Tirzepatide in Singapore: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Key Takeaways
- Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection, available only on prescription in Singapore.
- It acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which can help slow stomach emptying, raise insulin after meals and lower glucagon.
- It may be suitable for adults who need further metabolic support.
- Most reported side effects affect digestion, and a past episode of pancreatitis or certain thyroid cancers may rule it out.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a prescription injection that acts on the body's natural hormones to help regulate appetite, digestion and the way the body processes sugar. Treatment begins at a low dose, which is raised gradually according to how you respond.
It may be prescribed for people who need medical support with their metabolic health, such as those with problems with insulin control or a higher body mass index (BMI), when a doctor assesses it as appropriate.
Over time, excess weight can affect your health in other ways too. It is the fastest-rising heart risk in Singapore, and the only one for which heart attack deaths are projected to rise rather than fall by 2050.
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
Tirzepatide works by stimulating the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which together contribute to more stable post-meal glucose responses.
This dual activity influences several processes related to glucose handling:
- Delayed gastric emptying — Slows how quickly food moves through the stomach, supporting steadier post-meal glucose levels.
- Enhanced insulin release after meals — Helps the body utilise glucose more effectively in a glucose-dependent manner.
- Reduced glucagon levels — May help limit the amount of glucose released from the liver.
Unlike semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide, which act on GLP-1 receptors alone, tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
Who Is Tirzepatide Suitable For?
Tirzepatide may be suitable for adults who require further medical support with metabolic regulation, based on a doctor's assessment of their overall health needs and treatment goals.
This can include situations where:
- Additional metabolic support is needed to help the body regulate appetite, digestion, or sugar processing alongside existing treatments
- Commonly used first-line medicines are not suitable because they cause side effects or cannot be used safely for the specific individual
- There are clinical indicators such as a high BMI and related health conditions (for example, hypertension or dyslipidaemia) that suggest further metabolic intervention could be appropriate
Tirzepatide is generally used together with lifestyle measures such as balanced nutrition and increased physical activity, and it is prescribed only after your doctor evaluates whether it is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
"Tirzepatide may help reduce long-term health risks for patients with elevated BMI and related conditions such as hypertension. For those who experience significant weight loss, regular follow-ups allow your doctor to monitor your condition and adjust the care plan as needed."
Dr Jana Lim
What Are the Benefits of Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide offers several practical benefits that can support long-term metabolic regulation and treatment adherence. Some key benefits include:
- Once-weekly dosing — May be easier to integrate into a regular routine
- A prefilled injection pen — Allows individuals to administer the medication at home after receiving appropriate instruction
- Gradual dose adjustments — Enables the dosage to be matched to individual needs and tolerability
- A hormone-based mechanism that works gradually — Supports multiple metabolic functions, compared to some other medicines that primarily work through a single main action in the body
What Are Potential Side Effects of Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide may cause side effects, and these can vary between individuals. The effects most commonly reported involve the digestive system and may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
More serious but less common side effects may occur, such as pancreatitis, significant gastrointestinal discomfort, or low blood sugar, especially when used alongside other glucose-lowering medicines. Allergic reactions may also occur and may present with swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread rashes.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, symptoms of an allergic reaction, or any adverse effects that persist or worsen.
Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of all possible side effects, and you should always discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with your doctor.
Who Might Tirzepatide Not Be Suitable For?
Tirzepatide may not be appropriate for certain individuals. Your doctor may advise against its use if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- A previous episode of pancreatitis
- Significant digestive conditions such as severe gastroparesis
- Type 1 diabetes, for which this medicine is not indicated
Where Can I Get Tirzepatide in Singapore?
In Singapore, tirzepatide is classified as a prescription-only medicine. You will need a consultation with a
doctor, who will review your medical history, evaluate your current health status, and determine whether
this treatment is suitable for your condition.
If tirzepatide is prescribed, it will be provided as part of a supervised care plan, which may include
follow-up appointments, ongoing monitoring, and dose adjustments where medically appropriate.
What Is the Price of Tirzepatide in Singapore?
The price of tirzepatide in Singapore ranges from $400 onwards for a monthly dose. The
actual cost depends on the prescribed dosage, as tirzepatide is typically started at a lower dose and
gradually increased based on individual response and tolerability.
Since tirzepatide requires a prescription, the total expense will also include an initial
consultation fee and any follow-up appointments needed to monitor your progress. Your doctor
can provide a clearer estimate during your consultation based on your specific treatment plan.
Medically Supervised Weight Loss at Our Clinic
At Singapore Women's Clinic, you can choose between in-clinic visits or teleconsultation, whichever fits your routine.
Our weight loss patients also receive complimentary InBody body composition scans so you can see fat loss alongside muscle preservation, not just the number on the scale.
In-Clinic
Meet your doctor in person and collect your medicine refill during the same visit. Your InBody scan can be done at the same appointment.
Teleconsultation
Consult with your doctor from wherever suits you, with the option of medication delivery. Your InBody scan can be arranged as a separate in-clinic appointment.
