Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first dual-agonist of its class. Active ingredient in Mounjaro (T2D) and Zepbound (weight + OSA), and in compounded preparations. ~5-day half-life enables weekly subcutaneous dosing. Manufacturer: Eli Lilly.
Pharmacology
Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first dual-agonist of its class. Active ingredient in Mounjaro (T2D) and Zepbound (weight + OSA), and in compounded preparations. ~5-day half-life enables weekly subcutaneous dosing. Manufacturer: Eli Lilly.
FDA-approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) — 2022
- Chronic weight management (Zepbound) — November 2023; basis: SURMOUNT-1 (20.9% mean weight loss at 15 mg over 72 weeks, treatment-regimen estimand)
- Moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity (Zepbound) — December 2024; basis: SURMOUNT-OSA. First drug ever FDA-approved for OSA
Standard dosing
| Indication | Starting | Titration | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2D (Mounjaro) | 2.5 mg/wk × 4 wk | 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg | 5–15 mg weekly |
| Weight/OSA (Zepbound) | 2.5 mg/wk × 4 wk | 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg | 5, 10, or 15 mg weekly |
Side effects
- Common (>10%): nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain
- Boxed warning: MTC and MEN-2 contraindications
Compounded availability
Compounded tirzepatide is made with the drug in Zepbound and Mounjaro, but it is not the same product and it is not FDA-approved. FDA said the tirzepatide shortage was resolved on October 2, 2024 (reaffirmed December 19, 2024), which narrowed what compounders may make, and on April 30, 2026 it proposed not to add tirzepatide to the 503B bulks list (no final decision as of October 15, 2026). In our October 15, 2026 index, the median lowest monthly price across 28 compounded tirzepatide programs was $144 (range $86 to $280). NexLife, our editor's pick, charges $95 a month for compounded semaglutide or $115 for compounded tirzepatide on a 12-month plan ($109 and $129 month to month; nexlife.us, read November 6, 2026), the same price at every dose.
See also
· Research bibliography · Drug interactions · Where to get it (compounded)