What Is Compounded Tirzepatide? Everything You Need to Know

Over the past few years, we’ve seen injectable medications for diabetes and weight loss boom in popularity. Some of these medications, such as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, contain tirzepatide. However, there have been shortages of these medications over the last few years due to high demand, which has led some pharmacies to start offering compound tirzepatide for qualifying patients. 

Compounded drugs are custom-made by pharmacists for their patients. Compounded tirzepatide contains the same active ingredients as standard tirzepatide drugs like Mounjaro®. However, it is formulated with different non-active ingredients. 

For many patients, compounded tirzepatide provides an accessible alternative to name-brand injectable weight-loss drugs. At RenewMD, our expert team offers tirzepatide injections and other weight-loss solutions for qualifying patients. In this article, we’ll explore how compounded tirzepatide works and its benefits and possible side effects to help you decide if it’s right for you. 

What Is Compounded Tirzepatide?

Compounded tirzepatide is a category of custom tirzepatide medications made by compounding pharmacies rather than pharmaceutical manufacturers. Compounded tirzepatide is typically used for weight loss and contains the same active ingredients as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®. However, the compounded version may have different non-active ingredients or a format different from standard tirzepatide. 

Compounded tirzepatide is prepared in licensed compounding pharmacies rather than going through a standard manufacturing process. These pharmacies can mix and customize medications independently without undergoing the FDA approval process. 

This means that compounding pharmacies can create formulations that aren’t commercially available. Compounded tirzepatide has provided an accessible alternative to popular injectable weight loss medications as ongoing shortages persist. Compounded tirzepatide can also be more affordable than standard tirzepatide in some cases. These factors have made compounded tirzepatide a popular choice for patients interested in weight loss. 

Tirzepatide vs. Compounded Tirzepatide

While they have the same active ingredient, there are some notable differences between standard tirzepatide and compounded tirzepatide. Here’s what to be aware of.

• FDA approval status: The FDA has approved tirzepatide for medical use under the names Zepbound® and Mounjaro®. Zepbound® is used for weight management, while Mounjaro® is used for diabetes. Compounded tripeptide is not FDA-approved but is legal under specific circumstances, such as the current shortage of injectable weight loss drugs. 
• Formulation: Standard tirzepatide comes as a pre-filled injectable pen used once weekly. Compounded tirzepatide may come in an injectable pen, vial, or oral tablet. Compounded tirzepatide may also contain different ingredients than standard tirzepatide products, and the exact formulation can be customized for each patient’s unique needs. 

• Availability: Due to high demand, there have been shortages of standard tirzepatide throughout 2024. While availability has improved, some patients still struggle to access these weight-loss injections in Sacramento. Compounded tirzepatide is more accessible, as it can be made at a local compounding pharmacy. 

• Costs and insurance: Compounded tirzepatide is usually more affordable than standard tirzepatide. However, insurance rarely covers compounded tirzepatide costs but may cover standard tirzepatide if you meet certain diagnostic criteria. 

Both standard and compounded tirzepatide can be very effective for weight management. The right option for you will depend on your medical needs, weight loss goals, and budget. 

Which Is Right for You? 

Some patients prefer to use standard tirzepatide products because they are FDA-approved. This means that the formulation is always the same, and you are more likely to get the cost of medication covered by insurance. This option will likely be preferable if you meet the diagnostic criteria for standard tirzepatide. 

However, many people have struggled to access tirzepatide for weight loss due to shortages. If this is the case for you, compounded tirzepatide can be a good alternative. For patients who choose this option, it’s essential to make sure a doctor supervises you throughout the treatment process. You should also get your prescription from a licensed, trusted compounding pharmacy. 

How Does Compounded Tirzepatide Work?

So what is in compounded tirzepatide exactly, and how does it work? Tirzepatide is the primary ingredient in these weight loss medications, and it’s often compounded with non-active ingredients like glycine. However, the exact formulation varies by pharmacy. 

Tirzepatide is an agonist for the GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors, which means it mimics the effect of these hormones. This prompts the body to secrete insulin and slows down the digestion process so the stomach empties slowly. The drug also sends signals to the brain to help you feel more full. 

By acting on these hormone receptors, tirzepatide reduces appetite levels and helps patients fight cravings, making it easier to remain in a calorie deficit. Tirzepatide should be paired with a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine to maximize the effects of weight loss. 

The initial effects of a tirzepatide injection last for about five days, so patients take a new dose each week. It usually takes a few weeks for the body to acclimate and for weight loss to start. Many patients stay on tirzepatide for a year or more. 

When paired with significant lifestyle changes, patients can lose over 25% of their starting body weight on tirzepatide. However, exact results vary significantly from person to person. Extensive research has been done on the efficacy of FDA-approved tirzepatide, but there haven’t been many studies that focus specifically on compounded tirzepatide. 

What Is Tirzepatide Compounded With?

All compounded tirzepatide medications contain additional, but the formula may differ depending on the manufacturer. Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, two common compounded tirzepatide medications, include B12 and glycine. Before starting compounded tirzepatide, don’t be afraid to ask your pharmacist about their specific formulations.

Benefits of Compounded Tirzepatide

Compounded tirzepatide offers a variety of benefits for patients looking to treat obesity and improve their overall health. Here’s why this medication has become a sought-after treatment for weight loss. 

Improved Blood Sugar

Standard tirzepatide was initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes before it was approved for weight loss. This is because it affects the body’s blood sugar levels. Compounded tirzepatide can have the same effect. 

This is because tirzepatide sends signals to the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. In addition to treating diabetes, this can also be very beneficial for pre-diabetics. 

Weight Loss

Taking compounded tirzepatide can help you lose weight, especially if you are overweight or obese. It mimics the effects of GLP-1 and GIP hormones to help you feel full for longer after mealtimes. Reducing these hunger cues can help you stick to a healthy diet and reduce your portion sizes, resulting in consistent weight loss. 

On top of that, tirzepatide increases the amount of fat that your body oxidizes. When paired with exercise, this can help you reduce body fat levels for a more toned appearance. 

Cost-Effectiveness

Compounded tirzepatide is often cheaper than branded tirzepatides like Zepbound® or other injectable weight loss drugs like Wegovy®. This is because compounded tirzepatides are cheaper to make since they do not have to go through the extensive FDA approval and quality testing process. This can make compounded tirzepatide an attractive option if you’re on a tight budget. 

Availability

Due to high demand, there have been intermittent shortages of brand-name tirzepatide products since they hit the market. During shortages, priority for these drugs goes to patients who have type 2 diabetes, which can make it difficult to get tirzepatide for weight loss. 

During these shortages, compounding pharmacies are authorized to offer compounded tirzepatide for qualifying patients. As a result, compounding tirzepatide products are much more widely available than standard tirzepatides. 

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Terzepatides have been proven to improve insulin sensitivity, especially in patients who have type 2 diabetes. It does this by stimulating the pancreas, resulting in more effective insulin production. Good insulin sensitivity is necessary to regulate blood sugar and energy levels. 

Potential Side Effects of Compounded Tirzepatide 

While compounded tirzepatide has many benefits, it also has some potential side effects. When starting tirzepatide or any other weight loss treatment, it’s crucial to be aware of these possible side effects and seek guidance from a doctor as needed. 

It’s particularly important to be cautious with compounded tirzepatide, as the formula can vary by provider. Ideally, you should get your prescription from a reputable pharmacy that is transparent about its formulas. 

Injection Site Reactions

One possible side effect of compounded tirzepatide treatments is reactions around the injection site. You may experience redness or swelling, and some people also experience feelings of soreness or itchiness. 

If you experience these reactions, it’s important to consult with your doctor. In many cases, the reaction will subside as your body adjusts to treatment, but it could also be a sign of an allergy, which would require further treatment.  

Hypoglycemia 

While rare, compounded tirzepatide can cause hypoglycemia due to increased insulin secretions. This usually happens when tirzepatide is combined with another medication that produces insulin. It can also happen if you don’t eat enough while on tirzepatide. Although tirzepatide lowers your appetite, eating healthy and nutritious meals is still important. 

Dehydration

Some patients experience digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea while taking tirzepatide. In extreme cases, this can lead to dehydration. Drinking water regularly while taking compounded tirzepatide is essential to prevent this from happening. 

Kidney Problems

Severe kidney problems are a very rare but serious side effect of compounded tirzepatide. These are most likely to occur in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions or severe dehydration. If you have a history of kidney problems, it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting any kind of tirzepatide treatment. 

Allergic Reaction

Some people may be allergic to tirzepatide or the non-active ingredients in compounded tirzepatide. While this is rare, allergic reactions can be serious, so you should seek medical treatment right away if you think you have one. 

How to Get Compounded Tirzepatide

If you are interested in medically-assisted weight loss, compounded tirzepatide may be a solution for you. Compounded tirzepatide is only available by prescription, so you will need to start by meeting with your doctor to see if it’s appropriate for your needs. 

After getting a prescription for compounded tirzepatide, the next step is to find a reputable compounding pharmacy. When selecting a pharmacy, make sure it is properly licensed by your state and accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board. 

Additionally, ask about the pharmacy’s training and testing requirements to ensure their safety. Your pharmacy should be transparent about its formulation options, so don’t hesitate to ask! 

RenewMD offers tirzepatide injections and other weight loss treatments for qualifying patients. We’ll work closely with you to develop a plan that’s appropriate for your medical needs and lifestyle. 

Talk with RenewMD Medical Spa About Tirzepatide Today!

So, what is compounded tirzepatide? It’s a compounded version of a popular injectable treatment for weight loss and blood sugar management. Compounded tirzepatide is a cost-effective and accessible alternative to standard tirzepatide treatments during shortages. 

At RenewMD, we offer personalized tirzepatide treatments and other wellness services, all administered by Dr. Simran Sethi and our team of medical aesthetic professionals. Contact us to learn more about our weight loss injections in Sacramento, or book your appointment today to get started.

FAQs About Compounded Tirzepatide 

If you’re interested in compounded tirzepatide treatments, it’s normal to have questions. Here are some of our most common FAQs. 

1. Is Compounded Tirzepatide FDA Approved?

Compounded medications, including compounded tirzepatide, are not FDA-approved, although they use individual ingredients that are FDA-approved. As a result, compounded medications are only available under specific circumstances, such as shortages.  

2. Who Is a Good Candidate for Compounded Tirzepatide?

If you are struggling with obesity or struggling to manage your blood sugar but cannot access brand-name tirzepatide due to high prices or availability issues, compounded tirzepatide may be a good alternative. 

Ideal candidates are either diabetic or prediabetic, are unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, or have other weight-related health conditions. 

3. How Much Does It Cost?

Compounded tirzepatide is often more affordable than branded tirzepatide. Compounding pharmacies often offer tirzepatide for anywhere between $200 and $450 per month. However, exact costs will vary based on your provider and dosage. 

4. What Results Can I Expect?

When taking compounded tirzepatide, most patients experience reduced cravings, significant weight loss, and more stable blood sugar levels. For optimal results, consult with a doctor and follow their medical advice.