Tirzepatide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Reviewed byClearHormones Editorial Team, Medical-literature review

Last reviewed: 5/27/2026 · How we review →

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (weight management). Weekly subcutaneous injection. The dual mechanism drives the highest weight loss of any approved GLP-1-class drug. Carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.

⚠ Boxed warning

Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Contraindicated in personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.

Quick facts

Drug class: Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
Brand names: Mounjaro, Zepbound
Forms: Subcutaneous injection (single-dose pen or vial)

What clinical trials show(3)

Published trial outcomes; sources listed below.

SURMOUNT-1 (weight management). 20.9% mean body weight loss at 72 weeks (15 mg) vs 3.1% placebo (NCT04184622)
SURPASS-2 (vs semaglutide, T2D). Superior A1c reduction vs semaglutide 1 mg (NCT03987919)
SURMOUNT-5 (head-to-head). Tirzepatide 20.2% weight loss vs semaglutide 13.7% at 72 weeks

Go deeper(3)

Reference pages for this drug, built from FDA prescribing information.

Side effects →Incidence rates and management Dosage →Schedules, forms, missed doses Pregnancy →Pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance

Key drug interactions(3)

Top interactions by severity; always review your full medication list with a clinician or pharmacist.

Tirzepatide key drug interactions
Interacts with	Severity	Mechanism
Insulin / sulfonylureas	major	Additive hypoglycemia — may need dose reduction
Oral contraceptives	moderate	Reduced absorption during escalation — use backup contraception
Oral medications (general)	moderate	Delayed gastric emptying alters absorption

Pregnancy at a glance

Tirzepatide is not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies showed fetal harm. Human data are limited.

Full pregnancy and breastfeeding guide →

Telehealth providers that prescribe Tirzepatide(5)

Independently reviewed providers offering Tirzepatide for weight management. Editorial ranking — affiliate links don't affect order.

Form Health
89/100
Board-certified obesity medicine physicians prescribing GLP-1s. Often insurance-covered — among the most affordable options when insurance applies.
Knownwell
88/100
Weight-inclusive primary care with GLP-1 access. Designed by clinicians frustrated with typical obesity medicine model — focuses on the whole person.
Mochi Health
77/100
Doctor-led GLP-1 weight loss program. Offers compounded semaglutide/tirzepatide and FDA-approved Wegovy/Zepbound for eligible patients.
Found
75/100
Whole-person weight loss with GLP-1 medication plus behavioral coaching. One of the larger GLP-1 telehealth programs.
Calibrate
75/100
Year-long metabolic health program combining GLP-1 medication with intensive 1:1 coaching. Premium price point, strong outcomes data.

We don't sell Tirzepatide or any medication. These are editorial reviews of telehealth providers — clicking through may earn us a commission, which does not affect our scoring.

Sources(4)

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