What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a prescription injectable medication used to support
management of type
2 diabetes and weight loss in
individuals who are obese or overweight with related medical conditions.
It works by activating two hormone receptors in the body, glucagon-like peptide-1
(GLP-1) and glucose-dependent
insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which help regulate blood sugar
levels, appetite, and digestion.
Tirzepatide is marketed under the brand name Mounjaro®. In Singapore, it may
be prescribed to eligible individuals with type 2 diabetes or those
receiving medically supervised weight management. It is administered once a
week by subcutaneous injection.
Tirzepatide Mechanism of Action: How Does It Work?
Tirzepatide works by stimulating the GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the body, leading to several effects such as:
- Appetite suppression, which helps reduce food intake and supports weight loss.
- Slower gastric emptying, which means food stays in the stomach longer and helps prevent sharp rises in blood sugar after meals.
- Enhanced insulin secretion, especially through the action of GIP, which improves the body’s ability to lower blood glucose after eating.
- Reduced glucagon levels, which decreases the amount of glucose released by the liver into the bloodstream between meals or during fasting.
These effects support better blood sugar control and weight management when used together with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Tirzepatide vs Other GLP-1 Medications
Tirzepatide differs from traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while medications like semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide act only on the GLP-1 receptor. This dual mechanism may enhance blood sugar regulation and appetite control.
| Medication | Receptor Targets | Dosing Frequency and Route | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) | GLP-1 + GIP | Weekly injection (subcutaneous) | Type 2 diabetes, weight management |
| Semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy® / Rybelsus®) | GLP-1 only | Weekly injection (subcutaneous) | Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), weight management (Wegovy) |
| Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | GLP-1 only | Weekly injection (subcutaneous) | Type 2 diabetes |
| Liraglutide (Victoza® / Saxenda®) | GLP-1 only | Daily injection (subcutaneous) | Type 2 diabetes (Victoza), weight management (Saxenda) |
Who May Benefit From Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide may offer practical and lifestyle-related benefits for
individuals managing type 2 diabetes or excess weight, particularly when
long-term consistency is important.
Potential benefits include:
- Once-weekly dosing, which may be easier to maintain than medications that require daily use.
- User-friendly injection pens, designed for convenient self-administration at home without frequent clinic visits.
- Gradual dose adjustment, allowing your healthcare provider to increase the dose step by step based on your comfort and response.
- Combined support for blood sugar and weight, which may reduce the need for multiple separate medications.
Potential Tirzepatide Side Effects
As with all medications, tirzepatide may cause side effects. Most are mild to
moderate and often improve as the body adjusts to treatment.
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Indigestion
Less common but serious side effects may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal symptoms
- Hypoglycaemia, particularly when used with other diabetes medications
- Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience severe abdominal pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or any symptoms that persist or worsen over time.
Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual or if you have concerns during treatment.
Who Should Avoid Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is not suitable for everyone. It is generally avoided in individuals with:
- Severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroparesis, because tirzepatide slows stomach emptying and may worsen digestive symptoms.
- A history of pancreatitis, as tirzepatide may increase the risk of recurrence.
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), due to potential thyroid tumour risks.
- Type 1 diabetes, as tirzepatide is not approved for use in individuals with this condition.
Your doctor will review your medical history and overall health to determine whether tirzepatide is appropriate for your condition.
Is Tirzepatide Available in Singapore?
Tirzepatide is a prescription-only medication in Singapore. It is
not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare
provider after a medical consultation.
A consultation
is necessary to assess your medical history, current health status, and treatment
goals. This helps determine whether tirzepatide is a suitable option for you.
Ongoing follow-up allows your response to be monitored, your dosage adjusted as
needed, and the treatment to be used responsibly under medical supervision.
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