Tirzepatide belongs to the class of medications called human glucagon-like peptides. It is used for chronic (long-term) management of body weight, together with reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity.
It may be prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, or people with a BMI of 27 kg/m² who also have another weight-related illness, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia (high cholesterol).
Tirzepatide aids in weight control by affecting sensations of hunger, causing a decrease in appetite and food intake. It slows down the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine, causing the user to feel full for longer after a meal.
It also decreases the maximum glucose level in the blood and the amount of insulin needed for the body to use the glucose.
Available form
Injectable
Dosage
Manufacturer
Eli Lilly
We won't bore you with the details, but Health Canada requires you to sign in.
By proceeding you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy
The recommended starting dose of this medication is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm once a week.
After 4 weeks, the dose may be increased to 5 mg injected once a week. Depending on how well this medication works for you, your doctor may increase your weekly dose to a maximum of 15 mg once a week.
This medication is clear and colourless to slightly yellow and should not contain particles.
Do not use it if the solution appears cloudy or coloured.
It may be injected at any time of day, without regard to meals.
This medication is available as a multi-dose, pre-filled injector pen.
Review the information provided with the pen for instructions on how to administer the medication. If you are not sure how to use this medication, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes nurse. Do not attempt to prepare or inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose.
Use a different injection site for each dose. You should avoid injecting this medication into an area of skin that is sore, red, infected, or otherwise damaged. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose and it has been 4 days (96 hours) or less since the missed dose, inject the dose as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is more than 96 hours since your last dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If you need to change the day of the week that you take this medication, leave at least 3 days between doses.
Store this medication in the refrigerator, protect it from light, and do not allow it to freeze.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Pens may be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days, if necessary. Discard any medication remaining in the pen after 4 weekly doses have been used.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary, or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Each multidose prefilled pen, containing 2.4 mL of a clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution that is particle free, contains 4 doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol (preservative), glycerin, hydrochloric acid solution, phenol (preservative), sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, solution, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, and water for injection.
Zepbound Kwikpen
Each multidose prefilled pen, containing 2.4 mL of a clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution that is particle free, contains 4 doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide.
Do not take this medication if you:
For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.
If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Dehydration: Tirzepatide causes digestive side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects can cause dehydration by causing excessive fluid loss and reduced fluid intake. Dehydration can further lead to kidney problems, low blood pressure, and heart problems. If you experience symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, decreased urine or tear production, dizziness or headaches, contact your doctor.
Gallstones: Tirzepatide has been associated with an increase in gallstone formation. Gallstones often form when there is significant or fast weight loss. If you experience symptoms of gallstones, such as nausea and vomiting, pain under the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades or severe abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart problems: This medication may increase heart rate and may affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle. If you have heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., heart block or fast heart rate), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Intestinal problems: Tirzepatide may slow down the speed that material passes through the digestive system. If you have digestive system problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney problems: Tirzepatide may cause decreased kidney function, including kidney failure. If you experience symptoms of decreased kidney function, such as puffy hands, face or feet, high blood pressure, unusual muscle cramping, or darkened urine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This medication may cause low blood sugar when it is used with sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, gliclazide) or insulin. If you are taking any of these types of medications, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as a cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips, contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication(s).
Mental health: Tirzepatide may cause depressed mood or worsening symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Tirzepatide may cause pancreatitis that can be serious or life-threatening. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe and persistent abdominal pain that may move to your back and may be accompanied by vomiting, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor or get immediate medical attention. If you have previously had pancreatitis, gallstones, or alcohol use problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Risk of thyroid cancer: In rare cases, people have developed thyroid cancer while using medications similar to tirzepatide. People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or people who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumours in more than one gland in their body) should not use this medication. If you develop difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness or notice a mass developing in your neck, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Surgery: In rare cases, people have developed problems where food or liquid from the stomach gets into their lungs while sedated during surgery. If you are scheduled for surgery, make sure that everyone involved in your care knows about all the medications you use.
Vision: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that results from uncontrolled blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are brought under control quickly, symptoms of retinopathy may become worse for a short period of time. If you experience vision changes with the use of tirzepatide, talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. People who may become pregnant should use a barrier method of birth control. Tirzepatide should be stopped at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if tirzepatide passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
price lookup
Total no. of dose(s)
Manufacturer
Insurance coverage
Dosage
*Actual pricing may differ. Medication is only available by prescription. The cost may be subsidised by your provincial or private health plan.
price details
Total (CAD)
--*
Drug info not available
It’s like having us in your pocket, putting you first in every interaction.
Your medication is delivered to you at no added cost.
Call, text, email—whatever works for you. We’re humans, ready to help.
Discreet with real-time updates. Go about your day, your meds are on the way.
Your region
,
Pocketpills is licensed by
Accreditation No
#
Pharmacy Manager
2025 Pocketpills
Pocketpills is not a pharmacy
or a drug manufacturer
