INDISCRIMINATE USE OF TIRZEPATIDE (MOUNJARO®): ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN ADVERSE REACTIONS

Abstract

Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, has revolutionized the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes; however, its indiscriminate use without medical prescription has led to an alarming increase in reports of serious adverse reactions. The objective of this study was to analyze the main clinical complications resulting from the off-label and unsupervised use of this substance in adults. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases, with a timeframe from 2020 to 2026. The methodology followed the PICo strategy for the formulation of the guiding question and applied rigorous inclusion criteria to select articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The results revealed that self-medication prevents correct dose titration, resulting in severe gastrointestinal disorders such as persistent nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and cases of gastroparesis. In addition, the risk of acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and hydroelectrolytic imbalances that can lead to acute renal failure was identified. Significant muscle mass loss (sarcopenia) and psychological alterations were also reported as consequences of the lack of nutritional and multidisciplinary medical follow-up. The ease of acquiring the drug in parallel markets and the influence of social media were identified as catalysts for this public health risk phenomenon. It is concluded that, although tirzepatide shows high clinical efficacy, its administration without proper scientific rigor exposes individuals to preventable and potentially permanent organic damage. There is an urgent need to strengthen pharmacovigilance policies and awareness about the dangers of aesthetic medicalization. Only ethical and guided use can ensure that the metabolic benefits of the molecule outweigh the risks inherent in its pharmacological potency.