Tirzepatide and Alcohol/Food Interactions

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Additive increases in heart rate may occur when tirzepatide is coadministered with other drugs that can also increase heart rate. The mechanism by which tirzepatide may affect heart rate is unknown. In placebo-controlled trials, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in an average increase in heart rate of 2 to 4 beats per minute (bpm) compared to an average increase of 1 bpm in patients receiving placebo. The incidence of patients who had a change in heart rate of greater than 20 bpm from baseline for 2 or more consecutive visits was 2.1%, 3.8% and 2.9% for tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively, compared with 2.1% for placebo. Episodes of sinus tachycardia, associated with a concomitant increase in heart rate of greater than or equal to 15 bpm from baseline, were reported in 4.3%, 4.6%, 5.9% and 10% of subjects treated with placebo or tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively. For patients enrolled in Japan, the reported frequencies of these episodes were 7% (3/43), 7.1% (3/42), 9.3% (4/43) and 23% (10/43), respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Although the clinical relevance of the effects on heart rate is not currently known, some authorities suggest observing caution when tirzepatide is coadministered with other drugs that can increase heart rate such as those with sympathomimetic or anticholinergic activity. Advise patients of the potential risk of tachycardia and to contact their healthcare provider if it occurs in the absence of a known cause (i.e., at rest).

Talk to your doctor before using ethanol together with tirzepatide. Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink. You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have high triglycerides, neuropathy (nerve damage), or pancreatitis. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels if your diabetes is under control. However, it may be best to limit alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with your normal meal plan. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Tirzepatide may affect the absorption of other medications that you take by mouth. In some cases, this may affect how well and/or how fast those medications work, or it may make no difference. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns, and contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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