Tirzepatide acts on two gut hormone receptors rather than one, which is what distinguishes it from semaglutide. It is licensed for type 2 diabetes and, separately, for weight management, and it is taken as a once-weekly injection.
Type 2 diabetes, and weight management in adults meeting specific BMI and health criteria alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
As with all these medicines, it works with dietary change rather than replacing it, and weight is commonly regained after stopping unless those changes are sustained.
Injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm once a week, on the same day each week, with or without food. Rotate the site each time.
The dose is increased in steps over months, which substantially reduces gut side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it within four days and then resume your usual day. If more than four days have passed, skip it and take the next as scheduled. Never share a pen.
Store pens in the fridge before use, and follow the leaflet on storage after first use.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, reduced appetite and tiredness are common, worst after dose increases. Smaller meals, eating slowly and avoiding fatty food help considerably.
Report persistent vomiting with dehydration, and any vision changes if you have diabetes.
Hypos are unlikely with tirzepatide alone but possible alongside a sulfonylurea or insulin.
Tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives around the time of starting and dose increases — additional contraception is advised for four weeks after starting and after each dose increase. Ask us if this applies to you.
Tell any anaesthetist or endoscopist that you take it, as it slows stomach emptying.
Only obtain it from a registered pharmacy with a genuine prescription. Falsified weight loss pens sold online have caused serious harm in the UK.
1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich B70 7RW · Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm · 0121 500 5756
Ask our pharmacist →We use essential cookies to make the site work — things like your basket, sign-in and secure checkout. With your permission we’d also like to use analytics cookies to understand how the site is used and improve it. See our cookie policy.
