Retatrutide is the newest weight-loss treatment from Eli Lilly and is still currently in development. This treatment is designed to act on three different hormonal receptors. With three different targets, it is hoped that it will deliver better results than current weight loss treatments acting on just one or two receptors.

• Made by the same company as Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Designed to target three separate hormonal receptors
• Still in the testing phase at the time of writing

 What is retatrutide?

Retatrutide is a next-generation weight loss treatment, designed to interact with three separate hormone receptors - a GLP receptor, a GIP receptor, and a glucagon receptor. This means it would work in three different ways to help you lose weight which may offer better results than other treatments that act on only one type of receptor.

How does retatrutide work?

Retatrutide is a tri-agonist; this means that it activates three different hormone receptors simultaneously. By activating a GLP receptor, a GIP receptor and a glucagon receptor, it is hoped to provide a stronger result in weight loss than tirzepatide, which targets two receptors, or other medications which only act on the GLP-1 receptor.

What are the side effects of retatrutide?

Currently, retatrutide is still in the testing phase, meaning a full list of side effects has not yet been released. As it will act on the GLP-1 receptor, it is likely that it may cause nausea, stomach issues and headaches like other similar drugs.

How to take retatrutide

Like many GLP-1 agonists, retatrutide will be a weekly injection, delivered subcutaneously into the arm, thigh or stomach area.

How to store retatrutide

Storage guidance has not yet been released for retatrutide, however, based on similar medications, it is likely that it should be stored in a fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Always store medications out of sight and reach of children.

Contraindications and interactions

Currently, retatrutide is in the clinical research phase, so a full list of contraindications has not been released. Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to help you gauge whether the medication will be suitable for you.

• How does retatrutide work?
  • Retatrutide is a tri-agonist; this means that it interacts with three different hormone receptors in the body. By targeting multiple pathways, it is hoped that it will provide better weight loss results than existing treatments that act on just one or two receptors.
• What are the side effects of retatrutide?
  • Currently, retatrutide is still in the testing phase, meaning no full list of side effects has been released. As it will act on the GLP-1 receptor, it is likely that it may cause nausea, stomach issues and headaches like other similar drugs.
• What is the recommended dosage of retatrutide?
  • The recommended dosing schedule of retatrutide has not yet been released by the manufacturers. It is intended to be a weekly injection, and will most likely start at a smaller dosage to prevent side effects. Over the course of several weeks, you will increase this dose towards a “maintenance” dose.
• How to take retatrutide?
  • Like many GLP-1 agonists, retatrutide will be a weekly injection, delivered under the skin into the arm, thigh or stomach area via a pen injector.
• How to store retatrutide?
  • Storage guidance has not yet been released for retatrutide, however, based on similar medications, it is likely that it should be stored in a fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Always store medications out of sight and reach of children.
• Are there any alternative treatments for weight loss?
  • There are several related medications which can be used for the same effect including semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and dulaglutide (Trulicity). There are also non-injectable weight loss treatments, including orlistat (Xenical).
• Can I drink alcohol while taking retatrutide?
  • At this stage, we do not know if retatrutide will interact significantly with alcohol. It is likely that alcohol use with retatrutide would increase your risk of side effects such as low blood sugar.
• How long does retatrutide take to start working?
  • Based on similar drugs, retatrutide is likely to start to work quickly, but weight loss results may take a few weeks before they become apparent.
• What is the recommended dosage of retatrutide?
  • Retatrutide is still in development and the recommended dosing regime has not yet been released. Retatrutide will be a weekly injection, and will most likely start at a smaller dosage to prevent side effects. Over the course of several weeks, you will increase this dose towards a “maintenance” dose.
• What drugs should not be taken with retatrutide?
  • Currently, a full list of contraindications and drug interactions is not available. Based on similar medications, it is likely to interact with certain diabetes medications but may interact with other drugs and health conditions as well. A full list of interactions and restrictions will be published in the patient information leaflet when the medication is released. Always read the patient leaflet and discuss your medications with the prescribing doctor before taking retatrutide.
• Are there any alternative treatments for weight loss?
  • There are several similar medications which can be used for the same effect - semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and dulaglutide (Trulicity). There are also non-injectable weight loss treatments, such as orlistat (Xenical).
• Can I buy retatrutide online?
  • Retatrutide is still in development and is not currently available for purchase. It may be several years before it is available to buy in the UK.
• Can I get retatrutide without a prescription?
  • Due to the potential risks of this medication, you will almost certainly require a prescription for retatrutide.
• Is retatrutide available via the NHS?
  • Retatrutide has not yet been released. It may take several years before it reaches the UK market and it can take even longer before it is assessed for use on the NHS.