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 Tirzepatide 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 and 8°C
Store the pens in the original packaging to protect them 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 30 °C. Avoid heat and direct sunlight
Preparing to inject Tirzepatide
Remove the Pen from the refrigerator. Leave the grey 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 colourless 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 grey 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 grey base cap straight off and throw it away in your household trash. Do not put the grey 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 grey 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 is a prescription-only medication and can only be obtained from medical clinics with a doctor’s consultation and prescription. Tirzepatide can now be found in Singapore and is available in Bay Medical.
Price of Tirzepatide in Singapore?
We now have a supply of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which is available at Bay Medical Clinic.
The price of Tirzepatide: 2.5mg/week - $600 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) 5mg/week - $700 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) 7.5mg/week- $900 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) 10mg/week- $900 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses) 15mg/week- $1100 for a month (1 pen with 4 doses)
1. How is Tirzepatide different from single-pathway GLP-1 medications?
Tirzepatide (mounjaro) activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, rather than GLP-1 alone. In head-to-head trial data (SURPASS-2), this dual mechanism was associated with greater average weight loss and glycaemic control than a GLP-1-only comparator.
2. Why might Tirzepatide lead to more weight loss for some patients?
The added GIP pathway appears to enhance insulin sensitivity and satiety signalling beyond what GLP-1 activation alone achieves. Individual results still vary based on dose, adherence, and lifestyle factors.
3. How much does Tirzepatide cost in Singapore?
Pricing depends on weekly dose: from $600/month at 2.5mg up to $1,100/month at 15mg (1 pen, 4 doses, GST applies). See the full pricing table on the page for all tiers.
4. Is Tirzepatide available in Singapore?
Yes. Tirzepatide (mounjaro singapore) is approved by HSA for type 2 diabetes treatment and is available at Bay Aesthetics Clinic with a doctor's prescription following consultation.
5. How soon will I see results with Tirzepatide?
Initial weight loss is often noticeable within 4–6 weeks, with more substantial results typically seen around 12 weeks, consistent with SURMOUNT-1 trial data.
6. Do I need to follow a special diet while on Tirzepatide?
While Tirzepatide (mounjaro) helps regulate appetite, combining treatment with a balanced diet and a caloric deficit (a 500kcal/day deficit is typically recommended) generally improves results.
7. Are there long-term side effects of Tirzepatide?
Large clinical trials, including SURMOUNT-1, indicate Tirzepatide is generally safe for long-term use, with most side effects being mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms during dose escalation.
8. How much weight can I expect to lose with Tirzepatide?
SURMOUNT-1 trial data showed mean weight reductions of 15.0% (5mg), 19.5% (10mg), and 20.9% (15mg) at 72 weeks, compared to 3.1% with placebo.
9. Can I switch to Tirzepatide from another weight loss treatment?
Switching between GLP-1/GIP medications is possible but should only be done under medical supervision, as dosing and titration schedules differ between medications.
10. Is it safe to buy Tirzepatide online?
No. Tirzepatide (mounjaro) is prescription-only. Purchasing from unauthorised online sources carries a real risk of counterfeit or unsafe products. Only obtain it through a licensed clinic following consultation.
11. What are the common side effects of Tirzepatide?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are most common, usually during the dose-escalation period, and typically improve with time.
12. How is Tirzepatide administered?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, self-administered into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a pre-filled pen.
13. What dosages does Tirzepatide come in?
2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg. Treatment starts at the lowest dose and is increased gradually every 4 weeks based on response and tolerability.
14. Can Tirzepatide be used to treat conditions other than obesity?
Yes. Tirzepatide is also indicated for type 2 diabetes and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity.
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 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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