A Game-Changer for Diabetes: Polymer Delivers Insulin Painlessly Through Skin
November 25, 2025
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Brand Name :
Zepbound, Mounjaro
Synonyms :
tirzepatide
Class :
Antidiabetics, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists, Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptides
Brand Name :
Zepbound, Mounjaro
Synonyms :
tirzepatide
Class :
Antidiabetics, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists, Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptides
Dosage forms & Strengths
Injectable solution
2.5 mg/0.5 mlÂ
5 mg/0.5 mlÂ
7.5 mg/0.5 mlÂ
10 mg/0.5 mlÂ
12.5 mg/0.5 mlÂ
15 mg/0.5 mlÂ
Starting dosage:
2.5
mg
Subcutaneous (SC)
once weekly
4
weeks
; increase to 5 mg after 4 weeks
if more glycemic control is required, increase 2.5 mg after at least 4 weeks on the present dose
do not exceed weekly 15 mg subcutaneously (SC) once
Recommended as an adjunct to a diet low in calories and a high level of physical exercise for chronic weight management
In adults with at least one weight-related comorbid condition (such as dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease) and an initial body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2 (obesity) or more than 27 kg/m2 (overweight)
Starting dosage
Start with a low dose and increase it gradually to a maintenance dose of 2.5 mg SC each week to reduce undesirable GI responses
Not for long-term weight control, the 2.5 mg dose is meant to initiate treatment
Maintenance dosage
Increase to 5 mg/week subcutaneously (SC) after 4 weeks
After taking the current dosage for at least four weeks, the dosage may be increased in increments of 2.5 mg
The suggested maintenance dosages are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg subcutaneously (SC) every week
When choosing a maintenance dosage, consider treatment response and tolerability
Lower the maintenance dosage if it is intolerable
Safety and efficacy are not seen in pediatricsÂ
Refer adult dosing
may reduce the levels of serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
may reduce the levels of serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
may reduce the levels of serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
may reduce the levels of serum concentration of hormonal contraceptives
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with meglitinides
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with meglitinides
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with insulin
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
choline magnesium trisalicylate
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with sulfonylureas
garcinia along with other antidiabetic drugs will lead to abrupt decease in blood sugar levels
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
ciprofloxacin inhaled (Pending FDA approval)Â
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Quinolones
may diminish the therapeutic effect of hyperglycaemia associated agents
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of each other when used in combination
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
relugolix/​estradiol/​norethindrone
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
androgens increase the effect of hypoglycemia in these agents
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
blood sugar levels can be seen additionally reduced when antidiabetic drugs are used in combination with anti glaucoma agents
When tirzepatide is used together with halometasone, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of hyperglycemia
methylprednisolone hemisuccinateÂ
When methylprednisolone hemisuccinate is aided with tirzepatide, this leads to elevated hyperglycemia risk
relugolix/​estradiol/​norethindrone
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with glucagon and its analogs
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
may have an increased anticoagulant effect when combined with vitamin k antagonists
antidiabetic agents may have a reduced therapeutic effect when used together with ritodrine
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
estrogens esterified/methyltestosterone            Â
may increase the hypoglycemic effect of androgens
drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolateÂ
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents
may increase the Glucose-lowering effect of Antidiabetic Agents
It decreases the efficacy of antidiabetic agents
it increases the effect of hypoglycemia on antidiabetic agents
thiazides: they may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic drugs
thiazides: they may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic drugs
thiazides: they may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic drugs
thiazides: they may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic drugs
may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of each other when combined
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
cyproterone and ethinyl estradiolÂ
may decrease the therapeutic effect of Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
alpha-lipoic acid: they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs
bortezomib: they may increase the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic drugs
antiviral agents (HCV): they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs
antiviral agents (HCV): they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs
antiviral agents (HCV): they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs
antiviral agents (HCV): they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs
antiviral agents (HCV): they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs
they increase the effect of antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with hypoglycemic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
etilefrine: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
may have an increased hypoglycemic effect when combined with antidiabetic agents
Actions and Spectrum:
tirzepatide is a new investigational medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a once-weekly injection that combines three different actions:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (glp-1) receptor agonist: tirzepatide stimulates the glp-1 receptor, which increases insulin secretion from the pancreas, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.
Glucagon receptor antagonist: tirzepatide blocks the glucagon receptor, which reduces glucose production by the liver.
Amylin analog: tirzepatide mimics the effects of amylin, a hormone that is deficient in people with diabetes. Amylin helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite, and promoting satiety.
The spectrum of tirzepatide’s action is broad, as it targets multiple pathways involved in glucose regulation. Its triple action may lead to improved glycemic control, weight loss, and potentially even cardiovascular benefits. clinical trials have shown that tirzepatide is associated with significant reductions in a1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure compared to other glucose-lowering medications.
Frequency defined:
10%
Nausea Â
Diarrhea Â
Decreased appetite Â
1-10%
Vomiting Â
Dyspepsia Â
Constipation Â
Abdominal pain Â
Injection site reactions Â
Hypersensitivity reactions Â
Severe hypoglycemiaÂ
<1%
Acute gallbladder disease
Black Box Warning:
FDA has required that tirzepatide carry a black box warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
Contraindication / Caution:
Tirzepatide should not be used in patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
It is also contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity or allergy to tirzepatide or any of its components.
Caution should be exercised when using tirzepatide in the following populations:
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
No data is available  Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:
tirzepatide is a novel glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacodynamics:
Its mechanism of action (MOA) involves enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, and reducing hepatic glucose production.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
After subcutaneous administration, tirzepatide is absorbed slowly, with peak plasma concentration reached at around 72 hours.
Distribution
tirzepatide is widely distributed in the body, with a volume of distribution of 11.5 L. It binds to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
Metabolism
tirzepatide is metabolized primarily by proteolytic cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and peptidase-3 (P3).
Elimination and Excretion
tirzepatide is eliminated primarily via the renal route, with 80% of the dose excreted in the urine, and the remaining 20% eliminated in the feces. The elimination half-life is approximately 164 hours.
Administration:
It is administered by subcutaneous injection once a week. The injection is usually given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Before administering tirzepatide, it is important to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands and cleaning the injection site with an alcohol wipe. The medication should be at room temperature before use and should not be shaken or vigorously agitated.
To administer the injection, remove the cap from the pen and attach the needle. Dial the appropriate dose, and then inject the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle. After injecting, hold the needle in place for several seconds before removing it.
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: tirzepatideÂ
Pronounced: tir-zeh-pah-tideÂ
Why do we use tirzepatide?Â
tirzepatide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called glp-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called glp-1, which is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite.
In addition to its use in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, tirzepatide has also been studied for its potential use in obesity. Obesity is a complex condition that is characterized by excessive body weight and increased risk of numerous health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
tirzepatide has been shown to help promote weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and decreasing food intake. In clinical trials, patients who received tirzepatide had greater weight loss compared to those who received a placebo.
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