Tirzepatide
2.5–15 mg · Weekly
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 20
- Animal Studies
- 25
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved
- Confidence
- High
- Long-Term Safety
- Well-established for the approved product through trials and growing post-approval data; compounded versions are not equivalent
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist studied in large Phase 3 trials (the SURPASS and SURMOUNT programs) and FDA-approved under the brand names Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (chronic weight management). Trial data generally shows larger average weight loss than semaglutide.
Common Protocols
- Weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated up over months per approved labeling
Side Effects
- GI side effects (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation) are common and generally dose-dependent
- Same class warnings as other GLP-1/GIP drugs: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid C-cell tumor warning from animal studies
Interactions
- May slow absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying
Practical Details
- Cost
- $$$
- Typical Vial Size
- 10 mg
- Storage
- Refrigerate after reconstitution (compounded); manufactured pens per label instructions
Research Links
GLP-1/GIP dual agonist; superior weight loss