§ 01 Overview
Overview
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist producing greater average weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials.
FDA-approved 2022 (Mounjaro) and 2023 (Zepbound). Head-to-head superiority vs. semaglutide in SURMOUNT-5 (2024).
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The GIP component appears to modulate adipose tissue and improve insulin sensitivity, while GLP-1 action drives appetite suppression and glycemic control. Half-life ~5 days enables weekly dosing.
- 01Up to 22.5% body weight reduction at 15 mg (SURMOUNT-1)
- 02Superior HbA1c lowering vs. semaglutide (SURPASS-2)
- 03Improvements in sleep apnea severity (SURMOUNT-OSA)
- 04Favorable lipid profile changes
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg or 20 mg typical
- BAC Water
- 2 ml BAC water
- Dose Range
- 2.5 – 15 mg weekly
- Starting Dose
- 2.5 mg once weekly
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Same day each week
- Frequency
- Weekly
- Cycle
- Titrate every 4 weeks through 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 mg.
Storage
Refrigerate. Keep away from light.
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
FDA-approved 2022 (Mounjaro) and 2023 (Zepbound). Head-to-head superiority vs. semaglutide in SURMOUNT-5 (2024).
FDA Status
FDA-approved (T2D and chronic weight management).
§ 05 Stacks
Common stacks
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Eli Lilly (LLY) Study Shows Tirzepatide Leads to Greater Weight Loss Impacting Lean Mass - GuruFocus
Eli Lilly (LLY) Study Shows Tirzepatide Leads to Greater Weight Loss Impacting Lean Mass GuruFocus
Study looks into which weight-loss drug makes you lose the most muscle - The Independent
Study looks into which weight-loss drug makes you lose the most muscle The Independent
Noida Woman's 12-Kilo-Weight-Loss With Mounjaro: The Journey Has Not Been A Bed Of Roses - Times Now
Noida Woman's 12-Kilo-Weight-Loss With Mounjaro: The Journey Has Not Been A Bed Of Roses Times Now
Novo may have muscle advantage over Lilly in weight-loss race: preprint - BioSpace
Novo may have muscle advantage over Lilly in weight-loss race: preprint BioSpace
Tirzepatide linked to more lean mass loss than semaglutide - European Medical Journal
Tirzepatide linked to more lean mass loss than semaglutide European Medical Journal
Ozempic Might Preserve Lean Body Mass Better Than Mounjaro: Study - NDTV
Ozempic Might Preserve Lean Body Mass Better Than Mounjaro: Study NDTV
Weight Loss Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword for Lean Mass - Devdiscourse
Weight Loss Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword for Lean Mass Devdiscourse
Novo weight-loss drug may preserve lean body mass better than Lilly's, study finds - Reuters
Novo weight-loss drug may preserve lean body mass better than Lilly's, study finds Reuters
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status.
503B pharmacies · 5
Empower Pharmacy
Rx requiredOne of the largest US compounders by volume; dual 503A + 503B. Repeat FDA enforcement history and ongoing Lilly litigation.
Olympia Pharmaceuticals
Rx required35+ year family-owned dual 503A/503B licensed in 48–49 states. Among the cleanest mid-sized 503Bs operating today.
Strive Pharmacy
Rx required503A, licensed in all 50 states. Triple-credentialed (PCAB + NABP + LegitScript). Partner of Lavender Sky.
ReviveRX
Rx required503A mail-order. High-risk: Class I recall April 2024 for mislabeled tirzepatide vials containing testosterone cypionate.
ProRx
Rx requiredFDA-registered 503B. Major semaglutide/tirzepatide recall in August 2024 over sterility concerns.
Telehealth (Rx) · 7
Defy Medical
Rx requiredBroadest peptide formulary in legitimate US telehealth. 13-year history, concierge cash-pay, no known lawsuits.
Ro
Rx requiredOnly major telehealth that avoided lawsuits by signing direct partnerships with LillyDirect and NovoCare.
Henry Meds
Rx requiredAsynchronous budget GLP-1 platform. Named in Lilly litigation; pharmacy partner has federal plea history.
Mochi Health
Rx requiredCentral defendant in Lilly v. Mochi: bellwether case on telehealth-pharmacy vertical integration.
Marek Health
Rx requiredPremium hormone optimization. All 50 states. 4.8 Trustpilot. Partners include Hallandale.
Ivim Health
Rx required~100 providers. Filed amicus brief supporting OFA's tirzepatide appeal. Joined Outsourcing Facilities Association.
Blokes / Joi Women's Wellness
Rx requiredMen's + women's optimization platform. TRT in 34 states. 4.6–4.8 Trustpilot.
International · 1
Trident Peptides
1,299+ Trustpilot reviews (5-star). Strongest review base in UK research peptides. No visible ISO/GMP; COAs not posted.
Research-use-only · 6
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Elite Research USA
High-risk. Finnrick tested 47 samples across 7 products → ratings B to E. Heavy TikTok marketing. No accreditations verified.
Prime Peptides
Uses Janoshik testing. FDA warning letter December 2024 for GLP-1s.
Summit Research
FDA warning letter December 2024 across multiple GLP-1s.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- 02Injection site reactions
- 03Hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
Contraindications
- 01Medullary thyroid carcinoma history
- 02MEN 2
- 03Severe GI disease
- 04Pregnancy
§ 10 References
Selected references
- 01
SURMOUNT-1
NEJM 2022
- 02
SURPASS-2 vs semaglutide
NEJM 2021
- 03
SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head
NEJM 2024