Frequently Asked Question Tirzepatide
Frequently Asked Questions: Tirzepatide
What is compounded Tirzepatide?
Compounded Tirzepatide is an injectable prescription medication that may help individuals with obesity or overweight conditions achieve and maintain weight loss. It works by mimicking two key hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to regulate appetite, glucose, and metabolism.
- It is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Do not use Tirzepatide in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or similar medications.
- The safety of compounded Tirzepatide in combination with over-the-counter or herbal weight-loss products has not been established.
- Tirzepatide's safety and effectiveness in individuals with a history of pancreatitis or gastroparesis have not been confirmed.
What should I know about compounded Tirzepatide?
Compounded Tirzepatide may cause serious side effects, including:
- Thyroid Tumors, including Cancer: Notify your TriArc RX provider if you experience swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. Tirzepatide has been linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies, but it is not clear if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. Avoid use if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Reproductive Considerations: Stop using Tirzepatide at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy due to its long half-life.
- Pancreatitis: Seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
- Gallbladder Issues: Symptoms of gallbladder problems include upper abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, and clay-colored stools.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): If combined with diabetes medications like insulin, monitor for symptoms such as dizziness, shakiness, or confusion.
- Vision Changes: Diabetic retinopathy may worsen; inform your provider of any changes.
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Discontinue and seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash.
How should I use compounded Tirzepatide?
- To begin, carefully read the Instructions for Use and follow the dosing instructions provided by your TriArc RX provider with your compounded Tirzepatide.
- You will start treatment by gradually increasing the dose of compounded Tirzepatide over a 3 to 4-month period, based on the prescribed dosage plan and your provider’s guidance. You will stay on each dose for at least one month. The syringes included in your prescription are labeled in UNITS, with each syringe containing 100 units. Once you reach your maximum dose, you will continue at that dose unless directed otherwise by your provider.
- Use compounded Tirzepatide exactly as prescribed by your TriArc RX provider. Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare your dose before you inject for the first time.
- Compounded Tirzepatide is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) in your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject into a muscle (intramuscularly) or vein (intravenously). Watch the "How to Inject" video tutorial to learn the proper technique for administering your compounded Tirzepatide.
- Inject compounded Tirzepatide once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without food.
- If you need to change the day you inject, you can, as long as your last dose was given at least 2 days earlier.
- Do not use the same injection site each time. Rotate your injection site with each weekly dose. You may use the same area of your body, but make sure the new site is at least one inch away from the previous injection.
- Compounded Tirzepatide can be taken with or without food.
- If you accidentally inject too much, you may experience severe nausea, vomiting, and low blood sugar. Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room if you have these symptoms. After being evaluated, contact your provider.
- Once you begin using a vial (after the lid is punctured), the medication expires in 28 days. You may have some leftover medication after 28 days. Please dispose of any excess in your trash and start a new vial. Your subscription provides enough vials to ensure you start a new one each month, around every 4 injections, so your medication stays safe and effective.
If you take too much compounded Tirzepatide, you may experience severe nausea, vomiting, and low blood sugar. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, and contact your care team as soon as possible.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose of compounded Tirzepatide and your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- If your next scheduled dose is less than 2 days (48 hours) away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regular day.
- If you miss a dose for more than 2 weeks, contact your care team to discuss how to resume your treatment.