TIRZEPATIDE AND THE RISKS OF USE WITHOUT MEDICAL PRESCRIPTION

Abstract

Tirzepatide represents a milestone in metabolic pharmacotherapy as the first dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. Although it has demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, its growing popularity has generated a concerning phenomenon of non-prescribed use without medical supervision. The objective of this study is to conduct a literature review on tirzepatide, emphasizing the risks associated with its use without prescription. The analysis of the safety profile indicates that the most frequent adverse events are gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting), in addition to serious and rare risks such as acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury, and warnings regarding suicidal ideation and thyroid C-cell tumors. It is concluded that use without supervision eliminates the screening of absolute contraindications, predisposes individuals to inappropriate dose titration, nullifies the monitoring of serious drug interactions, and exposes users to the dangers of the unregulated market, including counterfeit products and improper storage.