Health Library

Tirzepatide (By injection)

Tirzepatide (tir-ZEP-a-tide)

Treats type 2 diabetes. Used to help lose weight and keep the weight off in patients with obesity caused by certain conditions.

Brand Name(s):

Mounjaro, Zepbound

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is given into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Check the liquid in the pen. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share medicine pens with others under any circumstances. Sharing needles or pens can result in transmission of infection.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible within 4 days after the missed dose. If you miss a dose for more than 4 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store your medicine pen in its original carton in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use this medicine if frozen. You may store the pen at room temperature for up to 21 days. Do not put this medicine back in the refrigerator if it has been stored at room temperature. Throw away unused pen within 21 days after removing from the refrigerator.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines may affect how tirzepatide works. Tell your doctor if you are using other diabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, or insulin), birth control pills, a blood thinner (including warfarin), or any oral medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Zepbound™: It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are using birth control pills, your doctor may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start using this medicine and after each increase in your dose.
• Mounjaro®: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, pancreas problems, diabetes, digestion problems (including gastroparesis), gallbladder disease, or a history of diabetic retinopathy or depression.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of thyroid tumor
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Low blood sugar (when used with other diabetes medicine)
  • Kidney problems
  • Eye or vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy
  • Gallbladder problems, including cholelithiasis, cholecystitis
  • Increased risk for depression or thoughts of suicide
• If you are using birth control pills, your doctor may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start using this medicine and after each increase in your dose.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or any other change in vision
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, blood in your urine
• Changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, passing gas, stomach upset or bloating, yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Headache, dizziness
• Redness, itching, bump, swelling, or any changes in your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024