Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Compounded
Tirzepatide

The dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist in Mounjaro® and Zepbound®. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults taking the 15 mg dose lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight at 72 weeks.^*

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Starting at $199

SURMOUNT-1 studied

Dual-action mechanism

The Medication

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — a medication that simultaneously activates two different gut hormone receptors involved in appetite, metabolism, and insulin regulation. It was developed by Eli Lilly and brought to market as Mounjaro® (for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound® (for chronic weight management).

By targeting both the GLP-1 and GIP pathways, tirzepatide has demonstrated greater average weight loss than GLP-1–only medications in head-to-head clinical trials. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults taking tirzepatide 15 mg lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks.^*

Drug class

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist

Original brand

Mounjaro® / Zepbound® (Eli Lilly)

Administration

Once-weekly subcutaneous injection

Dual Mechanism

How Tirzepatide Works

Tirzepatide's dual-receptor mechanism is what sets it apart — activating both GLP-1 and GIP pathways produces synergistic effects greater than either pathway alone.

GLP-1 Receptor

Suppresses appetite via hypothalamus
Slows gastric emptying (prolongs satiety)
Reduces food cravings and reward-driven eating
Improves insulin secretion after meals

GIP Receptor

Enhances fat metabolism and energy expenditure
Potentiates GLP-1 effects on appetite
Improves glucose metabolism
May reduce GLP-1 side effects (nausea)

The result: more powerful hunger suppression, greater metabolic benefits, and superior weight loss outcomes compared to GLP-1–only therapy.

Protocol

Dosing Schedule

Tirzepatide starts at a low dose and escalates gradually over 20 weeks to the maintenance dose, minimizing side effects while building to full therapeutic effect.

Weeks 1–42.5 mg weekly

Initiation dose — lowest effective dose for tolerance

Weeks 5–85 mg weekly

First escalation — significant appetite reduction begins

Weeks 9–127.5 mg weekly

Therapeutic range for many patients

Weeks 13–1610 mg weekly

Continued escalation if tolerated

Weeks 17–2012.5 mg weekly

High therapeutic dose

Week 21+15 mg weekly

Maximum dose — per provider discretion

* Dosing is individualized. Your prescribing provider may adjust based on your response, tolerability, and weight-loss goals.

Safety

Common Side Effects

Tirzepatide's side effect profile is similar to semaglutide — primarily gastrointestinal and typically mild-to-moderate during dose escalation.

Most Common (≥10% of patients)

Nausea
Tip: Most common during escalation; eat smaller portions and avoid fatty foods
Diarrhea
Tip: Usually transient; stay well-hydrated
Constipation
Tip: Increase fiber intake; adequate hydration helps
Vomiting
Tip: Contact care team if persistent or severe

Less Common — Seek Care If Severe

Abdominal pain
Severe or persistent pain warrants immediate evaluation
Decreased appetite / fatigue
Monitor nutrition; ensure adequate caloric intake
Injection site reactions
Redness or swelling; rotate injection sites each week
Heart rate changes
Inform your provider of any palpitations

BOXED WARNING — Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

Compounded semaglutide/tirzepatide carries the same boxed warning as FDA-approved formulations. GLP-1 receptor agonists caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It is unknown whether these medications cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. These medications are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Evidence

Clinical Results

Tirzepatide's efficacy is supported by the SURMOUNT clinical trial program, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

20.9%

Mean body weight reduction

SURMOUNT-1 trial, 15mg dose, treatment-policy estimand (ITT) at 72 weeks

91%

Lost ≥5% body weight

vs. 35% with placebo

2,539

Participants in SURMOUNT-1

Adults with obesity or overweight + comorbidity

Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide — Weight Loss Comparison

Tirzepatide (SURMOUNT-1)20.9%

Semaglutide (STEP 1)14.9%

Placebo2.4%

SURMOUNT-1 Trial Summary

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2022), the SURMOUNT-1 trial was a 72-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 2,539 adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Participants received tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly. The highest-dose group (15 mg) achieved a mean weight reduction of 20.9%. 91% of tirzepatide participants lost ≥5% body weight vs. 35% in the placebo group.

Reference: Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216.

Administration

Injection Site Guide

Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Rotating sites prevents tissue irritation and ensures consistent absorption.

Abdomen

Preferred site. Inject at least 2 inches from navel. Easiest for self-administration.

Outer Thigh

Front of thigh, midway between knee and hip. Good alternative to abdomen.

Upper Arm

Outer aspect only. May require assistance. Slightly less predictable absorption.

Rotate injection sites weekly. Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, scarred, or hardened. Step-by-step video instructions are provided to all patients.

Dual-Action Option

Starting at $199.

Everything included — consultation, dual-action medication, supplies, and ongoing provider support.

No hidden fees. Cancel anytime.

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*Results not guaranteed. Provider consultation required.

FAQ

Tirzepatide Questions Answered

What is compounded tirzepatide?

Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy. It contains tirzepatide at clinically equivalent concentrations to branded medications. See our full Medication Options disclosure for details on compounded vs. branded options.

How is tirzepatide different from semaglutide?

While semaglutide activates only GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide is a dual agonist that activates both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors simultaneously. This dual mechanism produces greater appetite suppression and metabolic effects. In clinical trials, tirzepatide achieved up to 20.9% body weight loss vs. ~15% for semaglutide.

How quickly will I see results with tirzepatide?

Most patients notice meaningful appetite reduction within the first 1–2 weeks. Significant weight loss (5–10 lbs) typically occurs within the first month. Patients on full therapeutic doses often see 15–20%+ body weight reduction over 6–9 months of consistent treatment.

What side effects should I expect?

The side effect profile is similar to semaglutide: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue — primarily during dose escalation. The gradual titration protocol minimizes discomfort. Tirzepatide is generally well-tolerated, with most gastrointestinal effects being mild-to-moderate and transient.

How is tirzepatide used in patients who also have type 2 diabetes?

Tirzepatide's active ingredient (as Mounjaro®) was first brought to market for type 2 diabetes management. If you have diabetes or take glucose-lowering medications, your provider will carefully coordinate your treatment to monitor blood sugar as your weight decreases. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications are often needed.

Who is tirzepatide most suitable for?

Tirzepatide is our most potent option and is particularly well-suited for patients with more significant weight loss goals, those who have tried GLP-1-only therapies with limited results, and patients with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome. Your provider will recommend semaglutide or tirzepatide based on your complete health profile.

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Important information

Refund & Cancellation Policy Safety Information Drug Interactions Pharmacy Partners Medical Disclaimer

Semaglutide · Weekly injection · Novo Nordisk

Learn why we use compounded →

Ozempic® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk. Not sold by AvataCore.

Brand-name medications shown for reference. AvataCore does not directly dispense Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®. Pricing reflects publicly available retail estimates and is subject to change. Compounded medications are different from FDA-approved branded products. AvataCore is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.

Not sure which medication is right for you?

Our licensed providers will review your health profile and recommend semaglutide or tirzepatide based on your specific goals and medical history.

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