Who should not use Tirzepatide?

Who should not use Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to tirzepatide or any of its excipients (excipients include disodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate, benzyl alcohol, glycerol, phenol, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection). Allergic reactions may manifest as rash, pruritus, eczema, and in severe cases, as dyspnea or rapid swelling of the lips or throat. In addition, if you have serious digestive problems, delayed gastric emptying (including severe gastroparesis), or have had pancreatitis (manifested as persistent severe abdominal and back pain), you must inform your doctor before use. These conditions may require special evaluation or avoidance of use.

Health conditions that must be disclosed to your doctor before use

Before starting tirzepatide, be sure to tell your doctor if: you are taking sulfonylureas or insulin for diabetes, as combined use increases the risk of hypoglycemia and your doctor may need to adjust the doses of these medications. Also inform your doctor if you have an eye disease (e.g., diabetic retinopathy or macular edema). Additionally, dehydration and fluid loss due to vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea may occur after starting treatment, which can affect kidney function. Therefore, you need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration; if you experience relevant symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. If you are planning to undergo surgery requiring anesthesia, inform the anesthesiologist that you are taking tirzepatide.

Special populations and drug interactions with Tirzepatide

Children and adolescents

This medicine may be used in children aged 10 years and older for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but only when the child already has overweight or obesity at the start of treatment. It is not recommended for children under 10 years of age, nor for weight management alone in adolescents under 18 years of age, due to lack of study data.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tirzepatide should not be used during pregnancy because its effects on the fetus are unknown. Contraception is recommended during treatment. Tirzepatide passes into breast milk in small amounts, but is not expected to affect a newborn or infant. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, consult your doctor.

Driving and operating machinery

Use of tirzepatide alone is unlikely to affect the ability to drive. However, when used in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin, hypoglycemia may reduce attention and reaction ability. Symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, hunger, confusion, irritability, fast heartbeat, and sweating should occur, you should avoid driving.

Excipient information

Each 0.6 ml dose contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium, i.e., essentially sodium‑free. It also contains 5.4 mg of benzyl alcohol, which may cause allergic reactions. Patients with hepatic or renal impairment should be aware that accumulation of benzyl alcohol may lead to metabolic acidosis.