What to Consider When Buying Tirzepatide Online

Tirzepatide is one of the newest medications for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. You may recognize it by its brand names, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Tirzepatide has been rising in popularity despite high list prices. Some online sellers offer the medication for lower costs. This may sound like a good option, but is it safe? What should you consider when purchasing tirzepatide?

Understanding tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide that activates two types of hormone receptors: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). These hormones are essential in blood sugar control, appetite, and digestion. Tirzepatide attaches to the receptors of these hormones, leading to better blood sugar control and weight loss.

Researchers have also found that tirzepatide positively affects cardiometabolic markers such as blood pressure, waist circumference, and lipids.

FDA-approved status

Currently, there are only two FDA-approved medications that contain tirzepatide: Mounjaro and Zepbound. Both are manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and come in weekly, single-use injection pens. They also share similar dosages, side effects, and drug interactions.

However, they are FDA-approved for different conditions: Mounjaro is indicated for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is indicated for chronic weight management.

How tirzepatide works for type 2 diabetes

The body breaks down food into glucose, commonly known as blood sugar. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas typically produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin functions like a key, allowing blood sugar to enter body cells to use for energy. This keeps blood sugar levels from becoming too high.

In type 2 diabetes, the cells develop insulin resistance. This causes the pancreas to work harder. Eventually, the pancreas cannot meet the demand, and blood sugar levels will stay elevated. Along with diet and exercise, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may help normalize blood sugar levels. It does this by:

• Improving insulin secretion from the pancreas
• Increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin
• Signaling the liver to make less glucose

Tirzepatide is not currently indicated for type 1 diabetes. Individuals with this condition require external insulin administration. Combining tirzepatide with insulin may cause blood sugar to drop too low. If you have type 1 diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider regarding the best treatment.

How tirzepatide works for weight loss

Obesity is a condition affecting more than 100 million adults in the United States. People with obesity are at a greater risk for serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In the past, obesity was viewed as a lifestyle choice. Now, major organizations are recognizing it as a chronic, complex disease requiring medical support.

The FDA has approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) as a weight loss medication for adults with obesity (BMI greater or equal to 30). It is also approved for adults who are overweight (BMI greater or equal to 27) with a weight-related medical problem. Tirzepatide can help patients achieve clinically significant weight loss by:

• Slowing gastric emptying (the movement of food out of the stomach)
• Increasing satiety (the feeling of fullness)
• Decreasing appetite by binding to receptors in the brain

For patients with diabetes, weight loss can also improve insulin sensitivity, resulting in better blood sugar control.

Purchasing tirzepatide online

There are several factors to keep in mind before you purchase tirzepatide online. Consider the following:

1. A tirzepatide prescription

Tirzepatide is a prescription medication. It can only be given under a licensed healthcare provider's guidance. The provider will check your medical history, examine your current condition, and assess if tirzepatide can safely be prescribed. This is because medications have contraindications and side effects that may be harmful. For example, tirzepatide cannot be given to patients who have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer.

The FDA regulates prescription medications through the New Drug Application (NDA) process. This rigorous, multi-phase process, with clinical trials that can take years, ensures that a new drug is safe and effective for its intended use.

2. Reputable online pharmacies

Prescription drugs like tirzepatide have to be obtained at a pharmacy. When searching online, choose a safe and legal pharmacy. Reputable online pharmacies should always:

1. Have a pharmacy license with the state board.
2. List a physical address and phone number in the United States.
3. Ask for a prescription from a healthcare provider.
4. Staff a licensed pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

If the online pharmacy does not have the above characteristics, it may be unsafe. Other red flags may include:

• Offering large discounts or prices that are significantly cheaper
• Using packaging that looks damaged, has no expiration date, or uses a foreign language
• Selling medication that looks different than usual or is expired
• Not providing clear protections for your personal and financial information

Overall, avoid companies with suspicious practices to protect your health and personal information. By adhering to these guidelines, you can better safeguard yourself from potential risks and ensure you’re purchasing medications from a trustworthy source.

3. Costs and insurance coverage

According to Eli Lilly's website, the list price for Mounjaro is $1,069.08 per fill. Each fill has four pre-filled pens, which should last 28 days. Zepbound's list price is $1,059.87 per fill.

The list price may be different from what you pay. This depends on several factors, such as whether you have insurance, your pharmacy and location, and eligibility for certain discounts.

Eli Lilly, for example, offers Mounjaro and Zepbound savings cards for eligible individuals. If your insurance covers tirzepatide, the cost can be from $25 for a 1-3 month supply, depending on your insurance company and type of plan. For insurance companies not covering tirzepatide, Eli Lilly also offers savings for the first month.

Using telehealth services for tirzepatide

Telehealth allows you to visit a healthcare provider virtually. This may provide a convenient and accessible method to order tirzepatide. The provider will assess your condition through remote tools like video, phone, or messaging. They may also be able to fill your prescriptions and send them electronically to your pharmacy.

Placing an order with a telehealth provider

There are many platforms offering telehealth services. Choose one that is easy to navigate, accepts your insurance, and has good reviews online. To obtain tirzepatide from a telehealth provider, follow these steps:

1. Choose a reputable online clinic and schedule an appointment that fits your schedule.
2. Attend your telehealth session and obtain a prescription.
3. Ask your provider to send your prescription to a trusted pharmacy.
4. Collect the medication from your pharmacy or receive your medication in the mail. Check if you have received the correct medication and dosing.
5. Contact customer services as needed.

In January 2024, Eli Lilly launched a telehealth service for weight loss, diabetes, and migraine medications called LillyDirect™. This service allows customers to purchase medications directly from their company. For tirzepatide, only Zepbound is currently available.

How to ensure medication authenticity

The increased popularity of weight loss medications and subsequent drug shortages have contributed to an increase in unsafe selling practices. Illegal online pharmacies, misleading social media ads, and inappropriate use of tirzepatide can expose individuals to harm. In June 2024, Eli Lilly published an open letter detailing some of these practices and how to recognize a genuine product. Authentic Mounjaro and Zepbound injectors should have:

• Federally registered trademarks
• A black script Lilly logo
• A gray, tri-lobular base cap (trademarked)
• A purple injection button

Additionally, if you buy Lilly products, you can use your smartphone to scan the barcode on the product box and verify them with the manufacturer.

What about compounded tirzepatide?

Compounded tirzepatide medications have the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as Mounjaro and Zepbound. However, they may not be prepared in the same way. A person may need a compounded medication if they are allergic to a specific component or need other modifications, such as an ordinarily solid medication in a liquid form.

Although this may be helpful for certain patients, compounded medications do not require prior approval by the FDA. This means they do not have to go through clinical trials to ensure they are safe or effective. This may lead to problems with impurities, unsafe ingredients, and inaccurate strengths, leading to adverse health events.

Factors to consider when buying compounded tirzepatide:

If you decide to purchase compounded tirzepatide, remember that:

1. You will still need a tirzepatide prescription from a healthcare provider.
2. The active and inactive ingredients in a compounded medication may be prepared differently, so the drug's efficacy or safety may be affected.
3. Compounded tirzepatide may come in oral and nasal forms, which have not yet been studied for safety or effectiveness.
4. Injectable medications, like tirzepatide, must be prepared in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of contamination. Not all pharmacies are certified or accredited to do so.
5. Compounded tirzepatide is not a generic form. New drugs, like tirzepatide, have patents and exclusivities that protect companies from competition and give them time to generate profit. That is why there is no generic tirzepatide available at this time.

Legal and safety concerns

Remember, it is illegal to buy prescription medications without a prescription. The medication may be counterfeit, contaminated, or contain the wrong medication. In general, it's also unlawful to obtain drugs from foreign websites. You can use the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's Safe Site Search Tool to verify whether an online pharmacy is legitimate and safe. You can also use resources on the FDA's BeSafeRx website.

Alternatives to tirzepatide

Drug shortages and cost constraints can prevent you from obtaining a prescription for tirzepatide. If you're looking for options, consult with your healthcare provider. For type 2 diabetes, alternatives to Mounjaro may include medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) or Trulicity (dulaglutide). For weight loss treatments, alternatives to Zepbound may consist of medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Saxenda (liraglutide).

However, keep in mind these medications have different formulations. Furthermore, a medication that works well for one person may not work well for another.

Final word

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist receptor agonist that can help patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Mounjaro and Zepbound, which contain tirzepatide, are prescription medications regulated by the FDA. To safely order tirzepatide online, choose licensed pharmacies that organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy can verify. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding alternatives or safety concerns with compounded tirzepatide and other medications when needed.