Compounded tirzepatide formulation challenges — looking for input

I was on compounded tirzepatide at 5mg/week, paying $175/month. My pharmacy stopped compounding it in January after getting an FDA warning letter. I switched to compounded semaglutide at 1mg/week for $140/month.

Different molecule, different mechanism (dual GIP/GLP-1 vs GLP-1 only), and honestly I noticed a difference. Tirz was more effective for me — more appetite suppression, more weight loss, better blood sugar control. Sema is good but tirz was great.

Really hoping the courts sort this out and compounded tirz comes back broadly. 🤞

ny's experience matches the clinical data. Tirzepatide's dual agonism (GIP + GLP-1) generally produces greater weight loss than semaglutide alone — the SURMOUNT trials showed ~22.5% body weight reduction vs ~15% for semaglutide in STEP trials. They're both effective, but tirzepatide has an edge for many patients.

The irony is that FDA's enforcement action, ostensibly to protect patients, is pushing patients from a medication that was working better for them to one that works less well. Access vs safety — it's a genuine dilemma with no easy answer.

I've been on compounded tirz for 4 months from a pharmacy that's still operating under a court order. Every time I refill I wonder if it'll be the last time. The uncertainty is exhausting. 😩

I'd recommend having a backup plan. Talk to your doctor about a transition plan to compounded semaglutide (or brand Mounjaro if you can get insurance coverage or afford OOP) in case your pharmacy has to stop. Being prepared removes some of the anxiety.

I'll keep updating this thread as the legal situation develops. The 5th Circuit hearing is expected in April — that could be a turning point either way.

Thanks everyone. This thread paints a clear picture — compounded tirz exists in a legal gray zone, availability is shrinking, but it's not completely gone. I'll talk to my doctor about options and keep monitoring the legal cases. Appreciate the thorough responses. 👊