Compounded tirzepatide is a personalized medication for weight loss and diabetes management, especially when prescription medications like Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are in short supply. In this article, we’ll discuss compounded tirzepatide, how this compounded medication works, its benefits for weight management and diabetes management, and its various risks. This information should help you decide if a compounded drug like this one is the right fit for you.
Key Takeaways
Compounded drugs, like tirzepatide, are a personalized medication option for weight loss and diabetes management, tailored for patients when standard drugs are unavailable.
The dual action of tirzepatide in appetite regulation and blood sugar management contributes to significant weight loss, with studies suggesting an average reduction of 15% to 20% in body weight.
Patients must consult healthcare providers before starting compounded tirzepatide, as the medication is not FDA-approved, and its use carries potential risks and side effects.
What Are Compounded Drugs?
Before we can discuss compounded products, like tirzepatide, we must first clarify what compounded drugs are. The Food and Drug Administration explains that compounding occurs when a licensed pharmacist mixes, alters, or combines ingredients of a drug to develop a medication customized to the patient’s needs.
Because these medications are specially made and aren’t the same as prescription drugs, they often can’t be retrieved at a regular pharmacy. For example, many people have to obtain their compounded tirzepatide injections from a local compounding pharmacy or one of the online compounding pharmacies.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. As a dual agonist, it mimics the naturally occurring incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP. GLP-1 is formed in the small intestine, and GIP is created in the upper gut.
Both release insulin, a hormone that helps to control appetite and manage glucose. However, both have an incredibly short half-life in their natural state. In fact, research suggests that their half-life is only 2 to 5 minutes in circulation. Because of this, we aren’t able to really notice its actual benefits.
Tirzepatide is helpful because it has a much longer half-life (5 days). As a result, we may experience better blood sugar control and likely lose weight while on these medications.
What is Compounded Tirzepatide?
Compounded versions of tirzepatide are essentially tailor-made for individuals who are unable to obtain brand-name drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound. While similar, the compounded version isn’t the same as either medication. It’s also not regulated in the same manner as those commercially available versions.
Why is There an Increase of Compounded Drugs?
Naturally, you’re probably wondering why a compounded version of any medication would be needed. There are various reasons, one of which is that some individuals can’t take one or more of the ingredients found in certain prescription medications.
In addition, there is no generic form of tirzepatide currently on the market. Typically, the generic form of a medication is cheaper, but since one doesn’t exist, people have to look to the compounded versions.
A High Demand for Weight Loss Medications and Diabetes Medications
Another reason could be that the commercially available medications are discontinued or on backorder. For example, semaglutide injections, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have been on the FDA shortage list since May 2023. As a result, those who need diabetes medications such as Ozempic may discover that it’s challenging to obtain because the demand is so high. Many individuals have to try compounded semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) instead.
For months, there were also supply chain disruptions affecting FDA-approved medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound. In the first few days of September 2024, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in both brand-name drugs) was removed from the FDA shortage list. However, it was added back to the shortage list within a few days. Therefore, keep in mind that drug shortages do occur, and this uncertainty has led to heightened interest in compounded versions of tirzepatide.
How Does Compounded Tirzepatide Differ?
As previously mentioned, compounded versions of tirzepatide won’t be exactly the same as the brand name drug. For example, the active and inactive ingredients found in Mounjaro and Zepbound are listed on their labels. Therefore, one can expect the contents to be the same for every injection.
Compounded versions, on the other hand, may include a different amount and type of inactive ingredients. A tirzepatide compounding pharmacy follows a recipe to create the medication but may add or adjust contents. Some compounding pharmacies, for instance, include B12 in the compounded versions.
Another difference is in how they may be delivered. Mounjaro and Zepbound are delivered as single-use injection pens, while the compounded drug is often dispensed as vials. Some compounded versions of tirzepatide even come in oral forms.
A compounding pharmacy may also have specific storage requirements based on how the compounded medication is made. Yet, Mounjaro and Zepbound injectable medications are stored in the refrigerator.
Benefits of Compounded Tirzepatide
Compounded tirzepatide, like regular tirzapetide, offers a significant advantage as it serves dual purposes in managing diabetes and appetite regulation, thereby contributing to more efficient weight control. This medication supports weight loss efforts by diminishing hunger, thus enabling individuals to maintain their diet plans with greater ease. Combining tirzepatide with vitamin B12 may bolster its performance as an effective suppressant of appetite while also promoting sound weight management strategies.
But you might be wondering, why the addition of vitamin B12? This water-soluble nutrient aids with the function and development of nerve, blood, and brain cells. However, it also plays an essential role in metabolism, which is a process where food is converted into energy to sustain life. Tirzepatide affects our energy as well. In fact, one of the main ways it helps people lose weight is by reducing intake and boosting energy expenditure. This combination may make this one of the more powerful weight loss medications.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Compounded Versions
Like all medications, compounded tirzepatide is also associated with both benefits and potential risks. In general, it seems that most people report having similar symptoms as those who take the brand name medications. This is likely because they have the same active ingredient.
Some of the more common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and stomach pain. However, these symptoms usually diminish over time as patients become accustomed to the medication. It’s suggested that patients adjust their eating habits to mitigate these frequent adverse reactions.
Compounded products carry a higher risk profile than those approved by the FDA due in part to less stringent regulatory scrutiny. This could result in inconsistent sterility and effectiveness of the product. Certain batches of compounded tirzepatide have been identified as containing contaminants and dangerous levels of bacteria.
We’ll discuss the importance of selecting reputable compounding pharmacies below, as this can reduce the likelihood of serious health risks. Ultimately, it’s best to speak with a health care professional to determine if this is the best medication for you.
Tirzepatide for Weight Loss
Tirzepatide facilitates weight management by modulating appetite and enhancing blood glucose control. By stimulating receptors in the brain associated with feelings of fullness, it efficiently diminishes hunger pangs and curtails consumption, contributing to substantial weight loss as time progresses. This medication decelerates the process of gastric emptying, thereby extending sensations of satiety following eating.
Coupled with its capacity to regulate blood sugar levels, tirzepatide presents a holistic strategy for managing one’s weight. This feature renders it an appealing choice for individuals grappling with obesity, overweight, and related health issues.
Is Compounded Tirzepaide Effective for Weight Loss?
These days, there are a growing number of weight loss drugs, making it difficult to know which one will help you reach your health goals. For instance, are options like compounded semaglutide or the FDA approved product, Wegovy, better if you want to lose weight? Or are you more likely to reach your weight loss and health goals by using Zepbound (which has FDA approval for weight loss) or compounded tirzepatide injections?
When it comes to which one of these weight loss drugs is more effective and most likely to help you with your weight related condition, it really depends. Research indicates that the weight loss medication tirzepatide is highly effective, as patients typically shed around 19.5% to 20.9% of their total body weight.
One JAMA study reviewed both semaglutide and tirzepatide, and the latter proved more effective. When comparing who achieved a weight loss of 15% or better, 42.3% of participants taking tirzepatide did compared to just 18.1% of those taking semaglutide.
Cost of Compounded Tirzepatide
As mentioned previously, one of the reasons people seek the compounded version of tirzepatide is because it’s often much more cost-effective. To give you some perspective, the pharmaceutical company that creates Zepound, Eli Lilly, states the list price for this drug is $1,059.87 per fill. Those with insurance may be able to retrieve this and other weight loss drugs at a better rate. However, often it’s still expensive.
Drug compounding allows people to often achieve a much more affordable rate. The only hiccup is that compounded drugs are often not eligible for insurance coverage. You’ll want to Sspeak with a professional at Custom Health Centers to see what options may be available to you.
Choosing a Reputable Compounding Pharmacy
It is essential to choose trustworthy compounding pharmacies for tirzepatide to guarantee the compounded medication’s safety, quality, and efficacy. A reliable pharmacy will follow stringent protocols and standards in preparing medications, which are commonly confirmed by independent laboratory testing, ensuring premier safety and preparation practices.
The personalization of compounded medications tailored to meet specific patient requirements necessitates selecting a compounding pharmacy that engages in meticulous compounding procedures with proficient personnel. Verifying that the pharmacy holds proper accreditation and licensing is an important measure in this selection process.
To get the best quality, ensure that the compounding pharmacies you get your medications from obtain the active ingredient from an FDA-registered supplier. Products for compouneded versions of tirzepatide should be produced in compliance with United States federal law.
Accreditation and Licensing
Earning accreditation from the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) signifies a pharmacy’s dedication to adhering to exemplary compounding practices. Pharmacies that achieve this status have undergone stringent evaluations, confirming their compliance with elevated quality and safety protocols.
Before selecting a pharmacy, it is crucial to investigate both its PCAB accreditation and the credentials of its compounding pharmacists. This due diligence guarantees that any medications dispensed are formulated in line with the most rigorous standards available.
While state Boards of Pharmacy regulate compounding, it is still subject to oversight by state and federal authorities.
Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist
Thorough inquiry is essential when selecting a compounding pharmacy, as this ensures the quality and security of your medication. You should also question whether the pharmacy obtains its active ingredients exclusively from facilities registered with the FDA, an important step for safety assurance.
Patients must request a certificate of analysis to verify that their compounded medications indeed contain appropriate active ingredients in accurate proportions. This document serves as evidence confirming both ingredient validity and quantity precision within the medication.
Using Compounded Tirzepatide Safely
It is crucial to adhere strictly to the correct storage and handling instructions when using compounded tirzepatide medication. The best thing to do is speak with your healthcare provider and pharmacist about how to properly store and administer the drug. Instructions should also be available on the medication label.
Consulting with Healthcare Providers
Before initiating treatment with compounded tirzepatide, it’s essential to engage with healthcare providers. These professionals will assess each individual patient’s potential risks and advantages and devise tailored care strategies aimed at optimizing treatment outcomes.
Continual communication enables tracking of therapeutic progress as well as the opportunity for any required modifications to be made within the patient’s regimen. This ensures careful management of possible drug interactions while placing a priority on addressing both the overall health needs and particular conditions of the patient through cooperative efforts between them and their healthcare team.
Combining Compounded Tirzepatide with Other Treatments
Incorporating tirzepatide with additional therapies can boost outcomes in weight loss and the control of diabetes. For instance, diet and exercise can provide amazing results by further managing blood sugar levels and advancing weight reduction goals.
However, it’s not recommended that you combine weight loss drugs. Semaglutide and tirzepatide, for example, should not be used together. The FDA hasn’t approved this type of combination.
Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking.
Contact Custom Health Centers about Compounded Tirzepatide
Overall, the use of compounded weight loss medications and diabetes medications, like tirzepatide, presents a significant opportunity for individuals facing challenges in achieving weight loss and managing diabetes. The tailored nature of this approach guarantees that patients obtain the precise composition required for their treatment, offering an advantageous alternative, especially when there is a scarcity of FDA-approved medications.
Although it may present certain risks and adverse effects, selecting a trustworthy compounding pharmacy coupled with guidance from medical professionals can help minimize these concerns. Patients who opt for compounded tirzepatide are actively advancing toward meeting their objectives regarding weight reduction and overall health improvement.
At Custom Health Centers, we assess each individual patient’s needs to determine the best path for them. If you’d like to learn more about compounded tirzepatide or compounded semaglutide, contact Custom Heath Centers today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is compounded tirzepatide?
When patients cannot access the branded options Mounjaro and Zepbound, a customized medication known as compounded tirzepatide that contains the same active ingredients is available.
How effective is compounded tirzepatide for weight loss?
Compounded tirzepatide has been shown to be effective for weight loss, with patients experiencing an average loss of 15% to 20% of their body weight.
This makes it a promising option for those seeking significant weight reduction.
Are there any risks associated with using compounded tirzepatide?
Using compounded tirzepatide carries risks, such as common side effects like nausea and diarrhea, along with serious concerns, including contamination and lack of FDA oversight.
It’s crucial to weigh these risks before considering their use.
How should I choose a compounding pharmacy for tirzepatide?
Choose a compounding pharmacy accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) and ensure they provide information on the sourcing of active ingredients and a certificate of analysis for the medication.
This will help guarantee the quality and safety of your tirzepatide.
