Tirzepatide Side Effects: Causes & Management

Tirzepatide has emerged as a promising treatment for weight management and type 2 diabetes, showcasing significant benefits in clinical trials (1). However, as with any medication, understanding its potential side effects, how it works, and its key advantages is crucial for patients and healthcare providers.

How Tirzepatide Works For Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is an active ingredient in medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sold under brand names such as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, it acts on dual receptor groups known as GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists (2). Here's how Tirzepatide stands out in its effectiveness in promoting weight loss:

• Enhanced Insulin Secretion: Activating GLP-1 receptors significantly enhances insulin release in response to sugar intake. This insulin regulation depends on glucose levels in the blood, making it unlikely to cause an undue increase in insulin levels that could trigger hypoglycemia (2).
• Appetite Suppression and Reduced Caloric Intake: Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce hunger, decrease caloric intake, and stimulate weight loss (2).
• Slow Gastric Emptying: This process contributes to a longer sensation of fullness post-meals, aiding in lesser food consumption (2).

Clinical studies have illustrated Tirzepatide's efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels and significant percentage reductions in body weight over 40 weeks (1,3).

Potential Side Effects of Tirzepatide

While Tirzepatide offers substantial benefits, it is not without its side effects. Here is a breakdown of the side effects included on the prescribing information for tirzepatide-based medications and how common they are according to clinical trials:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation are among the most common side effects for those on tirzepatide (1,2,3,4). These unpleasant side effects generally occur shortly after starting the medication and during the dose increases as the body adjusts. They are generally mild to moderate in severity and resolve shortly after the user has started the maintenance dose (5).
• Rare episodes of hypoglycemia have been reported, with a heightened risk for those using tirzepatide alongside other diabetes medications. However, of note, one of the major studies, known as the SURPASS trial, which examined the safety profile of tirzepatide, found no significantly increased risk of hypoglycemia while taking the medication.
• Rare but serious complications, including pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, gallbladder disease, and hypersensitivity reactions, are extremely rare. Clinical studies have not conclusively shown GLP-1 medications to cause these side effects(1,4).
• Contraindicated in individuals with personal or familial history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN 2) due to a potential risk for developing thyroid tumors or cancer (1,4). 
• Miscellaneous side effects of tirzepatide that have been reported include skin irritation at the injection site, hair loss, and dizziness (1). 

Mitigating the Side Effects of Tirzepatide

Adopting strategies to manage and mitigate these side effects can maximize the therapeutic benefits of Tirzepatide:

• Gradual Dose Escalation: Start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it to help the body adjust and reduce gastrointestinal side effects (5). 
• Timely Meals: Consistently consume smaller, well-balanced meals to help manage stomach-related side effects, keep energy levels up, and prevent hypoglycemia (5).
• Continuous Monitoring: Maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor efficacy and side effects.

 Importance of Medical Consultation When Taking Tirzepatide

Given the potential for significant side effects and specific contraindications, treatment with Tirzepatide should always be provided with the guidance of a licensed medical provider. Consulting healthcare providers is crucial for:

• Conducting a thorough medical evaluation to determine suitability.
• Personalizing dosing while considering existing medications and health conditions.
• Regularly reviewing treatment progress and any adverse effects experienced.

Get Personalized Guidance With Mochi Health

Mochi Health is a pivotal resource for individuals considering Tirzepatide for weight management. Offering 1-on-1 support from licensed physicians and personalized treatment plans, Mochi Health ensures that patients not only understand the nuances of Tirzepatide treatment but also receive comprehensive care tailored to their health goals.

Check out Mochi Health to get personalized guidance on whether Tirzepatide is right for you and to explore personalized treatment options. Our team is dedicated to supporting your health and wellness journey with the latest in medical treatment innovations and dedicated provider support.

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This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

Sources

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
2. Willard, F. S., Douros, J. D., Gabe, M. B., Showalter, A. D., Wainscott, D. B., Suter, T. M., Capozzi, M. E., van der Velden, W. J., Stutsman, C., Cardona, G. R., Urva, S., Emmerson, P. J., Holst, J. J., D'Alessio, D. A., Coghlan, M. P., Rosenkilde, M. M., Campbell, J. E., & Sloop, K. W. (2020). Tirzepatide is an imbalanced and biased dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. JCI insight, 5(17), e140532. https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc7526454
3. Rosenstock, J., Wysham, C., Frías, J. P., Kaneko, S., Lee, C. J., Fernández Landó, L., Mao, H., Cui, X., Karanikas, C. A., & Thieu, V. T. (2021). Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet (London, England), 398(10295), 143–155 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34186022/
4. MOUNJAROTM (Tirzepatide) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use.” Access Data FDA, Food and Drug Administration, www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
5. Gorgojo-Martínez, J. J., Mezquita-Raya, P., Carretero-Gómez, J., Castro, A., Cebrián-Cuenca, A., de Torres-Sánchez, A., García-de-Lucas, M. D., Núñez, J., Obaya, J. C., Soler, M. J., Górriz, J. L., & Rubio-Herrera, M. Á. (2022). Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(1), 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010145