Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes. Although its primary purpose is for diabetes management, doctors may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. Clinical trials have demonstrated that tirzepatide can aid in weight loss, despite lacking FDA approval specifically for this purpose. 

At EllieMD, our healthcare providers may prescribe a customized version of tirzepatide, potentially containing additional metabolic support ingredients. The pharmacy that ships your medication will depend on your state of residence, and each partnered pharmacy may offer its unique blend of metabolic support ingredients. As a result, you may receive different metabolic support ingredients based on your location.

Tirzepatide is generally safe when used as prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects. Common side effects of tirzepatide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and resolve over time. In rare cases, more serious side effects like severe stomach or kidney problems may occur. 

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of tirzepatide with your healthcare provider and to promptly report any side effects or concerns you may have.

Semaglutide is a medication approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes and helping with long-term weight management. Tirzepatide is also FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment. While it’s mainly used for diabetes, doctors may sometimes prescribe tirzepatide “off-label” to help with weight loss. Even though it hasn’t been officially approved for this purpose by the FDA, studies have shown that tirzepatide can help people lose weight. 

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are part of a group of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). They work by acting like a hormone called GLP-1, which helps control blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide goes a step further by also mimicking another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Research has found that the combined effect of GLP-1 and GIP in tirzepatide is more effective for weight loss compared to semaglutide.

To be eligible for our weight loss medication, you must meet certain requirements:

• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• You must reside in one of the states where our services are available or be physically present there.
• It’s important to demonstrate the necessity for medical treatment. If requested by your healthcare provider, our team can assist you in obtaining recent lab results.
• You must meet the FDA-approved criteria for these medications. This means having a body mass index (BMI) above 30 for individuals with obesity, or a BMI above 27 with a qualifying health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
• You should not have certain medical conditions, including type 1 diabetes, a history of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatitis caused by weight loss medications (GLP-1), severe gastrointestinal (GI) disease, current gallbladder problems (except for previous gallbladder removal), retinal impairment/diabetic retinopathy, recent bariatric surgery, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2), or a history of medullary thyroid cancer.
• You should not be pregnant or nursing.

Your healthcare provider affiliated with EllieMD will make the final decision regarding your eligibility for the weight loss program and may request additional information directly from you.

Tirzepatide/Semaglutide may not be suitable for everyone. 

The following conditions can prevent the use of semaglutide: personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, current use of another GLP-1 receptor agonist, diabetic ketoacidosis, known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of its injection components, recent bariatric surgery within the last 6 months, and pregnancy.

Additionally, it is important to inform your doctor if you have or have had a stomach or intestinal disorder, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or diabetes-induced eye problems.