Tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®) Singapore

How Does Tirzepatide Work?

Tirzepatide's effectiveness comes from activating two different hormone receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, which work together to support blood sugar control and weight management.

This dual action produces several key effects in the body:

1. Appetite Suppression – The medication helps to reduce food intake by curbing appetite, which supports weight loss goals.
2. Slower Digestion – It slows down the rate of gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach for longer. This helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar after meals.
3. Improved Insulin Secretion – Tirzepatide enhances the body's ability to release insulin after eating, an effect strongly linked to its action on GIP receptors, which helps lower blood glucose levels.
4. Reduced Glucose Production – It limits the release of glucose from the liver by reducing glucagon production.

When these physiological effects are combined with lifestyle changes like balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, they lead to better glucose regulation and more sustainable weight management.

Tirzepatide & Other GLP-1 Medications

The key difference between tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications is its dual-action mechanism.

While common treatments like semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide are designed to target only the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This combined action may provide additional benefits for controlling both appetite and blood sugar levels.

Who Is Tirzepatide Suitable For?

Tirzepatide is a beneficial option for people managing type 2 diabetes or excess weight, especially when a consistent, long-term treatment plan is important.

Several practical advantages make it a suitable choice for many individuals:

• Convenient dosing – The medication only needs to be administered once a week, which is often easier to maintain compared to daily treatments.
• Simple administration – It comes in prefilled injection pens, allowing patients to self-administer the medication at home without needing to visit a clinic for every dose.
• Flexible treatment – The dose can be adjusted gradually over time, based on a patient’s comfort and individual needs.
• Combined benefits – Tirzepatide manages both blood sugar and weight simultaneously, which can reduce the need for multiple different medications to treat both conditions.

Potential Side Effects of Tirzepatide

Like all medications, tirzepatide may cause side effects, although these are typically mild to moderate and often ease as your body gets used to the treatment.

The most common side effects are related to the digestive system and may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion

While less frequent, there are more serious potential side effects to be aware of. These can include pancreatitis, severe digestive issues, and low blood sugar, particularly if you are also taking other diabetes medications. Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur and may present as a rash, itching, or swelling of the face and throat that makes breathing difficult.

If you experience severe abdominal pain, symptoms of an allergic reaction, or any side effects that worsen or do not go away, you should seek immediate medical attention.

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 is not an appropriate medication for everyone, and is typically not recommended for those with:

• A personal or family background of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), due to a potential risk of thyroid tumour development.
• A prior history of pancreatitis, as using tirzepatide could lead to a recurrence of the condition.
• Severe gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis, because the drug slows stomach emptying and may worsen existing symptoms.
• A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, for which this medication is not an approved treatment.

Where Can I Get Tirzepatide in Singapore?

In Singapore, tirzepatide is a prescription-only medication and cannot be bought over the counter. Obtaining it requires a consultation with a doctor, who will evaluate your medical history and health status to confirm your suitability for the treatment.

If your doctor determines that tirzepatide is appropriate for you, it will generally be prescribed as part of a supervised medical plan. This includes ongoing follow-up consultations to monitor your progress, manage any side effects, and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.