Tirzepatide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist prescribed for weight reduction and long-term weight maintenance in adults with obesity or overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition, and to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity. It is used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Tirzepatide requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Tirzepatide is indicated for two main purposes. First, it reduces excess body weight and maintains weight reduction over the long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Second, it treats moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity.

Treatment with tirzepatide is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The label notes that coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist is not recommended. These indications reflect conditions where significant weight reduction can improve health outcomes and reduce disease burden.

Tirzepatide acts on two separate receptor systems. It is both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. These receptors are involved in regulating appetite, food intake, and energy balance.

By activating these pathways, tirzepatide influences how the body manages blood glucose and body weight. The medicine slows gastric emptying, which can help patients feel fuller for longer periods.

It also affects insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning its effects are linked to blood glucose levels. Together, these actions contribute to reduced calorie intake and weight loss when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity.

The label lists subcutaneous injection solution in multiple strengths: 2.5 mg per 0.5 mL, 5 mg per 0.5 mL, 7.5 mg per 0.5 mL, 10 mg per 0.5 mL, 12.5 mg per 0.5 mL, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL in single-dose presentations, as well as multi-dose vials and pens at concentrations of 4.17 mg per mL, 8.33 mg per mL, 12.5 mg per mL, 16.7 mg per mL, 20.8 mg per mL, and 25 mg per mL. The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. The label lists increases in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.

For weight reduction and long-term maintenance, the label lists maintenance dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. For obstructive sleep apnoea, the label lists 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly. The maximum dosage is 15 mg once weekly.

If a dose is missed, the label instructs patients to take tirzepatide as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken on the regularly scheduled day.

Patients can then resume their regular once-weekly dosing schedule. The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary, as long as the time between two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours).

Weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant patient and may cause fetal harm. Patients should discontinue tirzepatide when pregnancy is recognised. Available data in pregnant patients are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-related risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or foetal outcomes.

Animal reproduction studies showed foetal growth reductions and foetal abnormalities in rats at clinical exposure, and foetal growth reductions in rabbits at clinically relevant exposures. A pregnancy exposure registry monitors outcomes in patients exposed to tirzepatide during pregnancy; patients and healthcare providers are encouraged to register by calling 1-844-524-0039. The label advises that weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy.

The label states that tirzepatide should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Single-dose pens and vials can be kept unrefrigerated at temperatures not exceeding 30°C for up to 21 days, after which they must be discarded. Unopened multi-dose vials and single-patient-use pens can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 30 days at temperatures up to 30°C.

Once opened, multi-dose vials and single-patient-use pens should be discarded after 30 days, or after 4 weekly doses. The product must not be frozen and should be protected from heat and light by storing in the original carton.