Mounjaro is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Like all medications, tirzepatide may cause side effects in some people. Some of the common side effects of tirzepatide include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

These side effects usually go away on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these side effects persist or become severe, you should contact your healthcare provider. Some less common but more serious side effects of tirzepatide may include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney problems
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypersensitivity reactions

Additional study is ongoing and looking closely for other unanticipated adverse effects. As of now, there has yet to be long-term safety data on this drug. When considering Mounjaro, it is important to remember that Mounjaro has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control. Patients using oral hormonal contraceptives should switch to a non-oral contraceptive method before starting this medication.

Tirzepatide is a “dual agonist” that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors and the glucagon receptor. This helps to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin release, slowing glucose release from the liver, and reducing glucagon release. Additionally, tirzepatide may help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. 

This means it can do two things:

• Stimulate GLP-1 receptors in the body to help control blood glucose and reduce hunger, promoting weight loss.
• Promote the release of a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide which helps modulate levels of a hormone called glucagon and improve insulin sensitivity of adipose (fat) tissue.

Tirzepatide is a newer medication for weight loss, so there is limited direct comparison data with other weight loss medications or weight loss surgery. However, based on the available evidence, tirzepatide appears to be a promising option for people with overweight or obesity.

In clinical trials, tirzepatide has been shown to lead to significant weight loss, with an average weight loss of 9.5% to 16.0% from baseline, depending on the study population. This weight loss is comparable to that achieved with other medications for weight loss, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, which are also GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, tirzepatide has the added benefit of activating the GIP and glucagon receptors, which may contribute to its effectiveness.

Compared to weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, tirzepatide may not lead to as much weight loss, but it is less invasive and has fewer associated risks. Weight loss surgery can result in significant weight loss, with an average weight loss of 30% to 40% of excess body weight. Still, it carries risks like bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications. If you do not currently qualify for weight loss surgery, Moujaro may he

Ultimately, the treatment choice for overweight or obesity depends on individual factors such as medical history, body mass index, and personal preferences. Healthcare providers can help determine the most appropriate treatment option for each individual based on their unique needs and goals.

At this time tirzepatide is only FDA approved for the treatment of diabetes. However, Mounjaro is currently in clinical trials to evaluate its use in weight management. We saw a similar course with medications such as Semaglutide & Liraglutide which were initially approved for diabetes, and then later received FDA approval for weight management, Given its promising benefits, some providers are utilizing tirzepatide as off-label use for weight loss purposes.

Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient. Compounding includes the combining of two or more drugs. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the agency does not verify the safety or effectiveness of compounded drugs.

When a drug is in shortage, compounders may be able to prepare a compounded version of that drug if they meet certain requirements in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. Currently, the brand name of tirzepatide is listed on FDA’s Drug Shortages list.

Patients should not use a compounded drug if an approved drug is available to treat a patient. Patients and health care professionals should understand that the agency does not review compounded versions of these drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality.