Details of Terzepatide:
- Approvals and Indications:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is typically administered at doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly.
- Chronic Weight Management: Tirzepatide is also being studied and used off-label for weight management, showing promising results in clinical trials.
- Dosing:
- The typical starting dose for terzepatide is 2.5 mg once weekly, with gradual dose escalation to the recommended maintenance dose of 7.5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly.
- Mechanism of Action:
- Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It enhances the body’s natural responses to these hormones, leading to improved glycemic control, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
- Effectiveness:
- For diabetes, tirzepatide can lower HbA1c levels significantly, often more effectively than other GLP-1 receptor agonists alone.
- For weight management, studies have shown substantial weight loss, with patients losing up to 20% of their body weight in some cases.
- Safety and Tolerability:
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time.
- It is important to monitor for potential pancreatic and thyroid risks, although these are rare.
- Additional Information:
- Tirzepatide is produced by Eli Lilly and Company and is a relatively new addition to the GLP-1/GIP agonist class of medications.
- It is often referred to as the “magic weight loss shot” due to its significant efficacy in weight reduction.