Two clinically-backed paths to your goal weight.

Tirzepatide is a dual-action GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, the same active ingredient used in branded medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound. The compounded version is prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy based on your individual prescription.

How it works

Tirzepatide activates two appetite and metabolism receptors at once: GLP-1 (the same one semaglutide targets) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). The dual mechanism produces a stronger effect on appetite suppression and metabolic regulation in many patients. Tirzepatide is currently considered the most potent GLP-1 class medication available.

Who it's for

• Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who want a stronger appetite-suppressing effect
• Patients who have plateaued on semaglutide and need to switch
• Patients seeking faster initial weight loss results

Dosing

Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Your provider will start you at a low dose (typically 2.5 mg per week) and gradually increase every 4 weeks. Most patients reach a therapeutic dose between 7.5 mg and 15 mg per week.

What to expect

Many patients notice appetite suppression within the first week. Studies of branded tirzepatide show average weight loss of 15 to 22 percent of body weight over 18 months when paired with healthy lifestyle habits, generally outperforming semaglutide.

Common side effects

• Nausea (most common, especially in the first weeks)
• Decreased appetite (intentional and expected)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Injection site reactions

Serious risks (less common)

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney injury
• Hypoglycemia (especially if combined with diabetes medications)
• Severe allergic reactions

Boxed warning

Tirzepatide carries the same boxed warning as semaglutide regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) should not take tirzepatide.

The best answer to this question comes from your provider after reviewing your full medical history, your goals, and your tolerance. That said, here are some general considerations:

Semaglutide may be a better fit if you:

• Are new to GLP-1 therapy and want to start with the most studied active ingredient
• Have a moderate weight loss goal (10 to 30 pounds)
• Are sensitive to medication side effects and want to start gentle
• Want a more cost-effective starting option

Tirzepatide may be a better fit if you:

• Have a larger weight loss goal (30+ pounds)
• Have plateaued on semaglutide previously
• Want the strongest available appetite suppression
• Have struggled with food noise or binge eating patterns

Your provider will help you choose the right option during your consultation. Many patients also start on one and switch to the other based on response.

For your safety, GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone. You should not take semaglutide or tirzepatide if any of the following apply to you:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• History of pancreatitis
• Severe gastrointestinal disease (gastroparesis, severe IBD)
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy within the next 2 months
• Type 1 diabetes
• Active eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder under treatment)
• Severe diabetic retinopathy
• Known hypersensitivity to GLP-1 medications
• Under 18 years of age

Our pre-qualifying questionnaire screens for these conditions, and your provider will conduct a more thorough review during your consultation. If GLP-1 therapy isn't right for you, we'll let you know honestly.

A compounded medication is one that is prepared specifically for an individual patient by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy, based on a prescription from a licensed provider.

How it differs from brand-name medication

Brand-name medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are mass-produced by pharmaceutical companies under FDA approval. Compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide use the same active ingredients but are prepared in smaller batches by compounding pharmacies that are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and the FDA.

Important to understand

• Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved as final products. The FDA does regulate compounding pharmacies but does not approve specific compounded preparations.
• The compounding pharmacies we work with are state-licensed and follow strict quality and sterility standards.
• Compounded GLP-1 medications are typically more affordable than their branded counterparts.
• Compounded medications are prepared based on your individual prescription, not as off-the-shelf products.

If you have questions about whether compounded or branded medication is right for you, discuss it with your provider during your consultation.