Who it's for
Same prescribing audience as Zepbound in practice (BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with comorbidity), though the prescription is for a compounded product rather than the FDA-approved branded version.
What the trials show
Compounded tirzepatide's registration trial was SURMOUNT-1 (parent molecule, Zepbound) (NEJM, 2022). At 72 weeks at the maximum dose, mean weight loss was 20.9% (17.8 percentage points greater than placebo). 91.0% of patients lost at least 5% of body weight; 56.7% lost at least 15%. Real-world results vary; trial patients are typically more adherent and more closely managed than typical telehealth patients.
Dose schedule
Dose levels: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg. Standard practice is to titrate up monthly, holding at any tolerated dose. Maximum dose is Typically titrated to 10-15mg weekly to mirror Zepbound; many patients reach goal weight at sub-maximum doses and stay there.
What it costs in 2026
| Retail cash (no insurance, no DTC) | Not sold at retail; cash-pay through telehealth programs only |
| Manufacturer DTC (cash-pay direct) | $199-$349/mo via telehealth programs where supply remains available |
| With insurance + prior authorization | Not covered. Compounded medications are not eligible for insurance reimbursement. |
| Compounded version (503A pharmacy) | Cash-pay only. Supply has narrowed considerably in 2025-2026 as Lilly has filed coordinated lawsuits against compounded tirzepatide pharmacies. |
Telehealth programs add a membership fee on top of the medication cost (typically $40-$200/mo). For all-in monthly costs by program, see the chart.
Common side effects
The most commonly reported side effects in the registration trial:
- Same profile as branded tirzepatide; nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting most common
- Real-world reports of injection-site reactions vary by 503A pharmacy
- Higher reported rate of supply disruption mid-treatment vs compounded semaglutide
Boxed warning: Same class warning as branded tirzepatide. Compounded preparations are not subject to FDA's full new-drug-approval safety review.
How Compounded tirzepatide differs from related drugs
Same molecule as Zepbound at the same doses. Cheapest path to tirzepatide. Insurance does not cover. Active enforcement risk; supply continuity is the single biggest practical concern. Patients sensitive to mid-treatment supply disruption should weigh branded Zepbound or compounded semaglutide as alternatives.
Programs that prescribe Compounded tirzepatide
These programs in our chart prescribe Compounded tirzepatide (with insurance coverage where applicable, or as a cash-pay option). Ranked by overall score.
Compounded tirzepatide vs other GLP-1s
Editorial disclosure
GLP Chart is an editorial comparison site. We do not dispense, prescribe, or fulfill medications. Talk to a licensed clinician about whether Compounded tirzepatide is appropriate for you. Pricing reflects publicly verified rates as of 12 May 2026; verify with the manufacturer or your prescriber before committing.