A new drug for diabetes? Let's learn everything about Tirzepatide Injection!

Has your doctor told you to start a new injection for diabetes? You may have heard the name a little strange – 'Tirzepatide'. Don't worry. This is a very effective, new drug that is now used to control type 2 diabetes . Let's talk about this drug, how it works, and the things to be careful about while using it, simply, as if you were talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a medication given to people with type 2 diabetes. Your doctor may have given you this under the brand name ``MOUNJARO''. This medication does several very important things in our bodies.

• Increases insulin levels : The hormone insulin is essential for controlling blood sugar levels in our body. This medicine helps control blood sugar ( glucose ) by increasing that insulin level.
• Reduces the release of excess sugar: It also reduces the amount of unnecessary sugar that our body releases into the blood.
• Slows down digestion: This slows down the rate at which sugar from the food you eat enters your bloodstream, which helps control sudden spikes in blood sugar levels .

But remember, this medicine alone is not enough. A good diet and exercise must be combined with this medicine.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Before you start taking this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This medicine comes as an injection under the skin. Your doctor or nurse will show you exactly how to give it. Don't worry, it's very simple.

• Once a week: This vaccine should only be given once a week (exactly once every 7 days).
• Follow medical advice: Continue using this until your doctor tells you to stop.
• If you use insulin: If you also use insulin injections, never mix the two injections. Inject the two injections separately, a little distance apart.
• Change the injection site: Each time you get an injection, don't inject the same spot as before, but inject it in a slightly different spot (for example, if you get one on one side of your stomach, the next time you get the other side). This is called ``rotating injection sites''.
• Read the package insert: Read the package insert that comes with the medicine carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

What if the medication dose increases?

If you suspect that you have taken an overdose, do not panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Sometimes you may forget to get vaccinated. If so:

• If it has been less than 4 days (96 hours) since you missed your dose, get the vaccine as soon as you remember.
• However, if more than 4 days have passed since you forgot, skip that dose completely. Just get your next dose on the next scheduled day, at the scheduled time, as usual.
• Never get two vaccines within 3 days.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you take may interact with this medicine. So it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking. Be especially careful about the following:

• Other medications for diabetes (e.g. glyburide, glipizide)
• Aspirin and similar painkillers
• Some medications for blood pressure or heart disease (e.g. `Beta blockers` – metoprolol, propranolol)
• Pain and inflammation medications (NSAIDs) – e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen
• Steroid-type medications (e.g. prednisone, cortisone)
• Some antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics)
• Take medicine to lose weight
• Alcohol
• Some herbal products

Things to be careful about when taking medication

There are several things you should pay attention to when using this medicine.

• Regular medical check-ups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by the doctor and get yourself checked. The doctor will monitor your `HbA1C` (a test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) level.
• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): This is very important. Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar ( dizziness , sweating, restlessness, extreme hunger). Always carry a small amount of sugar, such as a candy bar or glucose tablet. If your blood sugar drops too low and you become unconscious, tell your family not to put anything in your mouth. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately.
• Do not share your pen: Never share your pen with anyone else, even if you change the needle. Doing so can spread infections.
• Thyroid cancer risk: There is talk of a very small risk of thyroid cancer in people taking this medication. So if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, a change in your voice, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, tell your doctor right away.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water while taking this medication. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, you may lose a lot of water from your body. If this happens, inform your doctor.
• Birth control: If you are taking oral contraceptive pills, this medicine may make them less effective. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control (such as condoms) for the first 4 weeks after starting this medicine and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them require immediate attention, while others are normal.

How to store the medicine?

It is also very important to store this medicine properly.

• The best way to store it is in the refrigerator: The refrigerator is the best. But do not store it in the freezer. Keep the medicine in the original box.
• Storage at room temperature: If necessary, it can be stored at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius for up to 21 days. However, if so, it should be used within 21 days.
• Protect from light and excessive heat.
• Do not use expired medicine.

Consult your doctor about how to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.

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