The drug regulator in India has just approved two breakthrough drugs for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. According to the claims, the drugs tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, developed by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, have returned very outstanding results in clinical trials, giving hope to millions of Indians who suffer from these health issues.
The approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has turned a new chapter in the fight against obesity and diabetes in the country. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts like naturally occurring human hormones, stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels.
How does Tirzepatide work?
The mechanism of action for tirzepatide includes stimulation of insulin release from the pancreas in a meal-stimulated response, thereby lowering blood sugar levels after eating. Moreover, it is known to reduce the amount of glucagon released. The net result is a reduction in glucose production by the liver.
Further, it delays gastric emptying, which reduces the rate at which glucose from a meal enters the circulation, potentially delaying postprandial blood sugar spikes. By centrally acting through the appetite in the brain, tirzepatide is associated with a decrease in hunger, with a consequent reduction in food intake, leading to weight loss.
Possible Side Effects and Measures for Safety
While tirzepatide is very effective in the management of type 2 diabetes and in causing weight loss, there must also be mentioned some side effects. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain.
Serious but less common side effects include the inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis, the possibility of having low blood sugar levels if combined with another drug, severe allergic reactions, stomach problems in severe ways, vision changes, and gallbladder-related problems. The patients should, therefore, report the serious side effects to the treating health professional as early as possible.
Availability and Pricing
Following its approval in India, tirzepatide will bring much-needed options to people seeking effective therapy against obesity and diabetes. Details regarding the timing of its launch and related pricing have yet to be disclosed by Eli Lilly.
The fact that tirzepatide is now available in India assumes much significance against the backdrop of increasing obesity and diabetes cases in the country. A study in The Lancet pegged India at third in terms of the total number of obese people, following only China and the US.
The Way Ahead
If anything, the approval of tirzepatide is one ray of hope in the fight against obesity and diabetes in India. Equally, one has to use such drugs with the realization that they are no one-time miraculous solution for weight loss. Patients have to collaborate with health providers to have a holistic treatment plan in place that works on diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle modifications.
In view of the rapidly growing global demand for these drugs, there is a dire need to ensure their equitable access and affordability to all in need. This will require collaborative effort on the part of the policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies in surmounting these challenges so that these groundbreaking treatments reach the people who most need them.
SOURCE : NDTV, THE INDIAN EXPRESS, INDIA TODAY
Note: The above blog post is provided for general information purposes only and does not provide or dispense medical advice. All the cost estimates may vary with the availability of medications and may change at any time and differ depending on your area of residence, your insurance coverage, and many other factors. Consult a doctor before using any medication. Use at your own risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que: What is the cost of Tirzepatide in India?
Ans: The cost of Tirzepatide in India is around Rs 20,000 for a week and Rs 80,000 for a Month approx.
Que: Where can I buy Tirzepatide at the lowest price in India?
Ans: You can buy Tirzepatide on Radium Care, Amazon, IndiaMART, and other online medicine shops at an affordable price starting from Rs 778.
Que: What are the common side effects of Tirzepatide?
Ans: Common side effects of Trizepatide include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Serious side effects may include pancreatitis and low blood sugar.
Que: Is there any pill for obesity in India?
Ans: There are no approved pills which are to be administered orally for the treatment of obesity in India as of now, though Semaglutide is available for the treatment of diabetes that may have an added advantage of weight reduction.
Que: Which drug is used to reduce weight?
Ans: Medicines like Tirzepatide—sold as Mounjaro—and Semaglutide, under brand Wegovy, were being used for weight reduction with a focus on obesity and type 2 diabetes.