Everything you need to know about Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a medication used to manage both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Administered via subcutaneous injection, it mimics the body’s natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which are released after eating. By stimulating insulin secretion, Tirzepatide helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Tirzepatide has been studied for its weight loss effect in patients with and without diabetes by effecting appetite control and gastric emptying.

Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce body weight in obese patients that are both diabetic and non-diabetic. It was found that Tirzepatide could regulate food preference, as well as reduce food intake and body weight without reducing energy consumption.

Benefits of Tirzepatide

• Weight loss
• Reduces appetite
• Balances blood sugar
• Cardiovascular health
• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
• Regulates insulin

TIRZEPATIDE FAQ

Who can take Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide injection is used along with Dr. Fortino’s diet and exercise program to help with weight loss in overweight adults who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

How does Tirzepatide work?
After eating, your gut releases GLP-1 and GIP hormones. When blood sugar rises, GLP-1 signals the pancreas to release insulin, helping regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, GLP-1 slows down digestion, allowing for a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.

How do I use Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is usually administered once a week. Always follow Dr. Fortino’s specific instructions for using Tirzepatide. It is recommended to inject it under the skin of your upper arm, thigh, or stomach.

Who should not take Tirzepatide?
Someone with thyroid cancer, diabetes that has affected their eyes, a history of a pancreas problem, kidney problems, trouble digesting food, a history of low blood sugar, who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant, who is breastfeeding, or who has had an allergic reaction to Tirzepatide.

What medications interactions are important to know when using Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide causes a delay of gastric (stomach) emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications, so caution should be exercised.

Insulin and other Diabetic medications. Dose adjustment to your diabetes medication may need to be made if your blood sugar falls too low. When initiating Semaglutide, monitor blood sugar more aggressively if you are prescribed insulin or other medications for Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)

Levothyroxine may interfere with blood glucose control and reduce the effectiveness of Tirzepatide and other diabetic medications. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely. You may need a dose adjustment of your diabetic medications during and after treatment with levothyroxine.

Beta blockers can reduce your ability to detect if your blood sugar is low.

How do I take Tirzepatide?
Start at Phase 1: Tirzepatide is started at 2.5mg subcutaneous injection once weekly for 4 weeks.

You may increase your dose to the next Phase if you wish:

Phase 2: The dose can be increased to 5.0mg subcutaneously once weekly.

Phase 3: The dose can be increased to 7.5mg subcutaneously once weekly.

Phase 4: The dose can be increased to 10mg subcutaneously once weekly.

Any dose can be maintained as a maintenance dose.

If a dose is missed, administer Tirzepatide as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose, and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Administer Tirzepatide subcutaneously to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is ok to use a different injection site each week.

What are the common side effects that can occur using Tirzepatide?
Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Vomiting
Hypoglycemia, if used with Insulin therapy
Injection site reaction

What should you avoid while taking Tirzepatide?
Do not start or stop any medication, including over-the-counter medications like aspirin or those for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, without consulting your doctor while using Tirzepatide.