List of dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists: Uses, common brands, and safety information

For people who struggle with Type 2 diabetes or obesity, a relatively new medication class called dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists may be a recommended treatment option. This relatively new class of drugs helps improve blood sugar control and reduces appetite by targeting GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual action appears to have stronger effects than GLP-1 agonists, which only target one pathway. While tirzepatide (known by the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound) is currently the only approved dual agonist, more similar medications are being developed and tested. Read on to learn more about this class of medications.

What are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, also known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are medications that can help reduce appetite and manage blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide is the first dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It was first approved under the brand name Mounjaro in 2022 and then later under the brand name Zepbound in 2023. 

While other dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists may be approved in the future, tirzepatide is currently the only drug in its class. Like selective GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Victoza (liraglutide), tirzepatide is available as an injectable medication. It’s given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once weekly. 

The dosage of dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists is typically started low and gradually increased in four-week increments until a target dose is reached. A gradual increase helps reduce the risk and intensity of side effects, particularly stomach-related issues such as nausea and vomiting.

How do dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists work?

Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists target the receptors of two important incretin hormones in the body: GIP and GLP-1. By mimicking these hormones, this class of medications helps trigger insulin secretion from the pancreatic islet cells. In other words, they tell the pancreas to make more insulin when blood sugar is high.

These medications can also slow down how quickly food moves through the stomach, which helps people feel full longer. In addition, they reduce appetite by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger. As a result, many people who take them eat less food and lose more body weight than those on older diabetes medications.

Tirzepatide has a long half-life of around five days. Therefore, it only needs to be injected once weekly to improve glycemic control and manage appetite. Although it is given in a similar way to GLP-1 agonists, it is considered more effective than pure GLP-1 agonists that only work through one pathway. One study found that tirzepatide significantly improved blood glucose levels and weight loss compared to a placebo. 

What are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists used for?

Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists are approved for various uses, including the following:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Obesity

• Excess weight with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

• Obstructive sleep apnea due to obesity

In addition, these drugs may provide cardiovascular benefits, which may be important for people with diabetes. Those with diabetes often face a higher risk of heart disease. 

Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists are prescribed to be used alongside an appropriate exercise and diet plan. Combining these medications with lifestyle changes may help improve glycemic control and overall health outcomes.

Who can take dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists are mainly approved for adults with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, or obstructive sleep apnea. Adults of any gender can take these medications. No dosage adjustments are needed for people with kidney or liver problems.

Can older adults take dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Older adults 65 and older can take dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. There are no significant differences in the safety and effectiveness of dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists in older and younger adults. However, regular monitoring may be needed in older adults to make sure no complications arise. 

One study found that older patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists had a 33% higher chance of experiencing adverse events that led to stopping the medication than younger adults. However, the overall rates of weight loss and blood sugar control were similar between the two groups, showing that GLP-1 agonists are effective for older adults with manageable risks. 

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists?

There is limited research on the safety of these medications during pregnancy and lactation in humans. However, animal studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects when taking tirzepatide during pregnancy. It's important for women who are pregnant to talk to a healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits before starting or continuing these treatments.

Can children take dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists are not currently approved for use in children under 18. More clinical trials are needed to assess their safety and effectiveness in children. 

Are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists safe?

Recalls

There are no current recalls for dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Restrictions

Do not take dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists if you or someone in your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of cancer. In addition, these medications should not be used by people with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. If you have a known serious allergy to dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists or any of the ingredients in the medications, you should also avoid these treatments.

Before using dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, there are certain health risks to be aware of that may affect their safety. Here are some important warnings and precautions to consider:

• Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions: Use of these medications may be linked to serious stomach problems. Use caution in individuals with severe gastrointestinal diseases.

• Acute kidney injury: Kidney function may need to be monitored in patients experiencing reactions that might cause dehydration.

• Acute gallbladder disease: There have been reports of gallbladder issues during clinical trials. If gallbladder inflammation is suspected, further tests and follow-up care are necessary.

• Acute pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is possible while taking these medications. If pancreatitis is suspected, stop the medication immediately.

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis have been reported after using tirzepatide. It’s important to seek immediate medical help if such reactions occur.

• Hypoglycemia: Taking dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists with insulin or similar medications may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia and consider adjusting insulin doses with a healthcare provider.

• Diabetic retinopathy complications: The effects on patients with certain types of eye conditions related to diabetes have not been studied. Those with a history of eye issues should be monitored closely.

• Suicidal behavior and ideation: Watch for signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. Discontinue use if these symptoms arise.

• Pulmonary aspiration during surgery: There have been cases of lung problems during surgeries in patients taking related medications. Discuss any upcoming surgeries with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists controlled substances?

No, dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists are not controlled substances.

Common dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist side effects

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion

• Decreased appetite

• Stomach pain

• Belching

• Injection site reactions

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

How much do dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists cost?

The costs of dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists can vary depending on insurance coverage, pharmacy location, and dosage prescribed. For example, without insurance or discounts, the average retail price of Mounjaro is around $1,461 per month, which adds up to over $17,000 per year. 

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists may be covered by Medicare plans when prescribed for FDA-approved uses. Some commercial insurance plans may also offer coverage that reduces out-of-pocket costs. However, coverage will depend on the insurance plan and its formulary. 

Those without insurance can potentially save on retail prices by using different savings options, such as prescription discount cards. SingleCare offers a free prescription discount card that could offer savings of up to 80% at certain pharmacies across the country. If cost remains a concern, it may be a good idea to compare prices across different pharmacies or seek alternatives with a healthcare provider. 

Sources:

• A new kind of diabetes medication approved by the FDA: is there hope for obesity?, International Journal of Surgery (2023)

• 263-OR: Effects of tirzepatide on central reward and appetite circuits in the brain, Diabetes (2024)

• Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with overweight/obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice (2025)

• Efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the elderly versus non-elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: insights from a systematic review, Endocrine Journal (2024)

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), MotherToBaby (2024)