Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide designed as a dual agonist at GIP and GLP-1 receptors. A fatty diacid side chain binds albumin in the blood, which gives it a half-life of about 5 days and is why it is dosed once a week. In published clinical trials, dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists were studied for their action on appetite regulation, gastric emptying, insulin sensitivity and glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Those trials studied the manufacturers' products, which are FDA-approved. The compounded preparations were not studied in these trials, and results are not guaranteed.

There are published clinical trials of dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, including tirzepatide, for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Those trials studied the manufacturers' products, which are FDA-approved. The compounded preparations were not studied in these trials, and results are not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic expectations at consultation.

• Prescribed only when a licensed provider decides it is appropriate for you
• A weekly schedule set by your physician, started at a low dose and increased gradually
• Regular telehealth follow-up to review how you are doing and adjust your plan
• Individual results vary, and results are not guaranteed

• Nausea (most common, usually diminishes over 4-8 weeks)
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite (therapeutic but can be pronounced at higher doses)
• Vomiting, especially during dose escalation periods
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain or dyspepsia
• Injection site reactions
• Hair thinning (reported in some patients during rapid weight loss)

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Known hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or its excipients
• History of pancreatitis or active gallbladder disease
• Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (discontinue at least 2 months before)
• Breastfeeding
• Severe gastrointestinal disease or gastroparesis
• Diabetic retinopathy requiring active treatment (may worsen transiently)

• Insulin and sulfonylureas - significant hypoglycemia risk; dose adjustment typically required
• Oral contraceptives - delayed gastric emptying may reduce bioavailability; use non-oral contraception
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants - monitor INR closely during initiation
• Oral medications with narrow therapeutic index - timing of absorption may be altered
• Acetaminophen - peak absorption delayed; clinical significance is minimal

Follow the storage instructions provided by your pharmacy and on the medication label. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles.