Is Tirzepatide safe for weight loss? Here’s what we know.

Key points:

1. Compounded medications are made directly by pharmacists—not manufactured by large pharmaceutical companies. 
2. The FDA does not approve compounded medications. To ensure that your compounded medication is safe and effective, always work with a licensed medical provider who can guarantee that your medication is sourced from a licensed compounding pharmacy. 
3. For Shed It—a holistic prescription weight loss program by Dr. B—we send prescription weight loss treatments to compounding pharmacies that rigorously test their products and follow strict safety rules.

Many studies show that diet and exercise alone are not enough for many people of heavier body weight to shed pounds. But many of us don’t need science to know that’s true.

GLP-1 receptor agonist medications aid in weight loss by slowing digestion (which helps us feel fuller) and lowering blood sugar levels. But the expensive brand-name medications are in short supply, leaving many patients without access to them.

Shed It—Dr. B's holistic prescription weight loss program—offers more than just medication. For one inclusive monthly fee, our patients get science-backed nutrition and fitness materials to help them shift and shed the negative habits holding them back from a more vital, healthier life. This whole-body approach sets us apart from other weight loss programs.

But we want our patients to feel safe throughout the process. So if you’re pondering joining Shed It or already on the road to healthier chronic weight management, here's what to know about compounded Tirzepatide.

What’s a compounded medication?

Pharmacists make compounded medications in compounding pharmacies—so you won’t find them at your local chain.

They’re sometimes made to help patients who can’t tolerate a traditional, mass-produced formula, like making a medicine into a liquid for someone who has a hard time swallowing pills. Or someone who has an allergic reaction to a particular dye might need a compounded rosacea cream made without that ingredient.

Compounding pharmacies can also make large batches of medications during drug shortages.

When the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) puts a brand-name medication on its drug shortage list, compounding pharmacies that meet specific requirements can produce and fill the gap.

Currently, compounding pharmacies can make injectable Tirzepatide because brand-name GLP-1 agonist medications are on that list.

Are compounded medications FDA-approved?

Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA. And they’re not “generic” forms of brand-name medications. They’re another drug form entirely. So the FDA does not approve them in the same way it does brand-name or generic medications.

That doesn’t mean compounded medications are made without oversight.

In the US, compounding pharmacies are overseen by state agencies and sometimes reviewed by the FDA. High-quality compounding pharmacies often source the active ingredients they use in their medications from FDA-registered facilities. They’re often the same suppliers used by large drug manufacturers, providing extra peace of mind.

So while the medications are not approved, the pharmacies must follow strict safety standards. For Shed It, Dr. B has also reviewed the pharmacies supplying our injectable Tirzepatide to confirm that they regularly test their products for stability, potency, quality and effectiveness.

How does compounded Tirzepatide compare to other prescription medical weight loss options?

Tirzepatide is a dual-agonist receptor medication. That means it mimics two hormones released in the gut as we eat. The first is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is also found in the weight loss medication Semaglutide. The second is glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

GIP and GLP-1 slow digestion and control appetite, which can help keep blood sugar levels steady. Additionally, GIP may encourage metabolism and reduce inflammation. This combined effect can promote healthier eating habits and support weight loss goals.

Tirzepatide is the same active ingredient in brand-name medical weight loss treatments like Mounjaro®* and Zepbound®*. It costs patients less because it’s created in-house at compounding pharmacies and shipped with fewer intermediaries. But it’s just as effective as these brand-name options.

em className=“body_sm”>Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Our use of these names is for informational purposes only and does not imply any affiliation, endorsement or approval by the trademark holders.</em>

Why are compounded weight-loss medications controversial?

Medical weight loss medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide get (justified) buzz for reasons we understand.

• Weight does not equal illness/health. People can be healthy at varying weights, and losing weight doesn’t necessarily improve health. 
• They’re expensive. Weight loss treatments can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. For many, taking a medication that costs several hundred dollars every month is not financially feasible, either.
• Insurance plans don’t cover them. Many insurers only cover them for those with specific weight-related conditions. While coverage may expand with time, many patients currently don’t have access.
• Not all compounded meds are equal. Since the FDA doesn’t review and approve compounded Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, their quality and effectiveness can vary from one pharmacy to another.
• They require a long-term commitment. GIP/GLP-1 medications are prescribed to be taken long-term for high BMI—a chronic condition. Right now, clinical studies suggest that patients who stop taking these medications regain most (if not all) of the weight they lose with time. 

Dr. B considered these points when creating Shed It. That’s why our holistic approach combines effective medication and science-backed fitness and nutrition support.

Can I buy Tirzepatide online? 

Again, the best way to get safe, effective Tirzepatide is to work with a licensed online weight loss doctor. They’ll make sure that the facility that makes your medication uses quality ingredients and works under strict safety guidelines.

With Shed It, patients meet monthly with a licensed provider in their state through a chat or video consultation. Then, they send the prescription to compounding pharmacies that follow best practices.

For a sustainable monthly cost, you also get a hefty packet of support materials, weekly science-packed emails and unlimited support from our team. So if you have questions about any health problems, you can request a callback from a provider or talk to someone on our team.

Sources:  

Farzam, K., Patel, P. (2024). Tirzepatide. StatPearls Publishing.

Gasbjerg, L.S., et al. (2018). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor antagonists as anti-diabetic agents. Peptides.

Lupkin, Sydney. (2024). Compounding pharmacies are making their own versions of blockbuster weight loss drugs. NPR.

US Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Compounding and the FDA: Questions and answers.

US Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Compounding laws and policies.

US Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.