Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a dual gip and glp-1 receptor agonist medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Improvement of glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, together with diet and exercise.
• Chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related health problems, only where this indication is approved and prescribed by a doctor.
• It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Tirzepatide is given as a subcutaneous injection once weekly, on the same day each week, into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Treatment is usually started at a low dose and increased gradually to improve tolerability and response. The exact dose, titration schedule, missed-dose instructions, and whether other diabetes medicines need adjustment must be decided by the prescribing doctor.

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, reduced appetite, burping, fatigue, and injection-site reactions.
• Low blood sugar may occur, especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Serious but less common: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, dehydration leading to kidney problems, severe allergic reaction, and worsening of diabetic eye disease in some patients with diabetes.
• Seek urgent medical help for severe persistent abdominal pain, signs of allergic reaction, severe dehydration, or symptoms of very low blood sugar.

Use Tirzepatide with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, severe gastrointestinal disease including gastroparesis, diabetic retinopathy, or those using insulin or sulfonylureas. It may cause significant nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, so maintaining fluid intake is important. Use this medicine only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Insulin and sulfonylureas: increased risk of hypoglycaemia; dose adjustment may be needed.
• Oral medicines: delayed stomach emptying may affect absorption, especially medicines with a narrow therapeutic index; monitoring may be required.
• Oral contraceptives: effectiveness may be reduced after starting Tirzepatide or after dose increases; additional or non-oral contraception may be advised.
• Alcohol may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes and may worsen dehydration if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs.

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
• Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any component of the injection.

Tirzepatide is generally not recommended during pregnancy, and weight-loss treatment should not be used in pregnancy. People planning pregnancy or who become pregnant should contact their doctor promptly. It is not known whether tirzepatide passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should use it only if the doctor decides the benefit justifies any potential risk to the baby.

Store the injection in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze, and do not use if it has been frozen. Some products may be kept at room temperature for a limited time according to the manufacturer’s leaflet; always follow the specific product instructions. Keep out of the reach of children.