Tirzepatide—the dual GLP-1/GIP agonist in Zepbound and Mounjaro—has shown even more impressive weight loss results than semaglutide in clinical trials. But at $1,000+ per month without insurance, many patients turn to compounded alternatives. Here's how to find safe, legitimate options.
What Makes Tirzepatide Different
Unlike semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist only), tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The SURMOUNT trials showed average weight loss of 15-22% of body weight—significantly higher than semaglutide's STEP trial results of 12-15%.
Critical Legal Update (November 2025)
Before choosing any tirzepatide provider, understand the current regulatory landscape:
Tirzepatide Shortage Timeline
- • October 2024: FDA removed tirzepatide from the drug shortage list
- • March 19, 2025: Grace period ended for compounding "essential copies"
- • Current status: Compounders may only produce tirzepatide with "significant differences" from Zepbound/Mounjaro
Most providers now sell tirzepatide compounded with added ingredients (B12, L-carnitine, etc.) or in alternative delivery forms to meet the "significant difference" requirement. This legal workaround keeps compounding available but raises questions about formulation consistency.
What to Look For in a Tirzepatide Provider
We evaluate providers based on factors that actually matter for patient safety—not marketing claims or lowest prices.
1. Pharmacy Certification Status
The most important factor is what type of pharmacy actually compounds your medication:
503B Outsourcing Facilities (Best)
FDA-registered, follow cGMP standards, regular inspections. Can compound without individual prescriptions.
PCAB-Accredited 503A (Good)
State-licensed but voluntarily accredited. Only 8% of compounding pharmacies have PCAB accreditation.
Undisclosed/Unverified (Avoid)
If a provider won't name their pharmacy partner or show certifications, consider this a red flag.
2. LegitScript Certification
LegitScript certification means an independent third party has verified the telehealth provider meets standards for legal compliance, licensing, and consumer protection. While not a guarantee of quality, it's a meaningful trust signal.
3. FDA Warning Letter Status
The FDA issued warning letters to numerous telehealth companies in September 2025 for misleading claims about compounded GLP-1s. Providers that received warning letters made claims like "same as Zepbound" or implied FDA approval—both regulatory violations.
A clean regulatory record doesn't guarantee quality, but warning letters indicate a company prioritized marketing over compliance.
4. Pricing Transparency
Many providers advertise low starting prices but have significant hidden costs. Look for:
- • All-in monthly pricing vs. medication-only pricing
- • Consultation fees (some charge separately, some include)
- • Shipping costs (cold-chain shipping can add $15-30/month)
- • Supplies (syringes, alcohol swabs—often extra)
- • Membership fees (monthly or annual platform fees)
How We Ranked Providers
Our evaluation considers multiple factors weighted by importance to patient safety:
Top Tirzepatide Providers (November 2025)
Based on our evaluation criteria, here are providers worth considering—along with their strengths and limitations:
Henry Meds
Starting at
$199/mo
One of the few providers explicitly disclosing use of both 503A and 503B pharmacies. Transparent about formulations and has not received FDA warning letters.
MEDVi
Starting at
$179/mo*
Strong trust signals with A+ BBB rating and LegitScript certification. Offers both compounded and brand-name options (hybrid model). Mental health telehealth background.
Mochi Health
Starting at
$179/mo
Emphasizes physician oversight and personalized care. Offers compounded tirzepatide with included consultations and ongoing support.
Hims & Hers
Starting at
$199/mo
Largest telehealth platform with excellent customer service infrastructure. However, received FDA warning letter in September 2025 for misleading claims about compounded GLP-1s.
Note: Pricing and availability change frequently. Always verify current pricing directly with providers. This list is not exhaustive and rankings may change as new information becomes available.
Providers to Approach with Caution
Our research identified some providers with concerning signals:
Red Flags We Found
- • Providers with "F" BBB ratings or extensive unresolved complaints
- • Companies that received FDA warning letters and haven't updated their marketing
- • Providers using language like "same as Zepbound" or implying FDA approval
- • Extremely low prices with hidden mandatory "membership" fees
- • Refusal to disclose which pharmacy compounds their medications
Questions to Ask Before Ordering
Before committing to any provider, get clear answers to these questions:
- 1 Which pharmacy compounds your tirzepatide? Is it 503A or 503B?
- 2 What is added to make the formulation a "significant difference" from Zepbound?
- 3 What is the total monthly cost including consultations, shipping, and supplies?
- 4 Do you accept HSA/FSA payments?
- 5 What happens if I have side effects or dosing questions?
- 6 Is there a cancellation fee or subscription commitment?
The Bottom Line
Finding safe compounded tirzepatide requires looking beyond price. The best providers combine certified pharmacies, transparent pricing, clean regulatory records, and responsive customer support.
The providers highlighted here represent better options based on available data, but no compounded medication is FDA-approved or guaranteed to match brand-name quality. If you can afford brand-name Zepbound or have insurance coverage, that remains the safest option.
Compare All GLP-1 Providers
See our full comparison table with filtering by medication type, certifications, price range, and state availability.
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