Tirzepatide is one of the most promising medications for weight loss and blood sugar management. If you’ve ever wondered how it works or if you can get it without insurance, let this blog be your guide.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is an injectable medication used for type 2 diabetes treatment and weight management. It belongs to a new class of drugs that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Unlike traditional GLP-1 medications that act on a single pathway, tirzepatide is a dual agonist, giving it a unique edge in managing blood sugar and weight. 

Tirzepatide is sold under brand names such as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®.

How tirzepatide works

As a dual agonist, tirzepatide mimics two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. Both hormones help regulate appetite, insulin release, and digestion.

Here’s what this means in practice:

• Improved blood sugar control: Tirzepatide enhances insulin secretion and reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
• Appetite regulation: By slowing down digestion and signaling fullness to the brain, tirzepatide makes it easier to eat less. And those cravings that have ruled your life? Many people report that those fade, too.
• Weight-loss support: Studies have shown that those who take tirzepatide lose more weight than those who take semaglutide, the other most common active ingredient in GLP-1 medications.

Tirzepatide is meant to be a tool—and a powerful one at that—to help you with your weight-loss efforts, but should not replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. Those who establish healthy habits while taking tirzepatide typically see the best results and experience fewer side effects.

Approved uses of tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is FDA-approved for diabetes and weight-loss treatment, but the brand you use will differ depending on what you need the medication for and your doctor’s recommendation.

• Mounjaro®: Approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. If deemed medically necessary, it can be prescribed for weight loss as an “off label” use, but it is primarily used to treat diabetes.
• Zepbound®: The only tirzepatide medication approved specifically for weight management. Adults who have obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes) meet the baseline requirements to qualify for a Zepbound® prescription.

All GLP-1 medications, regardless of type, must be prescribed by a licensed provider, which is prescribed only after a consultation to determine appropriateness.* 

Benefits of tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a powerful tool for blood sugar control and weight management. Let’s break down what that means for you:

• Improves insulin sensitivity: When your body is able to use insulin effectively, many other areas of metabolic health can improve as well.
• Supports normal, healthy blood sugar levels: This means steadier energy, smaller blood sugar spikes, and fewer cravings.
• Supports weight-loss efforts: When combined with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, patients can lose a significant amount of weight, even if they weren’t able to lose weight through other methods. In clinical trials, participants who took tirzepatide lost up to 20% of their body weight, though results varied based on adherence, dosage, and support.
• Slows digestion: Feel fuller for longer, and eat less without having to rely on willpower!
• Can help reduce appetite and cravings: Many have been able to take back control over their cravings and quiet the food noise, freeing them up to focus on other things—and spend less money on high-calorie meals and snacks.
• Convenient dosing: Most medications require daily usage, but injectables for weight loss only need to be administered once a week.

While approved to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, tirzepatide supports whole-body health. Improving blood sugar control and losing weight has a ripple effect on the rest of your life, allowing you to more easily live the kind of life you want.

Possible side effects of tirzepatide

Like all medications, tirzepatide has potential risks and side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal, particularly when first starting treatment.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Headache 

Side effects are typically dose related, and tend to ease with time as your body adjusts to the medication. You can manage tirzepatide side effects by staying hydrated, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and moderating alcohol intake.

Rare but serious complications can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and elevations in kidney function tests. Patients should promptly report severe abdominal pain, jaundice, significant changes in urination, or swelling to their healthcare provider. 

Who should avoid tirzepatide 

If any of the following scenarios apply to you, consult with your doctor before starting tirzepatide treatment:

• People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 should not take tirzepatide. 
• Tirzepatide can lower exposure to oral contraceptives during the early portion of treatment (the first dose through your maintenance dose). Therefore, patients using oral contraceptives should use a backup method for a short stretch after starting and after each dose increase.
• Delayed gastric emptying can alter absorption of some oral medications with a narrow therapeutic window. If you’re taking anything that is sensitive to timing, check with your provider before starting tirzepatide treatment. 
• The risk of low blood sugar rises when tirzepatide is combined with insulin or sulfonylurea, which can be an issue for those being treated for diabetes.

Your doctor will walk through your medical history and goals with you to help you find the best treatment plan that works for you.

How to order tirzepatide online with no insurance

The benefits of tirzepatide are fairly straightforward, but figuring out how much it’ll cost? Not so simple.

Shed takes the guesswork out of the equation with upfront pricing and a simple ordering process, even if you don’t have insurance. To start the process, all you have to do is fill out a quick form on tryshed.com. Once you’ve filled out your health goals and medical history, a licensed provider will assess your eligibility and, if deemed medically necessary, will craft a personalized treatment plan just for you.

You can then place your order directly on Shed’s website and your medication will be delivered right to your doorstep. It really is that simple!

How much does Compounded Tirzepatide cost?

Shed’s Compounded Tirzepatide starts at $299/month. Your dosage will gradually increase until you reach your maintenance dose. At that point, you will pay $399/month for Compounded Tirzepatide for the remainder of the time you’re on the medication.

Tirzepatide is also FSA/HSA eligible, so if you have an FSA or HSA account, be sure to use those dollars first!

Compounded tirzepatide dosage

GLP-1 dosing varies based on individual needs and provider recommendations. The schedule below is just an example; your doctor will recommend the best dosing schedule and amount for you. All injections are self-administered once a week.

• Weeks 1–4: 2.5 mg
• Weeks 5–8: 5 mg
• Weeks 9–12: 7.5 mg
• Weeks 13 on (maintenance dose): 10–15 mg, depending on response and tolerability

Some patients will spend longer than four weeks on a dose before increasing their dose. The general guideline is to start low, advance gradually, and hold at the dose that achieves goals with manageable effects—and that will look a little bit different for everyone.*

Find out if tirzepatide is right for you

Tirzepatide is one of the most exciting developments in the world of metabolic health, helping many people shed stubborn pounds and take back control over how they live their lives. If you’re curious about whether tirzepatide is right for you, talk to your doctor to go over your options or visit tryshed.com to learn more.

FAQs about tirzepatide

Is tirzepatide the same as Ozempic® or Wegovy®?

Not quite. While all three medications are incretin-based therapies, Ozempic® and Wegovy® feature a different active ingredient (semaglutide). In addition, tirzepatide activates GIP receptors in addition to GLP-1, giving it a dual mechanism of action that Ozempic® and Wegovy® don’t have. This may explain why some patients experience greater weight loss with tirzepatide compared to semaglutide.

How long does it take for tirzepatide to start working?

Most patients notice improvements in blood sugar and appetite within the first few weeks. Weight loss typically builds over several months, with the most significant results seen after consistent use for 6–12 months, when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Will I regain weight after stopping tirzepatide?

Weight gain is common after stopping any GLP-1 medication. However, those who establish healthy habits, i.e., a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise regimen, are better able to keep the weight off after ending GLP-1 treatment. 

Is tirzepatide covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on your diagnosis and insurance plan. Shed provides affordable pricing without insurance, starting at $299 per month.

Can tirzepatide replace diet and exercise?

No. Tirzepatide should be part of a holistic health plan that includes balanced nutrition and consistent exercise. Those who establish healthy habits while on a GLP-1 are more likely to see optimal results.

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*Results for compounded medications may vary. Medication is prescribed only after consultation with a licensed provider to determine appropriateness. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a licensed pharmacy based on a provider’s prescription.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.