How Tirzepatide and Retatrutide Work
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide and other medications that are called GLP-1 prescriptions are classified as glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, which means these medications copy a naturally produced hormone in your body.
The GLP-1 hormone helps you feel full and slows down your digestion, which keeps you feeling full for a longer time and helps control your blood sugar levels. It also intervenes in the signals that run to and from your brain that tell you that you are hungry or full, and they stop the “food noise” that causes you to crave unhealthy food choices. Tirzepatide also copies another hormone called GIP, which works alongside GLP-1 to help your metabolism run even more efficiently, making it easier for you to lose weight.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide may offer you even more benefits because it not only copies the GLP-1 and GIP hormones that your body naturally makes but also a third hormone called glucagon. Glucagon helps your body burn fat rather than store it and boosts how efficiently your body burns calories.
These three hormones work together to reduce your appetite and improve how efficiently your body turns food into energy, which helps you lower your body mass index (BMI) and maintain a healthy weight long term.
Because retatrutide works with your metabolism by assisting three different hormones, it might be more effective if you did not lose much weight on dual-hormone tirzepatide or your weight loss has stalled.
To date, clinical trials have shown that people using retatrutide have lost more weight compared to those using other medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Why You Might Want to Switch
There are a few common reasons people choose to change the medication they are using for weight loss. Some of the most common reasons to consider switching from tirzepatide to retatrutide include:
- Some people do not get the weight loss results they want with tirzepatide, and since retatrutide mimics a third hormone, it may lead to greater weight loss;
- Even though the medications work similarly, retatrutide may cause fewer or less severe side effects than tirzepatide because the prescription formulation is not exactly the same;
- If your weight loss has stalled or slowed down, retatrutide may help you start losing again;
- Early study findings show retatrutide may offer better blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes and for those who desire to lose weight.
Everyone reacts to prescription medications differently, so it will take some trial and error to determine how your body will respond to whichever GLP-1 medication you use. It is important to work with a qualified specialist like Dr. Angelina Postoev with MySlimMed, who understands the complexities of weight loss and has experience with GLP-1 medications.
What to Expect When Switching Tirzepatide To Retatrutide
Switching your medication from tirzepatide to retatrutide is not something you should try to do on your own. Dr. Angelina will assess your health history and your progress to date on the tirzepatide to determine if switching is the proper solution and the best way to make the change so your body can adjust in the best way possible and without derailing your weight loss journey.
She may recommend taking a short break between your last tirzepatide injection and your first dose of retatrutide to give your body time to adjust and lower the chance of unpleasant side effects. Because the two medications have different strengths and dosing schedules, you will probably start retatrutide at a lower dose and work your way up slowly.
Most people will not have issues with the transition because the medications are very similar, but you may experience some changes.
Some Changes You Might Experience Switching From Tirzepatide To Retatrutide
Early research shows that some people might notice certain side effects if they switch from tirzepatide to retatrutide, but because the medication is still very new, these findings are based on early testing and not real-world use. Once retatrutide is widely available and more people start using it, we will know more about what changes to expect during a switch.
- More weight loss
- In trials, retatrutide led to more total weight loss than tirzepatide, and you may notice the scale moving faster after switching.
- Stronger appetite control
- Because retatrutide activates a third hormone (glucagon), it may reduce hunger and provide more appetite control than tirzepatide.
- Different side effects
- You may notice less nausea or bloating, or you may feel more fatigue or slightly different digestive changes. These changes depend on how your body handles moving from two copycat hormones to three.
- Higher energy burn
- Glucagon helps your body burn more energy, so you might feel more energized and notice fat loss in certain areas, lose inches, and notice your body is reshaping, but without seeing a large decline on the scale.
Possible Side Effects Of Retatrutide
The common side effects of retatrutide are very similar to the other GLP-1 medications currently available on the market, which include:
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Fatigue;
- Mild stomach discomfort.
These side effects normally ease up as your body becomes used to the medication, but if you experience severe side effects that will not go away, Dr. Angelina can adjust your dose or help find a solution to manage your discomfort.
Dosing for Tirzepatide and Retatrutide
When starting on GLP-1 medications, you begin with the lowest dose available to help your body adjust to the medication while keeping the common side effects to a minimum. If you are switching from tirzepatide to retatrutide, your dosage will be different because they are two different medications.
Everyone does not necessarily increase the strength of their dose every month because your doctor is just trying to find the strength that promotes weight loss in your body. You may remain at a certain dose for as long as it is effective for you and may not need to increase the strength. The following chart is just an example of the standard dosing for tirzepatide and the proposed dosing for retatrutide, which is still undergoing testing.
| Week | Tirzepatide Dose | Retatrutide Dose (trial-based) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | 0.5 mg – 2 mg |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | 2 mg – 5 mg |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | 4 mg – 8 mg |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | 6 mg – 10 mg |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | 8 mg – 12 mg |
| 21+ | 15 mg (max standard dose) | 12 mg (max trial dose) |
Cost and Availability of Retatrutide
When starting on GLP-1 medications, you begin with the lowest dose available to help your body adjust to the medication while keeping the common side effects to a minimum. If you are switching from tirzepatide to retatrutide, your dosage will be different because they are two different medications.
Everyone does not necessarily increase the strength of their dose every month because your doctor is just trying to find the strength that promotes weight loss in your body. You may remain at a certain dose for as long as it is effective for you and may not need to increase the strength. The following chart is just an example of the standard dosing for tirzepatide and the proposed dosing for retatrutide, which is still undergoing testing.
Dr. Angelina Can Help You Make the Switch From One GLP-1 Medication To Another Safely
If you are interested in learning more about trying retatrutide or think your current weight loss plan needs a refresh, Dr. Angelina Postoev and her expert team at MySlimMed are here to help. She can look at your progress, talk through your goals, and help you decide if switching to another medication makes sense for you.
You deserve a weight loss plan that works with your body, and we can help you find the right fit. Contact MySlimMed today and schedule a consultation to take your next step in your weight loss journey and improve your health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retatrutide
Is retatrutide stronger than tirzepatide?
Early findings in the ongoing clinical trials show that retatrutide may lead to more weight loss than tirzepatide. Tirzepatide mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), but retatrutide mimics three (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon), which seems to help burn more fat and reduce the individual’s appetite more effectively. So far during these clinical trials, people lost a higher percentage of body weight with retatrutide, even when using a lower dose.
Can you take retatrutide and tirzepatide at the same time?
No, you should not take retatrutide and tirzepatide at the same time because they are both strong medications that work in similar ways. Combining them could lead to very low blood sugar and serious side effects such as:
- Shakiness or dizziness;
- Confusion or trouble concentrating;
- Fast heartbeat;
- Weakness or fainting;
- Or even more serious issues like seizures, loss of consciousness, or even death.
No one should combine GLP-1 medications unless it is specifically prescribed (which is extremely rare) and closely monitored by a doctor.
