tirzepatide
What is the most important information I should know about tirzepatide?
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Tirzepatide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tirzepatide?
You should not use tirzepatide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or
- multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- pancreas problems;
- kidney disease;
- a severe stomach problem such as problems with digesting food or slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis); or
- diabetic retinopathy (a diabetes complication that affects the eyes).
It is not known if tirzepatide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Tirzepatide can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. If you take birth control pills you may need to use different birth control options for 4 weeks after starting this medicine and for 4 weeks each time the dose is raised.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I use tirzepatide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Tirzepatide is injected under the skin once per week. If you change your dosing day, allow at least 3 days to pass between doses.
You may use tirzepatide with or without food.
Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject tirzepatide. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
You may give an injection of tirzepatide and insulin in the same area (such as upper arm), but not right next to each other.
Do not mix insulin and tirzepatide in the same injection.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Each injection pen or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Store tirzepatide in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze tirzepatide, and throw away the medicine if it has become frozen.
You may also store tirzepatide at room temperature for up to 21 days before use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 4 days (96 hours) late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using tirzepatide?
Never share an injection pen or prefilled syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
What are the possible side effects of tirzepatide?
Stop using tirzepatide and get emergency medical help if you have:
- signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; or
- pancreatitis --severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach problems;
- changes in your vision;
- signs of a thyroid tumor --swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or if you feel short of breath;
- gallbladder problem --chalky-colored stools, stomach pain after eating, nausea, heartburn, bloating, and severe upper stomach pain that may spread to your back;
- low blood sugar --headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or
- kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting; or
- constipation, indigestion, or stomach pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- insulin or oral diabetes medicine.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect tirzepatide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about tirzepatide.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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