Compounded Tirzepatide FAQs

Tirzepatide is a remarkable breakthrough in medical science - a once-weekly treatment that targets the body's natural hormone receptors for regulating appetite. Compounded tirzepatide is a customized formula of the drug which has the same active ingredient as the brand name Mounjaro®. By activating both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors in the brain, tirzepatide effectively reduces appetite and enhances your body's ability to use fat.

Currently, in phase 3 development, tirzepatide is offering hope to adults struggling with obesity or overweight conditions accompanied by weight-related health issues. But that's not all - this incredible medication is also being studied as a potential treatment for heart failure, sleep apnea, and liver inflammation.

Ongoing research is exploring tirzepatide's potential in improving kidney health and reducing obesity-related morbidity and mortality.

The brand name Mounjaro is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Administered as a weekly injection, Tirzapetide is conveniently delivered underneath your skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a pre-filled pen. Dose options range from 2.5mg to 15mg, as recommended by Eli Lilly.

When initiating treatment with Mounjaro or compounded tirzepatide, a titration process is necessary. This involves gradually increasing the dose over several months to ensure the body can adapt to the medication and reduce the likelihood of experiencing any side effects.

The brand name Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli-Lilly. This is one of the major medication manufacturers in the United States. Their mission is:

"Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges, redefining diabetes care, treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders, and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases."

The cost of Mounjaro or compounded tirzepatide will depend on your insurance and a number of other factors, which can be discussed with your VIVA Wellness Nurse Practitioner. This weight loss drug is used as a part of an entire wellness protocol designed to bring you lasting success.

Our protocol includes:

• Compounded tirzepatide or the Mounjaro injection titrated to your custom needs and administered by your NP subcutaneously (into the fat of the abdomen, thigh, or bicep). 
• Anti-nausea IM medication injection or orally (if needed)
• Digestion & metabolism support oral supplements
• Digestion & metabolic support IM injection
• NP check-in, accountability, and support

Be in touch to learn the cost of this protocol, which will vary based on volume of the medication needed, as well as your exact health situation (some may be eligible for insurance coverage.) The protocol also may include discounts on other VIVA Wellness services that directly benefit your chronic weight management. This information is available during your initial weight loss consultation—book here.

Your insurance may cover Mounjaro, depending on a number of factors. While insurance currently only covers FDA-approved use for Type 2 diabetes, there's good news on the horizon. Mounjaro is being fast-tracked for FDA approval for weight loss because of its safety and effectiveness. By the end of 2023, there's a high chance it will be covered for this purpose too.

Currently, our office can provide access to compounded tirzepatide for weight management through compounding pharmacies. Even if you're not diabetic, we can still explore this option for you. If you are a type 2 diabetic and have insurance, we can prescribe Mounjaro. Contact our Nurse Practitioners for a consultation about your individual situation.

Mounjaro is the brand name of tirzepatide. Most often we prescribe compounded tirzepatide, which has the same active ingredient and is effective for weight reduction.

Drug compounding is the process of customizing medication to meet the specific needs of individual patients. It involves combining, mixing, or altering ingredients, including the combination of multiple drugs.

Some compounders have been known to make false and misleading claims about the safety and effectiveness of compounded drugs, sometimes even suggesting they meet the FDA's approval standards for treating serious diseases. It's important to note that the FDA does not approve compounded drugs, so it is especially crucial that you get compounded tirzepatide from a reputable pharmacy as we utilize at VIVA Wellness.

The length of each protocol varies with your weight loss goals and your body's response to the medication. You will be on the drug for a minimum of three months, but you could remain on the protocol until you reach your goal weight or maintain it without intensive lifestyle intervention or deprivation. Some people end up using compounded tirzepatide or Mounjaro long-term.

VIVA Wellness is a client-centered, health-focused wellness clinic guided by certified Nurse Practitioners who specialize in weight loss. Taking any medication comes with risks, but that’s why we go into depth about your health history to ensure that we can properly dose any medications that you may be a good fit for. While the medication has fewer side effects than compounded semaglutide, Ozempic, or Wegovy, some patients do experience side effects.

Common side effects of this medication may include swelling, redness, and itching at the injection site, as well as tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Many people who use this medication do not experience serious side effects.

While tirzepatide itself typically does not cause low blood sugar, it may occur when taken with other diabetes medications. It is important to discuss this with your VIVA Wellness NP. Certain factors like excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate calorie intake, or intense exercise can also lead to low blood sugar.

While rare, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to this drug. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. As a comprehensive weight control center, VIVA Wellness will proactively offer services to mitigate any side effects you may experience.

This depends on your health history, current medications, and other factors. When you have your initial consultation with your VIVA Wellness Nurse Practitioner, you will go over these things together and decide if Mounjaro or compounded tirzepatide is right for you.

Mounjaro may be covered by your insurance for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. This means insurance will only cover Mounjaro for those with documented type 2 diabetes but could potentially be covered for obesity in coming months. So, if you are a Type 2 Diabetic, (A1c 6.5 or higher and you have insurance) we can prescribe the Mounjaro to you.

If you are deemed a good fit by our Nurse Practitioners, our office works with trusted compounding pharmacies to bring clients access to compounded tirzepatide. This means that even if you aren't diabetic but would benefit from compounded tirzepatide for weight management, you will have access to the medication.

While we’re not totally sure and our suppliers don’t really share that information, what we do know is that it does target an additional hunger center in the brain and offers less side effects. So what we’re led to believe is that there is greater demand and until the suppliers are able to catch up with market demand, the cost remains higher.

The convenience of an online program is tempting for many, but that goes against our guiding philosophy at VIVA Wellness, which is to give our clients the attention and comprehensive care they deserve. We want to check in with you, provide accountability, and make sure you are on a path toward healthy success.

Our protocol is designed with quality of life in mind, and so it has built-in considerations for your whole body’s health. Weight loss drugs rewire the way your body relates to and processes food. We like to be sure that we are doing everything we can to accommodate the body and make that adjustment period comfortable.

We have a strong understanding of other services that complement the use of Mounjaro or compounded tirzepatide (and compounded semaglutide or Wegovy or Ozempic) that facilitate and jump-start weight loss and help you feel better in the process. You will not get these components from an online program.

Again, everybody is different. Studies say it takes anywhere from 20 to 90 days to wire new habits, if it took years to form a habit, it may take a bit longer. So that said, we can’t make guarantees. Still, we do hope that while under the medication our clients are taking time to explore the root causes of how their issues with weight began, looking at how they’ve previously used food other than simply nourishment, and begin to make changes in their lives. We personally believe that if you feel incredible on compounded tirzepatide, you are very unlikely to want to go back to previous habits that did not set you up for success.

To learn about one of our client's experiences, read about Jessica’s Experience with Mounjaro.

Before diving in, remember that everybody is different, and there is no "typical" amount of compounded tirzepatide weight loss. However, extensive research has shown the vast majority of patients experience weight reduction using this medication. Studies have shown that patients treated with tirzepatide saw a significant 24.3% reduction in mean body weight between 12 weeks and 72 weeks of treatment. In fact, 9 out of 10 people achieved at least a 5% body weight reduction, regardless of their initial body mass index (BMI). At higher doses, over one-third of patients experienced weight loss of 25% or more.

The effectiveness of tirzepatide is influenced by various factors such as eating and exercise habits, environment, age, and body type. With its incredible results, tirzepatide stands out as one of the best weight-loss medications available.

For optimal results, we start with a lower dose of tirzepatide and allow your body to adjust to it. While the medication works immediately, it may take some time to see a visible change.

In studies of the brand name drug Mounjaro, the average weight loss achieved was 25 lbs over a period of 40 and 52 weeks. It was found that higher doses of Mounjaro resulted in greater weight loss in clinical trials, but it is worth noting that these higher doses can also lead to more frequent stomach-related side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. However, these side effects are typically temporary and not experienced by all patients.

It is important to mention that most cases of nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea occurred when the dosage of Mounjaro was being increased at the start of treatment and tended to decrease over time.

Again we want to emphasize that everyone is different, which is why your VIVA Wellness weight loss protocol will be tailored to your individual body and health situation. You can expect faster and more significant weight reduction when paired with our other services, such as colonics, lymphatic drainage, IV/IM vitamin injections, and supplements.

Semaglutide, found in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, is another breakthrough medication for treating obesity. While Ozempic is renowned for its diabetes treatment capabilities, Wegovy has also been FDA-approved for weight reduction. Clinical trials have demonstrated semaglutide's remarkable effectiveness in reducing body weight, making it another great solution for those looking to shed extra pounds.

Semagltudide works by suppressing your appetite and slowing down stomach emptying. This ensures that you feel satisfied for longer periods, helping you achieve your weight loss goals. Mimicking the GLP-1 receptor agonist produced by your gut after eating, semaglutide signals your brain that you're full, making it easier to stick to your healthy eating habits.

But how does tirzepatide compare? While semaglutide targets the GLP-1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide takes it a step further by also targeting the GIP receptor agonist. This unique approach results in more significant weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that tirzepatide is highly effective in reducing body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Although tirzepatide is a newer medication, it has already made a remarkable impact. However, semaglutide has been on the market longer and has more extensive research and clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness.

So, which one is right for you? Both semaglutide and tirzepatide present exciting opportunities for weight loss and improved diabetes management, and you and your VIVA Wellness NP will determine which one fits best with your health journey.

Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s Chief Scientific Officer, says, "Obesity is often a chronic lifetime disease, and for such diseases, patients often need to take therapy for the life of the disease.”

The duration of the weight-loss medication varies from person to person, but for most individuals, it is a long-term commitment. Similar to treating chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, obesity is not cured but controlled. This means that if the medication is effective, it is likely to be taken for life. Stopping the medication can result in increased hunger and weight regain.

VIVA Wellness will offer you continued support to make sure that you maintain your goals long-term. For real and lasting success, we recommend combining weight-loss medications with lifestyle changes, such as increased movement and healthier food choices. The VIVA Wellness weight loss program is specifically designed to help individuals maintain these healthy habits for life.

Tirzepatide falls in the class of medications called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This means it mimics the actions of two different gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and slowing down digestion to promote a feeling of fullness.

Previous research has shown that one of these hormones, GLP-1, stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite. This finding suggests that GLP-1 is important for tirzepatide's mechanism of action.

Overall, tirzepatide's ability to activate both GLP-1 and GIP receptors makes it a powerful tool for regulating blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.

Using compounded tirzepatide through a reliable licensed pharmacy like we use at VIVA Wellness is a safe way to lose weight. Compounded versions of drugs can be beneficial for patients with specific dosage needs or off-label uses.

Compounding pharmacies, which fill customized orders, must use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients in FDA-registered facilities. While compounding pharmacies are allowed to produce duplicate drugs in certain circumstances, they must adhere to FDA guidelines and quality standards.

It is important to go through a trusted healthcare provider, like our Nurse Practitioners, if you are using a compounded medication to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, is suing companies selling compounded copies of their drug, citing concerns about patient safety. This is a good reason to avoid online pharmacies offering compounded versions of medications that may be harmful.

It is important that you discuss your entire health history and medications with your VIVA Wellness Nurse Practitioner. Just like any other medication, Mounjaro or compounded tirzepatide may interact with other drugs you are currently taking.

Alcohol

Limiting alcohol use while taking tirzepatide is recommended. Alcohol can affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes, leading to both low and high blood sugar levels. It is best to avoid alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have certain conditions such as high triglycerides, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. However, if your diabetes is under control, moderate alcohol consumption, such as one drink daily for women and two drinks for men, should not significantly impact blood glucose levels. It's important to consume alcohol with food and not on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Other oral medications

Tirzepatide may affect the absorption and effectiveness of other medications taken orally. It is crucial to inform your VIVA Wellness NP about all medications, vitamins, and herbs you are using.

It is important to be aware that tirzepatide may interfere with certain types of birth control pills. Specifically, hormonal birth control pills may have reduced effectiveness during the first 4 weeks of treatment and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.

If you are currently taking an oral form of hormonal birth control, your NP will likely recommend either switching to a non-oral method. After the last dose increase, you may have the option to switch back to your birth control pill after 4 weeks. If you have any questions regarding this, please consult your VIVA Wellness NP.

Disease considerations

Tirzepatide has interactions with certain diseases, including thyroid cancer, chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), retinopathy, and severe gastrointestinal disease.

Animal studies have shown that tirzepatide has the potential to cause medullary thyroid carcinoma, but it is unclear if this applies to humans. To be safe, individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should avoid using tirzepatide. The same goes for those with MEN 2 syndrome.

Patients with other risk factors for thyroid cancer should be aware of the potential risks associated with tirzepatide. Additional reasons to avoid tirzepatide include gallbladder disease and diabetic retinopathy.

If you are currently taking semaglutide or liraglutide, do not take tirzepatide. However, if you are on insulin therapy, you can start taking tirzepatide and your insulin dose will be gradually reduced to prevent low blood sugar.