What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is actually a combination of medications. The first is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and the second is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Thus, tirzepatide is known as a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.

These two medications are incretin hormones. The GI tract releases natural incretin hormones after you eat. Trizepatide mimics their effects by signaling to your pancreas to release insulin and direct your liver to lower glucose levels. The overall effect is to signal to your body that you’re full so you eat less.

How Is Tirzepatide Administered?

This medication is administered once a week for a month. The starting dose is 2.5 mg. The dose can then be increased to 5 mg, also taken once a week for a month. If needed, your dose can be increased again by 2.5 mg every month with a max dosage of 15 mg. The entire process takes around 20 weeks.