Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a weekly diabetes and weight-loss injection (GIP/GLP-1) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Mounjaro. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite.
How it works
A weekly injection acting on two gut hormones (GIP and GLP-1), giving strong sugar and weight reduction.
How to take it
Inject once a week on the same day; the dose is increased every 4 weeks.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe stomach pain (pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder pain
- Severe dehydration
Be careful
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common at first. Not for people with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Other medicines and interactions
May make the contraceptive pill less reliable for 4 weeks after starting or dose increases; use a barrier method. Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; stop at least a month before trying to conceive.
Brands of Tirzepatide (1)
Common questions
What is Tirzepatide used for?
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite.
How does Tirzepatide work?
A weekly injection acting on two gut hormones (GIP and GLP-1), giving strong sugar and weight reduction.
How should I take Tirzepatide?
Inject once a week on the same day; the dose is increased every 4 weeks.
What are the side effects of Tirzepatide?
Common: Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, reduced appetite. Get help straight away for: Severe stomach pain (pancreatitis), gallbladder pain, severe dehydration.
Does Tirzepatide interact with other medicines?
May make the contraceptive pill less reliable for 4 weeks after starting or dose increases; use a barrier method. Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Is Tirzepatide safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; stop at least a month before trying to conceive.
Does Tirzepatide need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Tirzepatide?
Mounjaro.
Sources and further reading
- Tirzepatide: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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