which is currently the first and only compound of its kind to be a dual-targeting drug. 

Tirzepatide’s structure gives it both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) properties, meaning its unique structure gives it a larger range of biochemical behavior than a single-acting incretin mimetic. Biologically, GLP-1 and GIP interact in pathways responsible for preserving a normal glycemic state, appetite and satiety responses as well as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Tirzepatide replicates this response by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors to induce these responses.

Moreover, tirzepatide has a stronger affinity to GIP receptors, longer bioavailability than our naturally occurring incretins, and synergistic effects due to it being a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist.

Usage of Tirzepatide

Weight Loss

One of tirzepatide’s main uses is the aiding of weight loss for adults experiencing chronic weight related illnesses. The drug has been approved for clinical use in chronic weight management for individuals who meet the FDA criteria. Tirzepatide as a supplement to proper nutrition and exercise proves to be an effective treatment in weight loss and management. Healthcare providers can prescribe tirzepatide for adults medically diagnosed with obesity or for those overweight with at least one other chronic weight-related condition (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol).

Activation of the GLP-1 receptors stimulates food-intake hypothalamic pathways in the brain and food release mechanisms controlled by the stomach. As a result, the satiation response is increased while also delaying gastric emptying which lowers the feeling of hunger. Additionally, GIP receptors are found in our fat cells including subcutaneous, visceral, and bone marrow fat. GIP receptor stimulation promotes our bodies ability to utilize both the fats from our diet and long-term fat reserves.

The physiological effects of the compound leads to a reduced appetite and increased lipid metabolism that supports weight management. In clinical trials, studies found that adults on tirzepatide lost an average of 12% or more of their starting body weight after 72 weeks, regardless of any prior or underlying conditions.

Diabetes

Tirzepatide’s first approval was for clinical use in type 2 diabetics. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have difficulty regulating blood glucose mainly due to a lack of insulin sensitivity. Insulin insensitivity causes overuse of the pancreas, increasing insulin levels and further decreasing insulin sensitivity. When cells do not uptake glucose properly, as in type 2 diabetics, there becomes a build up of sugar in your blood, thus, high blood glucose levels.

Untreated diabetes can develop into other high risk conditions such as severe persistent infections, kidney damage, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. A prominent physiological response to GLP-1 receptor activation is the production of pancreatic cells as well as glucose-dependent insulin secretion.

In addition to pancreatic cell proliferation and appropriate insulin secretion, GLP-1 receptor stimulation inhibits glucagon release which stabilizes blood glucose levels. Research has seen the combination of tirzepatide’s antidiabetic effects effectively maintain normal glycemic state as well as promote significant weight loss in adults with T2DM.

Brand names

Precautions

Before starting tirzepatide it is important to discuss and evaluate with a doctor the risks and possible outcomes of using the medication. Research has found hypersensitivity to GLP-1 and GIL receptor agonists that can cause anaphylaxis and angioedema. Considering that the active ingredient, tirzepatide, biochemically behaves as a dual agonist; you should disclose to your doctor if you have any known allergies to any ingredients in Mounjaro or Zepbound, including GLP-1 and GIL receptor agonists.

If use of either drug results in rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, or any other severe allergy-related symptoms you need to talk to a healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, individuals who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should not consider tirzepatide as studies have identified possible harm to fetus health during pregnancy. Moreover, sincere caution should be taken if you’re breastfeeding considering the research around tirzepatide and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Tirzepatide is not prescribed to treat type 1 diabetes, nor is it prescribed in individuals at risk for thyroid or adrenal tumors.

Common Side Effects

Many common, moderate, and expected side effects that can occur from the use of tirzepatide include reduced appetite, increased satiety, headaches, upset or uncomfortable stomach sensations, increased gas and diarrhea. The gastrointestinal effects of GLP-1 and GIL receptor agonists are often exacerbated by immediate and large dose increases, in contrast to the recommendations for a low initial dosage that is gradually increased over time through monitoring from your doctor.

Additionally, the compounding antidiabetic properties of tirzepatide that maintain blood glucose can significantly reduce blood sugar in individuals using insulin or other glycemic regulators. If you are at risk for hypoglycemia, use insulin, other blood-glucose lowering agents, or beta-blockers you and your doctor should discuss what precautions to take to avoid developing low blood sugar. Tracking and monitoring all effects – both wanted and unwanted – is absolutely necessary for safe use of the medication.

Long Term Side Effects

Tirzepatide, along with other GLP-1 agonists, is often prescribed as lifelong medications due to the complexities of the chronic conditions it treats. While having a treatment plan that can support long term illness can be a relief this can also mean long term side effects. Most commonly, the prolonged use of tirzepatide will have continued gastrointestinal and neural effects that increase satiety, reduce hunger and regulate your glycemic state.

Research has also linked more severe side effects to the drug primarily through effects on the pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder. Kidney damage, pancreatitis, worsened diabetic retinopathy, and gallbladder issues have all been associated with tirzepatide.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is an urgent sign to contact a doctor immediately:

• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Upset or uncomfortable stomach sensations
• Sites of back pain
• Blurred or worsened vision
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Sudden mood changes

Potential Interactions

It is important that your doctor knows any and all medications, vitamins, or other supplements you take or have taken in the past in order to have a comprehensive understanding of what interactions may take place. One of the most common drug interactions is the combined effects of insulin and glycemic regulators when used with GLP-1/GIL agonists. The possible hypoglycemic effect of using more than one drug with blood-glucose lowering properties should be closely monitored.

Tirzepatide may have synergistic effects when taken with other medications, such as antidiabetic drugs, but it can also have adverse effects. For example, tirzepatide should not be taken with any other GLP-1 or GIL agonists such as semaglutide, as the drugs are contraindicated. Additionally, tirzepatide use can decrease the efficacy of other medications like birth control. Thus your doctor may want to switch or alter other prescriptions you’re currently taking. Moreover, do not start any over the counter (OTC) medications without consulting a healthcare provider first, especially painkillers, cold or flu meds, and allergy medications.

Proper Use

Conclusion

Regardless of the condition it is being used for, tirzepatide is prescribed specifically to accompany diet and exercise. Thus, in addition to adhering to correct administration of the medication, proper use includes following the nutritional and physical activity facets of your treatment plan as well.Tirzepatide is only approved through prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Any and all precautions should be thoroughly discussed before beginning the medication and your treatment plan should be followed explicitly.

Research and having open communication with your doctor about current supplements, vitamins, and OTC medications can prevent you from potential interactions, ensuring a safe approach while boosting tirzepatie’s impact on weight loss.