Tirzepatide Dosing Guide 101 (Chart Included)

Breaking News [10/02/2024 7:04 pm Eastern Standard Time]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that tirzepatide, the active ingredient in name brand medications Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, has been removed from the drug shortage list, which means compounding pharmacies are now prohibited from producing this medication under federal guidelines.

As a result, Eden can no longer offer access to pharmacies to fulfill compounded tirzepatide prescriptions. 

We understand that this might be concerning, especially for those of you who have relied on this affordable option as part of your weight loss journey.

We want to reassure you that we are committed to providing a seamless transition and continuing your access to effective treatments. Read our updated guide on the tirzepatide shortage announcement.

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Important Update for Eden Members: Transition from Compounded Tirzepatide to Semaglutide

For those who have been accessing compounded tirzepatide through Eden, we understand that this change may cause concern. However, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to other weight loss alternative treatments, including compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in name brand medications Ozempic® and Wegovy®.*

Why the Change?

Tirzepatide has been a popular and effective option for weight loss, but due to the recent FDA updates, compounded versions are no longer allowed nationwide. Compounded drugs are only permitted when a drug is in shortage. Now that the tirzepatide shortage has been fully resolved, compounding pharmacies must discontinue accepting or fulfilling prescriptions for compounded tirzepatide.

Eden prioritizes continuity of care for its patients.  As a result, Eden offers access to a variety of effective weight-loss medications, including the GLP1 medication compounded semaglutide.*

What Is the Difference Between Compounded Semaglutide and Compounded Tirzepatide?

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are medications designed to help with weight loss by controlling hunger and how your body handles sugar.

• Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that tells your brain you're full and slows the movement of food in your stomach. This makes you feel fuller longer and helps control your appetite.
• Tirzepatide also acts on GLP-1 but takes it a step further by targeting a second hormone called GIP.

Semaglutide  remains an important medication on a patient’s weight management journey. Many people have achieved results with semaglutide, and this may be a potential medication in achieving your weight loss goals.

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What This Means for You

• Affordability: Compounded semaglutide remains available as a more affordable alternative GLP1 medications.
• No Delays: We are taking all necessary steps to ensure that your treatment continues smoothly. If you have questions on transitioning your treatment plan from compounded tirzepatide to an alternative treatment, please reach out to us or your Eden network provider through your Care Portal to discuss your options.
• Ongoing Support: Our care team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about this change. We’ll make sure the transition is seamless and that you continue to feel supported in your weight loss journey.

We understand that changes to medication can be a bit unsettling, but compounded semaglutide may offer similar benefits and has been a trusted option for many patients.

*Only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider. Plans are offered as a subscription service which can be canceled at any time. Actual product packaging may appear differently than shown.. The FDA does not review or approve any compounded medications for safety or effectiveness. See website for Safety Information.

Understanding Tirzepatide: A Breakthrough in Weight Management and Diabetes Care

The media is abuzz with articles about new weight loss treatments and medications that make managing your health easier than ever. We’re certainly living in an age of innovation that doesn’t seem like it’ll slow down anytime soon. And that’s exciting—but it can be hard to keep up with all the different names, medical terms, and other jargon surrounding these popular new treatments. One of our goals here at Eden is to make metabolic health accessible to everyone. One of the ways we can help is to present straightforward information about these medications, discuss their benefits, explain how they’re used, address potential issues, and strive to be as transparent as possible. This way, people feel informed enough to take steps they’re comfortable with.

About Tirzepatide (Say it with me: “Terr-ZEP-uh-tied”)

Tirzepatide was approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes in 2022 under the brand name Mounjaro® and for chronic weight management in 2023 as Zepbound™. Compared to some semaglutide brand names like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Rybelsus®, tirzepatide is a relative newcomer in this fast-moving industry.

Tirzepatide works by combining the actions of two hormones involved in glucose regulation: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). By activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, tirzepatide helps lower blood sugar levels through multiple pathways, including increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon secretion from the pancreas, slowing gastric emptying, and amplifying feelings of fullness.

In recent studies, tirzepatide has been compared against other GLP-1 medications and has been shown to have a greater reduction in body weight and improvement of glycemic control. The most common adverse events associated with tirzepatide are typically gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually temporary and subside over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Click here for a full list of side effects.

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Administration & Dosing

Tirzepatide is administered subcutaneously once a week, typically with a starting dose of 2.5 mg and a maximum dose of 10 mg. Subcutaneous injections are given into the fatty tissue of areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. Brand name medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro come in pre-measured auto-injector pens that are user-friendly. Most patients maintain therapeutic dosages at 5 mg or 7.5 mg weekly, although higher concentrations are available. An initial dosing schedule will help establish the titration protocol and get you to your maintenance dosage. Many medical providers recommend a dosing schedule like this:

• Month 1: 2.5 mg
• Month 2: 5 mg
• Month 3: 7.5 mg
• Month 4: 10 mg

What is Titration and Why Do We Use It?

In medical terms, titration refers to the process of adjusting the dosage of a medication based on an individual's response to treatment. This involves starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved while minimizing side effects. Titration is common in the management of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders, where finding the optimal dosage is crucial for effective treatment.

Dose titration is recommended with tirzepatide to improve tolerability, giving your body time to adjust. Starting with a lower dose also allows healthcare providers to assess your response to the medication and minimize the risk of adverse effects. Typically, you may titrate up monthly, increasing the dose every four weeks until you reach the optimum dosage for your body, which could be anywhere from 5 mg to 15 mg.

Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide

Recent studies suggest tirzepatide may outperform semaglutide in several metrics. The dual mechanism of action of tirzepatide, involving both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, may make it a more promising option for individuals who require weight management alongside glucose control. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tirzepatide at all doses was noninferior and superior to semaglutide, with greater reductions in body weight observed with tirzepatide. While more research is needed, tirzepatide’s effectiveness is promising.

When comparing semaglutide with tirzepatide, the side effect profiles are generally similar between the two medications, with the most frequent adverse events being gastrointestinal-related. At higher doses, tirzepatide may have greater instances of severe side effects compared to semaglutide. The choice between them may ultimately depend on individual patient response and personal preference.

Talk With Your Doctor or Specialist

Before starting any type of treatment, always consult a trained medical professional. Certain treatments, medications, or therapies may carry risks or interact with existing health conditions or medications. Consulting with a medical professional helps ensure that the chosen treatment is safe and appropriate for you. Metabolic health is not one-size-fits-all. A reputable company and its staff can tailor treatment plans to your unique needs, taking into account your medical profile and history.

Compounded tirzepatide and its FDA-approved brand name treatments, Zepbound and Mounjaro, are available through Eden. The process is simple and entirely online. Check out our programs and all we have to offer at tryeden.com.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. For a full list of important safety information, disclaimers, and terms and conditions of use, please visit tryeden.com/safety-info.