Retatrutide

Description

Retatrutide is an investigational once-weekly injection being studied for obesity and type 2 diabetes. It acts as a triple agonist, activating the receptors for the hormones GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), and glucagon. This medication can be used to help control appetite and manage blood sugar. As of 2026, it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, or other regulators, and it is available only through clinical trials.

Directions

Currently, retatrutide should only be used in an approved clinical trial or exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. In phase 2 trials, retatrutide was given as a once-weekly injection under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, on the same day each week. Treatment typically starts at 2 mg once weekly and is slowly increased over several weeks to doses of 4 mg, 8 mg, or 12 mg.

If a dose is missed, follow a healthcare provider’s instructions and do not take two doses at once. Retatrutide is meant to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Ingredients

The active ingredient is retatrutide.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

Retatrutide should only be used under medical supervision, as its long-term safety is not yet fully known.

In studies, higher doses of retatrutide increased heart rate, which peaked around 24 weeks. Your healthcare provider may want to watch your heart rate and blood pressure, especially if you have a heart condition.

Stomach-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may affect the kidneys.

When used in people with type 2 diabetes alongside insulin or medicines that increase insulin release, there may be a higher risk of low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia. The dose of those other medicines may need to be lowered.

Medicines in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class have been linked to inflammation of the pancreas, also called pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems. Seek medical care for severe stomach pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Because retatrutide slows stomach emptying, it may affect how food and other oral medications are absorbed.

Contraindications

Based on its drug class and the eligibility rules used in clinical trials, it should be avoided if any of the following apply:

• A known serious allergic, or hypersensitivity, reaction to retatrutide or to any of its ingredients.
• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MTC, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, or MEN 2.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, as retatrutide has not been studied in these groups.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of retatrutide reported in clinical trials were gastrointestinal. Side effects are usually mild to moderate, and they often occur when first starting the medication or increasing the dose. Side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Increased heart rate

Retatrutide is still being studied, so all serious side effects may not be fully known yet. Get medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, a severe rash, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek urgent care for severe or persistent stomach pain, especially if it spreads to your back, as this could be a sign of pancreatitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of low blood sugar such as shaking, sweating, confusion, or a fast heartbeat. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any new lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.

References

1. Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, et al. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial . N Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514-526.
2. Rosenstock J, Frias J, Jastreboff AM, et al. Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial . Lancet. 2023;402(10401):529-544.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....

Product Code : 14563