Tirzepatide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Tirzepatide is administered via subcutaneous injections (under the skin). Developed by Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, Tirzepatide is US FDA-approved for diabetes treatment, weight loss and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In Singapore, Tirzepatide was approved in 2023 by Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Tirzepatide is a gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. After a meal, hormones known as GIP and GLP-1 are released by the gut. These hormones trigger insulin release, suppress appetite, slow gastric emptying, and increase satiety (the feeling of fullness). Tirzeptide mimics the hormones GIP and GLP-1 by activating the GIP and GLP-1 receptors that are present in the pancreas, brain, gut and fatty tissues.
Mode of action of Tirzepatide
What are the side effects of Tirzepatide?
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, upper abdominal discomfort, and abdominal pain. These side effects are usually transient and improve with time. The dosage of Tirzepatide is gradually increased to reduce the severity of side effects.
Benefits of Tirzepatide injections
Tirzepatide is indicated to improve blood sugar control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
Tirzepatide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with obesity (BMI >30) or overweight with complications (BMI >27 with weight-related complications) and to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Tirzepatide and heart failure: In a phase III trial, tirzepatide has demonstrated significant benefits in obese patients with heart failure, reducing the risk of major complications, including urgent heart failure visits, hospitalisations, increased diuretic treatment, and cardiovascular-related deaths, by 38% compared to placebo.
SURPASS-2 Trial: Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide for diabetes
TLDR summary: Tirzepatide was superior to Semaglutide for diabetic control and weight loss
In this landmark clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2021, Tirzepatide was compared against Semaglutide.In this open-label, 40-week, phase 3 trial, 1879 patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1:1 ratio, to receive tirzepatide at a dose of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg or semaglutide at a dose of 1 mg per week. At baseline, the mean glycated hemoglobin level was 8.28%, the mean age was 56.6 years, and the mean weight was 93.7 kg. The primary endpoint was the change in the glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to 40 weeks. Tirzepatide at all doses was noninferior and superior to semaglutide. Reductions in body weight were greater with tirzepatide than with semaglutide. The side effect profiles of both medications were similar.
SURMOUNT-1 Study: Tirzepatide for treatment of obesity (without diabetes)
SURMOUNT-1 Study: In this phase 3 double-blind, randomised, controlled trial, 2539 adult patients were assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive once-weekly, subcutaneous tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg) or placebo for 72 weeks, including a 20-week dose-escalation period. At baseline, the mean body weight was 104.8 kg, the mean BMI was 38.0, and 94.5% of participants had a BMI of 30 or higher. The mean percentage change in weight at week 72 was −15.0% with 5-mg weekly doses of tirzepatide, −19.5% with 10-mg doses, and −20.9% with 15-mg doses and −3.1% with placebo (P<0.001 for all comparisons with placebo). The percentage of participants who had weight reduction of 5% or more was 85%, 89%, and 91% with 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg of tirzepatide, respectively, and 35% with placebo; 50% and 57% of participants in the 10-mg and 15-mg groups had a reduction in body weight of 20% or more, as compared with 3% in the placebo group (P<0.001 for all comparisons with placebo). The most common adverse events with tirzepatide were gastrointestinal, and most were mild to moderate in severity, occurring primarily during dose escalation. Adverse events caused treatment discontinuation in 4.3%, 7.1%, 6.2%, and 2.6% of participants receiving 5-mg, 10-mg, and 15-mg tirzepatide doses and placebo, respectively.
TLDR summary: In this 72-week trial, participants with obesity (without diabetes), 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide once weekly provided substantial and sustained reductions in body weight
SURMOUNT 4 trial- Weight regain after stopping Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) after 36 weeks versus continuation of treatment
SURMOUNT-1 trial showing weight loss with Tirzepatide 5mg, 10mg and 15mg over a 72 week treatment period
How to use Tirzepatide injections?
Tirzepatide is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Use Mounjaro 1 time each week, at any time of the day.
How to store your Tirzepatide pens
Keep the refrigerator
Make sure the temperature is between 2°C to 8°C
Store the pens in the original packaging to protect your pen from light
Do not freeze the pens
The pen has glass parts. Handle it carefully. If you drop the pen on a hard surface, do not use it. Use a new pen for your injection
Keep in mind, some refrigerators can be colder near the back than on the front/on the door
Always check your pen to ensure it is not frozen before using it
Going on a trip?
Tirzepatide pens can last unrefrigerated for up to 21 days. Ensure the temperature of the medication stays below 30C. Avoid heat and direct sunlight
Preparing to inject Tirzepatide
Remove the Pen from the refrigerator. Leave the gray base cap on until you are ready to inject.
Check the Pen label to make sure you have the right medicine and dose and that it has not expired. Inspect the Pen to make sure that it is not damaged.
Make sure the medicine:
is not frozen
is not cloudy
is colorless to slightly yellow
does not have particles
Injecting Tirzepatide
Choose your injection site: stomach or inner thigh
Change your injection site each week.
Pull off the gray base cap
Make sure the Pen is locked. Do not unlock the Pen until you place the clear base on your skin and are ready to inject.
Pull the gray base cap straight off and throw it away in your household trash. Do not put the gray base cap back on – this could damage the needle. Do not touch the needle.
Place a clear base on the skin, then unlock
Place the clear base flat against your skin at the injection site.
Unlock by turning the lock ring.
Press and hold for up to 10 seconds
Press and hold the purple injection button for up to 10 seconds.
Listen for:
First click = injection started
Second click = injection completed
You will know your injection is complete when the gray plunger is visible. After your injection, place the used Pen in a sharps container.
Injection technique for Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide Dosage
Tirzepatide comes in dosages of 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg and 15mg. Each dose is once a week, starting at the lowest dose of 2.5mg and increasing gradually every 4 weeks till the effects of the medication are optimal or side effects become unbearable. A maximum dose of 15mg per week is allowed.
Tirzepatide are prescription-only medications and can only be obtained from medical clinics with a doctor’s consultation and prescription. Tirzepatide can now be found in Singapore and available in Bay Medical.
Price of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in Singapore?
We now have a supply of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and is available at Bay Medical Clinic.
The price of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Mounjaro 5mg/week - $700 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) Mounjaro 10mg/week- $900 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) Mounjaro 15mg/week- $1100 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) prices are in SGD, GST 9% applies.
1. What is the difference between weight loss injectables?
Some injectables target multiple metabolic pathways, while others act on a single hormone receptor. In Singapore, patients often compare options in terms of effectiveness, considering factors like Mounjaro vs Ozempic, and may also take into account the Mounjaro price and availability in Mounjaro Singapore when deciding on the best treatment.
2. Why do some treatments lead to more weight loss than others?
Weight loss outcomes depend on how the medication works in the body. Certain options available in Singapore, such as tirzepatide, have a dual-action mechanism that may result in more significant reductions. People often reference Mounjaro vs Ozempic to understand which treatment might be more effective, while also evaluating Mounjaro price and where it can be accessed in Mounjaro Singapore.
3. How much do weight loss injections cost?
Costs vary depending on dosage, treatment duration, and clinic. For example, prescription-only injections like tirzepatide may differ in pricing. Many patients check the Mounjaro price and availability in Mounjaro Singapore before scheduling a consultation.
4. Are injectable treatments available in Singapore?
Yes, several prescription-only injectables, including tirzepatide, are available under medical supervision in Singapore. When researching options, patients often consider MounjaroSingapore availability and compare treatments such as Mounjarovs Ozempic.
5. How soon will I see results with injectable treatments?
Initial weight loss is often noticed within 4–6 weeks, with more visible results around 12 weeks. Patients looking into medications such as tirzepatide often weigh the expected results alongside factors like Mounjaro vs Ozempic and Mounjaro price in Singapore.
6. Do I need to follow a special diet while using injectables?
While injections help regulate appetite and metabolism, a healthy diet with practices like intermittent fasting (16-hour fast, 8-hour eating window) and a caloric deficit can improve results. Many patients in Mounjaro Singapore combine lifestyle adjustments with treatment and also consider Mounjaro price when planning long-term treatment.
7. Are there any long-term side effects?
Large clinical trials have shown that medications like tirzepatide are generally safe for long-term use. When consulting doctors in Singapore, patients often discuss side effects alongside considerations such as Mounjaro vs Ozempic and Mounjaro price.
8. How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss varies per individual, but many see a 10–15% reduction over 6–12 months. Patients researching options often compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic, check Mounjaro price, and evaluate treatment availability in Mounjaro Singapore.
9. Which injectable treatment is right for me?
Choosing the best option depends on your medical history, health goals, and lifestyle. Doctors in Singapore can advise on effectiveness and suitability, while patients often reference Mounjaro vs Ozempic, cost (Mounjaro price), and accessibility in Mounjaro Singapore.
10. What are common side effects?
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite, and abdominal discomfort. Patients considering these treatments in Singapore often check Mounjaro Singapore availability and compare with alternatives such as Mounjaro vs Ozempic, keeping Mounjaro price in mind.
11. Can I switch between injectable treatments?
Switching between options is possible but should be done under medical supervision. Patients often ask about Mounjaro vs Ozempic comparisons and the Mounjaro price when planning a transition in Singapore.
12. Are these treatments approved for weight loss?
Certain injectables, such as tirzepatide, have regulatory approval for weight management in specific countries. Patients in Singapore often check Mounjaro Singapore availability and compare it with other treatments like Ozempic (Mounjaro vs Ozempic) when evaluating options.
13. Is it safe to buy injectables online?
No—purchasing online can be risky due to counterfeit or unsafe products. Prescription-only treatments like tirzepatide should only be obtained from authorised clinics. Patients often confirm Mounjaro Singapore availability and Mounjaro price before scheduling treatment.
14. Are there alternatives to injectable treatments?
Emerging options, such as oral GLP‑1 medications, are being studied and may offer additional choices. Patients in Singapore researching treatment options may compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic, check Mounjaro price, and evaluate access in Mounjaro Singapore.
With over 10 years of experience in aesthetic treatments, Dr Hoe Ying Min serves as the Medical Director at Bay Aesthetics Clinic. She has extensive hands-on experience in lasers, injectables, body-shaping and skin-rejuvenation procedures, and is known for her careful, personalised approach that aims for natural-looking outcomes.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa is a doctor-led clinic located in the Marina Bay Financial Centre that delivers medical aesthetics and medispa treatments in a calm, professional setting. With a focus on safety, visible results and accessibility, the team uses only US FDA and HSA-approved technology, applies a holistic view to beauty and wellness, and avoids hard-selling or pressure tactics.
Open from 11 am daily (until 8 pm Mon-Fri; 6 pm Sat/Sun) and conveniently situated within walking distance of two MRT stations
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B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore 018984
