What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Diabetes
-Eye disease caused by diabetes
-Gallbladder disease
-Have or have had depression
-Have or have had pancreatitis
-Having surgery
-Kidney disease
-Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors
-Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
-Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food
-Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
-An unusual or allergic reaction to tirzepatide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
-Certain medications for diabetes, such as insulin, glyburide, glipizide
This medication may affect how other medications work. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse.
Tell your care team if you are taking medication to treat diabetes, such as insulin or glipizide. This may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.
Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Estrogen and progestin hormones that you take by mouth may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Switch to a non-oral contraceptive or add a barrier contraceptive for 4 weeks after starting this medication and after each dose increase. Talk to your care team about contraceptive options. They can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your care team if you may be or could become pregnant. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy.
Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding. When recommended, this medication may be taken. Its use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Your care team may suggest other options.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication may increase the risk of thyroid tumors or cancer. Do not take this medication if you or a family member has or have had multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2 or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or hoarseness.