The buzz around weight loss medications like tirzepatide may have peaked your interest. These GLP-1 weight loss medications have sparked attention due to their effectiveness in treating obesity and obesity-related conditions like type II diabetes.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, is now available in a compounded form. This complete guide explains compounded tirzepatide, its forms, side effects, safety, efficacy, cost and more.
What is compounded tirzepatide?
Compounded tirzepatide is made by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy instead of a traditional pharmaceutical manufacturer. It has the same active ingredient as name-brand medications.
Tirzepatide is part of a class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) andglucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is prescribed to help lower blood sugar in those with type II diabetes and as a weight loss aid for individuals with obesity. It is currently available in injection and oral tablet form from compounding pharmacies.
Tirzepatide mimics the GLP-1 hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. It increases insulin available and decreases glucagon, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose the liver makes. It also works by slowing food movement through the stomach, which may decrease appetite and support weight loss.1
Is compounded tirzepatide the same as name brands like Mounjaro® and Zepbound®?
Compounded tirzepatide has the same active ingredient as name brands Mounjaro and Zepbound. The most noticeable difference is that injectable compounded tirzepatide comes in a vial, and the user must measure each dose. The name brands come with premeasured dosages in an automatic pen.2,3
What’s the difference between tirzepatide and compounded tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in name brands and compounded versions. Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Additionally, the FDA approves medications to be compounded when there is a shortage from manufacturers. Tirzepatide is one of those medications approved to be fulfilled by a compounding pharmacy.4
Is compounded tirzepatide safe?
Compounded tirzepatide is produced in licensed facilities that must follow FDA safety guidelines. As long as the tirzepatide comes from a licensed compounding pharmacy and is prescribed by a licensed provider, it is as safe as name brand tirzepatide.5
With RedBox Rx, we ensure that:
Ingredients used in the prescribed GLP-1 compounds are pharmaceutical grade, not research grade.
The compounding pharmacy conducts third-party quality testing to check for potency, sterility and the presence of toxins.
Complete due diligence on the compounding pharmacy, including accreditations, licensures and manufacturing processes.
Achieve your health goals without breaking the bank.
Get compounded tirzepatide starting at $397 per month. Our monthly subscription includes everything – your medication, injection supplies (if applicable), unlimited provider follow-ups, and more – no intro pricing.
Get StartedIs compounded tirzepatide reviewed by the FDA?
The FDA audits compounding pharmacies to ensure safety and compliance. The state boards of pharmacy are responsible for day-to-day oversight.6
Does compounded tirzepatide work for weight loss?
Results will vary between individuals. In one study, participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight after using tirzepatide for 72 weeks.7
What dosages and forms are offered for compounded tirzepatide?
Compounded tirzepatide is prescribed as an injectable and as an oral dissolvable tablet. One of the advantages of using a compounding pharmacy is the ability to produce medications in alternative forms for individual needs.
Average starting dosage for injectable tirzepatide is 2.5 mg injected under the skin once a week for four weeks. The provider may increase the dose in subsequent weeks, as needed, up to the 15 mg maximum dose.8
RedBox Rx prescribes 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg and 6 mg daily doses of compounded tirzepatide oral dissolving tablets.
What are the side effects of compounded tirzepatide?
Common side effects of tirzepatide include:9
Nausea.
Diarrhea.
Decreased appetite.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Upset stomach.
If side effects become severe or bothersome, please contact your provider.
Does compounded tirzepatide need to be refrigerated?
Yes, injectable compounded tirzepatide should be refrigerated and stored between 36˚F to 46˚F. It should also be stored in its original container and away from direct sunlight.
Oral tirzepatide tablets should also be stored in its original container and away from children’s reach.10
Does compounded tirzepatide expire?
Yes, compounded tizepatide will expire in both injectable and tablet form. Check your prescription packaging for an expiration date and discard any medication past that date.11
How much does compounded tirzepatide cost?
Compounded tirzepatide injections from RedBox Rx are $429 per month and compounded tirzepatide oral dissolving tablets are $397 per month. That includes unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video, medication and injection supplies (if applicable).
See how RedBox Rx compares to competitors in the chart below.
| Brand & Costs | Total Cost Per Treatment |
|---|---|
RedBox Rx $429 per month (28 days) – provider support + compounded tirzepatide weekly injections |
$429 per month |
Ro® $145 per month – membership fee (provider support) $1,060 per month (estimated) – Zepbound® weekly injections without insurance and savings cards |
$1,205 per month |
Henry Meds $449 per month – provider support + compounded tirzepatide weekly injections |
$449 per month |
How do you get compounded tirzepatide?
Compounded tirzepatide is available by prescription only. You can get a prescription for compounded tirzepatide injections or oral dissolvable tablets online from RedBox Rx. Start with a quick online assessment and one of our licensed weight loss providers for your state will review to see if you qualify.
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx provides convenient, affordable telehealth services and prescription treatments for weight loss.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Compounded tirzepatide injections for $429 per month or dissolvable tablets for $397 per month.
Flat-rate, no intro pricing — no cost increase based on dosage.
Online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional included in subscription price. Unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video.
One FREE dietitian discovery session.
No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.
Free express shipping — get meds in five to seven days.
Start your weight loss journey today with an easy, quick online assessment for compounded tirzepatide to see if you qualify.
