Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide and How They Work
Both of these medications are classified as GLP-1 agonists, which means they copy the actions of a natural hormone that is made by your body that is responsible for helping to control your blood sugar and appetite. This hormone also signals your brain that you are full, slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and helps your pancreas release the right amount of insulin.
Tirzepatide mimics two of your hormones called GLP-1 and GIP, which help reduce your appetite and improve insulin sensitivity, enhancing the functioning of your metabolism. Retatrutide also targets these two hormones as well as a third called glucagon, which enhances fat burning and energy expenditure. This triple action is showing to make retatrutide more effective for some individuals during the clinical trials.
Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide Side Effects
Both medications can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are often more severe when first starting treatment or increasing the dose but tend to ease up as your body gets used to the medication. Common side effects of both medications include:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Constipation;
- Reduced appetite.
Retatrutide: Some patients experienced blood sugar fluctuations due to its effect on glucagon.
Tirzepatide: There have been reports of more severe gastrointestinal issues in some patients.
As with any medication, it is important to monitor how you feel and talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide Dosing
Both of these medications are self-administered once a week through subcutaneous injection, but they have different dosing schedules.
Doctors use a titration schedule for both retatrutide and tirzepatide to help your body adjust to the medication slowly. Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it over the course of several months can reduce the severity of the common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. This step-by-step gradual dosing schedule gives your digestive system time to adapt and makes it easier for people to stay on the medication. Using a titration schedule also helps doctors find the right dose that gives good results without causing too many side effects.
to see the entire table
| Medication | Dose Options | Starting Dose | Maximum Dose | How Often Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg | 2.5 mg | 15 mg | Once weekly |
| Retatrutide (Proposed Dosing) | 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg | 1 mg | 12 mg | Once weekly |
Normally, your doctor will start you on the lowest dose of the medication, and you will remain on that dose for at least four weeks before it is increased. Below is a sample chart of what your dosing schedule might look like if you begin using tirzepatide. Your schedule may vary depending on how you respond to the medication, but the goal is to increase the dose slowly to get results, but reduce side effects.
| Week | Dose |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg |
| 5–8 | 5 mg |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg |
| 13–16 | 10 mg |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg |
| 21+ | 15 mg (max) |
Eventually, you will reach what is called the maintenance phase, which begins once you reach your target dose, where you will remain. For tirzepatide, the maintenance phase usually starts after week 21, when taking the full 15 mg dose (or the highest dose you can tolerate). Some people may stop increasing their dose earlier if they get good results with a lower dose or experience more severe side effects at higher ones. The maintenance phase is about keeping your weight loss progress steady or helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Weight Loss Results Of Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide
Both retatrutide and tirzepatide are designed to help with blood sugar management and have also proven to be effective weight loss tools.
- Tirzepatide
- Tirzepatide has already undergone multiple clinical trials. One of the most notable, the SURMOUNT-1 trial, was published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2022. This phase 3 study evaluated tirzepatide over 17 months in people with obesity or excess weight who did not have diabetes. Participants lost up to 22.5% of their starting body weight, depending on the dose received.
- Retatrutide
- Retatrutide is a newer medication and is still being studied for FDA approval, but early weight loss results are promising. In the most recent trial, some participants taking retatrutide lost up to 24.2% of their total body weight in just 48 weeks—more weight, and in a shorter time, than was seen with tirzepatide. Retatrutide remains in clinical trials and is not yet approved for public use, so its dosing, safety, and effectiveness are still under investigation.
Choosing Between Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide
Choosing the medication that will work best for you should be done with the guidance of a board-certified doctor with expertise in weight management. They will review your current picture of health, medical history, family history, and weight loss goals to help determine the best choice for you. Tirzepatide is currently approved and available for use, as well as another GLP-1 medication called semaglutide. Retatrutide is still in the trial phase, but it is showing greater weight loss potential than the others and may become the preferred option once it is granted approval.
Where Can I Learn More About Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide?
To learn more about retatrutide, tirzepatide, and other weight loss medications, set up a consultation at MySlimMed. Dr. Angelina Postoev and her team of professionals will work with you and take the time to understand your health history, goals, and lifestyle to determine which treatment plan is the safest and most effective option for you. Everyone is different, so having expert guidance can make a real difference when it comes to achieving sustainable weight loss.
MySlimMed makes it easy to receive your weight loss medications without leaving home. Once you complete a consultation with Dr. Angelina Postoev and are approved for treatment, your prescription GLP-1 medication like Wegovy® or Zepbound® is shipped directly to your door each month.
The team at MySlimMed ensures that your treatment is delivered on time and hassle-free to help you stay consistent with your medication and focused on your weight loss goals. Set up your consultation today!
