About Tirzepatide
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss. It acts on two gut hormones (GIP and GLP-1) that reduce appetite and improve insulin release.
How to take it
Injection once a week, on the same day, under the skin of the belly, thigh or upper arm. The dose is increased every 4 weeks or as the doctor advises.
Common side effects
- Nausea, loose stools, constipation or vomiting, mostly when the dose goes up.
- Less appetite.
Call your doctor if
- Severe belly pain going to the back.
- Pain in the upper right belly or yellow eyes.
- Vomiting so much you cannot keep water down.
- A lump in the neck.
Take care
Not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. It can make birth control tablets work less well. Use a condom or another non-tablet method as well for 4 weeks after starting and for 4 weeks after each dose increase. Do not use it in pregnancy. Stop before planning a pregnancy, as the doctor advises.
From our clinic: Keep pens in the fridge before use. Our pharmacy stores them at 2 to 8°C and hands them over in a cold pack.