Tirzepatide Prescription For Weight Loss

How does tirzepatide work?

Tirzepatide is unique in that it is a first-in-class medicine that activates both the Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. GLP-1 and GIP are hormones that help regulate blood sugar by triggering the pancreas to release insulin and slowing the release of glucose from the liver.

When your blood sugar decreases, digestion slows and hunger decreases. The medication helps you feel full longer, so you consume fewer calories without feeling deprived.

Who is eligible for tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is prescribed to assist with weight loss in people whose body mass index (BMI) is considered overweight or obese and who have at least one weight-related medical condition (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol or type 2 diabetes).

It’s also prescribed to children ages 12-17 who have obesity and a body weight greater than 132 pounds.

While it can be an effective way to lose weight, tirzepatide is not a safe or effective weight-loss drug for everyone. Pregnant women should not take tirzepatide, and neither should individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).

Your healthcare provider can help you decide if tirzepatide is a good choice for you.

Is tirzepatide FDA-approved?

Tirzepatide has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2022 for type-2 diabetes. In 2023, the FDA also approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management for overweight or obese patients. It is also approved for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Is tirzepatide effective for weight loss?

Yes, tirzepatide has shown to be extremely effective for weight loss. During clinical trials, researchers noted that tirzepatide could reduce body weight by more than 20% in people with diabetes.

Patients without type-2 diabetes who took tirzepatide saw similar weight loss results, while also decreasing their risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Tirzepatide is a trusted medication to help patients manage their weight sustainably, in combination with guidance from a provider.

What are the side effects of tirzepatide?

Like other medications, tirzepatide has several potential side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Upset stomach

Some side effects are serious. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Stomach pain that doesn’t go away
• Radiating pain to your back, sometimes causing vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
• Blurred vision
• Sweating
• Slurred speech
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Shakiness or weakness
• Headache
• Fast heart rate

What are the right dosages?

Dosing for tirzepatide will be different for most patients, depending on current standings and goals.

It’s important you always follow your provider’s regimen and take the prescribed amount of medication at the frequency they prescribed.

What should I avoid when taking tirzepatide?

Always follow your medical provider and pharmacist’s instructions when taking tirzepatide.

There are no specific foods to avoid; rather, your medical provider will encourage a low-calorie, nutritious diet for best weight-loss results.

Do not take tirzepatide if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next few months. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to check with your provider what your best options are.

Don’t take tirzepatide with insulin or any other type of weight-loss drug, whether prescription or over-the-counter supplements.

What drugs interact with tirzepatide?

Some common drugs to avoid when taking tirzepatide are insulin, sulfonylureas like glipizide, glinides like repaglinide, birth control pills, and other oral medications.

It’s important to check with your provider if any existing medications can interact negatively with tirzepatide when deciding if it is right for you.

How much does tirzepatide cost?

The list price for a 28 day supply of tirzepatide can cost just over $1,000. While most patients won’t pay the full list price, if you don’t have health insurance or if you’re ineligible for it, you may have to pay the full list price along with any additional fees.

The specific cost of tirzepatide for you will depend on a number of factors, including your local pharmacy and whether you have health insurance.

For specific questions about cost or whether your health insurance covers tirzepatide, reach out to your K Health provider. Your provider will work with you and your insurance provider to try to make your plan as affordable and sustainable as possible.

How do you take tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a self-administered injection medication. It should be injected under your skin (subcutaneously) in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You can take the medication at any time of the day, regardless of whether or not you’ve eaten.

Below is a summary of the injection steps, but it’s important you always consult the full Prescribing Information for the complete instructions before use:

• Examine the liquid in the pen to make sure the solution is clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Dispose of it properly if it is cloudy, discolored, or has solids in it.
• Ensure you are using a new needle
• Select your dose
• Inject the dose into either your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
• After injection, remove the needle to discard. It is not safe for needles to be shared.

Be sure to change the needle after each injection and rotate the injection site within the same region.

Can I get tirzepatide online?

Yes, you can purchase tirzepatide online after you have received a prescription from your healthcare provider.

To receive a prescription, you will have to schedule an appointment with a provider. You can schedule an appointment in person or online through a platform like K Health. Your clinician may ask about your weight and medical history, and they may also request a blood test to check your cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and HemoglobinA1C levels.

Once you have your tirzepatide prescription, you can purchase the medication from a pharmacy online and it will get delivered right to your door.