Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a novel medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This medication also demonstrates efficacy in weight loss, leading to its off-label use for obesity treatment. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist for the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. The drug leads to significantly improved glycemic control and weight reduction in patients with T2DM, maximizing benefits similar to GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide.

Tirzepatide is currently utilized as a second-line diabetes medication akin to GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide, and is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection with incremental dosage adjustments. Tirzepatide is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and has not undergone studies in patients with pancreatitis. The most commonly reported adverse effects of the drug are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This activity provides an overview of the indications, mechanism of action, adverse effects, contraindications, and important considerations for using tirzepatide. This activity also aids clinicians in gaining proficiency in administering tirzepatide and managing T2DM in patients, thereby enhancing overall outcomes in patient care and safety.