Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist for GIP and GLP-1 used to treat type 2 diabetes by activating both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors.
Tirzepatide is a weekly injectable diabetes medication that works by activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors to improve blood sugar control and support weight loss.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BX16
- RxNorm
- 2601723
- Generic
- Tirzepatide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Mounjaro, Zepbound
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg to 15mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not applicable
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg to 15mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use when pregnancy is confirmed; avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid
discontinue therapy; switch to insulin if glycemic control needed
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue
either discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue tirzepatide based on importance of drug to mother
monitor infant for gastrointestinal symptoms
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot applicable
not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
65 years and olderstart at lowest dose
use with caution; increased sensitivity to gastrointestinal adverse effects; may require slower titration
monitor renal function and for signs of dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild renal impairment
routine monitoring
renal_impairment
moderateslower titration may be considered
use with caution; dose titration may require slower progression; monitor for dehydration
monitor renal function and hydration status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse lower starting dose
use with caution; limited experience; ensure adequate hydration; may have increased exposure
close monitoring of renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild hepatic impairment
routine monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateslower titration may be considered
use with caution; limited clinical experience; no dedicated studies
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
heavy alcohol useavoid excess alcohol
avoid heavy alcohol consumption; may increase risk of hypoglycemia especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
monitor blood glucose more frequently
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
First FDA approval
First FDA approval for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes
Drug class
Tirzepatide is the first and only dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for medical use
Primary indications
Approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound)
Route of administration
Tirzepatide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly
Tirzepatide is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, typically when diet and exercise alone have not provided adequate glycemic control. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
As a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide selectively binds to and activates both receptors. This leads to increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreased glucagon secretion, delayed gastric emptying, and reduced appetite. The medication contains a C20 fatty diacid moiety that enables albumin binding, prolonging its half-life and allowing for once-weekly subcutaneous administration.
Tirzepatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. There is a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors associated with this drug class. Hypoglycemia may occur when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. It is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy