Weight loss and diabetes drug Tirzepatide will cost Rs 80,000 per month in India

India has borne the cross of being the world’s diabetes capital for way too long. Now, a superhero drug that could save the country’s diabetics is on its way to India, but it could drag along with it all the chaos that usually accompanies these heroes.

Amid all the fanfare around popular weight loss drug Ozempic in the West, India’s Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted approval to Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide. Tirzepatide will make its debut in the Indian market under the brand name Mounjaro for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Further, it is currently under review to be sold as an obesity drug under the name Zepbound, as well.

Tirzepatide’s is a novel medication that combines the benefits of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These properties allow Tirzepatide to mimic natural hormones responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body.

How Tirzepatide reduces your appetite

The medication works by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas in response to food intake, thereby lowering blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, it suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that typically raises blood sugar levels. This dual action not only helps in managing postprandial glucose spikes but also reduces glucose production by the liver.

Moreover, Tirzepatide slows down stomach emptying, which moderates the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream after eating. This comprehensive approach to diabetes management extends to curbing appetite and food intake, potentially aiding in weight loss — a benefit that has garnered attention in global markets.

How affordable is Tirzepatide?

The simple answer is that it’s not — at least not to the average Indian. Reports suggest that each dose of Tirzepatide will cost the consumer around Rs 20,000 per week — and the recommended dose for this drug is once a week. In a month, they will end up spending a little over Rs 80,000.

In comparison, the retail price of other commonly sold type 2 diabetes drug combinations like sitagliptin+pioglitazone+metformin hydrochloride and dapagliflozin+metformin+vildagliptin cost a few hundred rupees per month.

So, it remains doubtful that the average Indian would opt for Tirzepatide to treat diabetes. The drug could, however, find a market among Indians in higher income groups that are actively looking for weight loss drugs.

Ozempic has already found an illegal route into India via celebrities, wealthy locals and expatriates. It is also easily available in the gray market — so much so that diabetes patients in need of the drug are unable to get their hands on it due to the excessive demand.

Side-effects of the weight loss drug

Despite its effectiveness, Tirzepatide does come with potential side effects — and not just on your pockets. Commonly reported adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Serious complications such as pancreatitis, low blood sugar levels, allergic reactions, vision changes and gallbladder issues are rare but require immediate medical attention if experienced.

Before starting Tirzepatide, healthcare providers are advised to educate patients on its proper use and potential risks, particularly regarding low blood sugar management. Individuals using oral contraceptives should consult their healthcare provider, as Tirzepatide may affect their efficacy.

For those wanting to take the drug for weight loss, it is also being said that Tirzepatide does not guarantee that individuals retain their weight even after stopping its consumption. Continued exercise and a healthy diet are necessary to remain obesity-free.

With Eli Lilly planning to launch Mounjaro in India by 2025 due to the pending completion of ongoing regulatory reviews, it remains to be seen if Tirzepatide will fly in India or not. But it will certainly give the Indian upperclass a more legal way to lose weight.