What Is Tirzepatide? A Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, & Considerations

• September 26, 2024
• Written by :  Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS

    If you need help with blood sugar management or appetite regulation, tirzepatide may be right for you. This medication can lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and help you feel fuller for longer. It can also help treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. At IV Elements, we offer personalized tirzepatide therapy via injections and oral tablets in New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. Before you try it, here’s everything you should know about tirzepatide and how it might affect you.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide that activates the receptors for two different hormones: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Your body naturally releases them whenever you eat. Both hormones stimulate insulin release when blood sugar is high. GIP also helps regulate insulin response and may influence metabolism and energy storage, while GLP-1 slows stomach emptying and increases feelings of fullness. IV Elements offers compounded tirzepatide that also includes vitamin B6. This nutrient may provide additional metabolic support and reduce the risk of nausea, which some people experience after taking tirzepatide.

What is tirzepatide used for?

The FDA has approved tirzepatide for:

• supporting blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes
• supporting weight management in people who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or fatty liver disease
• treating obstructive sleep apnea in people who are obese

In each case, the medication should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Tirzepatide vs. other GLP-1s

Tirzepatide is a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, as it activates both GIP and GLP-1. In contrast, GLP-1–only agonists like semaglutide only activate GLP-1. Some research suggests that tirzepatide’s dual-mechanism effect may produce greater weight loss than GLP-1–only agonists.

How is tirzepatide administered?

Tirzepatide is usually administered via subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. At IV Elements, our board-certified nurses inject compounded tirzepatide into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen, where it’s slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. Some people also take oral tirzepatide tablets, but they haven’t been approved by the FDA. That’s because tirzepatide is a peptide, and peptides are generally broken down in the digestive tract when taken orally. This may prevent them from reaching the bloodstream in an active form.

What are the side effects of tirzepatide?

The most common side effects of tirzepatide include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• stomach pain
• bloating
• indigestion
• fatigue

These side effects tend to be on the mild side, and they often lessen or go away as your body gets used to the medication. At IV Elements, we aim to reduce tirzepatide side effects in NJ, NYC, and PA by combining the medication with vitamin B6. This nutrient may help lower the risk of nausea, which is a common tirzepatide side effect. We also start patients on a low dose and then slowly increase it based on how they respond. While rare, some people also have more serious side effects, including:

• severe dizziness
• hair loss
• low blood sugar
• dehydration from severe vomiting or diarrhea

If you experience these more serious symptoms, seek medical help right away.

Can you be allergic to tirzepatide?

Yes. Although it’s not common, some people have allergic reactions to tirzepatide that include symptoms like rash, itching, and redness at the injection site. Others have more serious allergic symptoms like feeling extremely dizzy, seeing their face swell, or having a hard time breathing. If you have these symptoms, you should get medical help immediately.

What are the long-term risks of tirzepatide?

Regular tirzepatide use may pose some long-term risks, including:

• pancreatitis, which can cause intense pain in your upper abdomen that spreads to your back
• gallbladder disease, which can cause symptoms like jaundice, fever, and upper abdominal pain
• kidney injury, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, reduced urine output, and swelling in the face or ankles
• worsened diabetic retinopathy in patients who already had it

In addition, rat studies suggest that tirzepatide may increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, though this has not been confirmed in humans. Some people who use tirzepatide for a while also notice less muscle mass, especially if they don’t get enough protein or resistance training. You can lower your risk of this effect by working with your doctor to make a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Does tirzepatide interact with other medications?

Yes. Tirzepatide may interact with certain medications, including:

• diabetes medications like insulin and sulfonylureas, which may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• medications that increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as opioids and some antibiotics
• some oral contraceptives, as tirzepatide may delay absorption by slowing stomach emptying

You can lower your risk of negative interactions by telling your doctor about all of the medications and supplements you take before you start tirzepatide.

Can you use alcohol or other drugs while taking tirzepatide?

Researchers haven’t determined whether tirzepatide has specific interactions with alcohol or other drugs. But some substances may increase your risk of certain side effects. For instance, alcohol may increase nausea and vomiting, opioids may increase dizziness, and marijuana may increase dehydration and excessive appetite suppression. That’s why you should always tell your healthcare provider about any drugs you use before you start tirzepatide. They can help you figure out if you should cut back on or quit certain substances while taking the medication.

Who is a candidate for tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide could be a good option for you if you have type 2 diabetes and haven’t been able to control your blood sugar with lifestyle changes and diabetes medications alone or if you need help achieving a healthier weight alongside a nutritious diet and exercise. To be prescribed tirzepatide for weight loss, you generally must have:

• a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
• a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea

Some people shouldn’t take tirzepatide because they face a higher risk of side effects or complications. These individuals include:

• those with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2
• those with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disorders
• those who are pregnant or breastfeeding

At IV Elements, we provide comprehensive consultations for all tirzepatide patients to make sure the medication will be safe and effective. We’ll go over your full health history and request the following labs:

• HbA1c to check blood sugar
• metabolic panel to check kidney and liver function
• lipid panel to check cholesterol and triglycerides
• thyroid panel to check thyroid function
• pregnancy test

Where can I get tirzepatide in NJ?

You can get tirzepatide at IV Elements’ premium drip lounges in Hoboken (just minutes from New York City via PATH), Parsippany, Asbury Park, and Marlton. We also have a lounge inside Ridgewood’s Namaste Spa, offering convenient access for residents of Glen Rock, Wyckoff, Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes. No matter which location you choose, our ER-trained nurses will help you create a personalized tirzepatide therapy plan to meet your wellness goals. If you’d feel more comfortable at home, we offer mobile visits across NJ, NYC, Philadelphia, and Bucks County, PA, as well as a ship-to-home service.

Schedule customized tirzepatide therapy with IV Elements

Ready to add tirzepatide to your integrative wellness plan? The certified team at IV Elements offers medically supervised tirzepatide therapy at our New Jersey drip lounges and as an in-home service throughout NJ, NYC, and PA. As proud members of the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM) and Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), we’re committed to helping you find the perfect treatment plan. Book your consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does tirzepatide work?

Tirzepatide can support blood sugar control and appetite regulation by acting on two different hormones: GIP and GLP-1. Both hormones trigger insulin release when blood sugar rises. GIP can also influence insulin response, energy balance, and metabolism, and GLP-1 can slow digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.

How long until tirzepatide starts working?

The time it takes for tirzepatide to start working depends on your health and treatment goals. In most cases, it starts helping control blood sugar within a couple days to a couple weeks after your first dose. Effects on appetite regulation usually start within 2 weeks, while weight loss often begins within 4 to 8 weeks.

Does tirzepatide have side effects?

Yes. Like most medications, tirzepatide can have side effects. The most common ones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These effects are usually most intense when you first start the medication or up your dose. Some people also have rarer, more serious side effects that need medical attention, including severe dizziness, low blood sugar, and dehydration.

Do you need a prescription for tirzepatide?

Yes. In the United States, you can’t take tirzepatide without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Is tirzepatide FDA-approved?

Yes. Tirzepatide has been approved by the FDA to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to support weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions.

Is compounded tirzepatide safe?

Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved, so its safety can vary depending on the pharmacy. At IV Elements, we only get compounded tirzepatide from licensed compounding pharmacies, and we only prescribe it after comprehensive consultation and lab testing.

Who should avoid tirzepatide?

In general, you should avoid tirzepatide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disorders, or have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2. These conditions may increase your risk of side effects and complications.

How much does tirzepatide cost in NJ?

The cost of tirzepatide depends on your needs, dose, and provider. You can explore IV Elements’ tirzepatide costs in our treatment menu.

Can I get mobile tirzepatide injections in NJ?

Yes! IV Elements offers convenient in-home tirzepatide injections throughout New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia, and Bucks County, PA.

References

1. Manage Diabetes with IV Therapy. (2025, November 5). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/diabetes
2. Weight Loss Treatments in NJ, NYC, and PA | IV Elements. (2023, May 21). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/overweight-obesity
3. Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Stefanski, A. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038
4. Baker, D. E., Walley, K., & Levien, T. L. (2022). Tirzepatide. Hospital Pharmacy, 58(3), 001857872211257. https://doi.org/10.1177/00185787221125724
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). NDA 215866: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) medical review. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2022/215866Orig1s000MedR.pdf
6. At-Home IV Therapy in NJ | Mobile IV Drip | IV Elements. (2024, July 30). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/our-locations/shippedtohome
7. Schedule Your IV Therapy At-Home | Book IV Drip Now. (2024, November 4). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/book-now-1
8. Treatment Menu | IV Elements. (2026, April 27). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/treatment-menu

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