Tirzepatide
Weekly dual-action GIP and GLP-1 support for weight management, with provider oversight at every dose.
What Tirzepatide is
Tirzepatide activates two gut hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1. Together they reduce appetite, slow digestion, and improve how the body handles blood sugar. It is used with nutrition and activity changes under provider supervision. Your care team manages the escalation schedule and stays close through the early weeks when side effects are most likely.
Who it may be appropriate for
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition
- People who did not reach their goals on other approaches
- People who want a monitored protocol with regular lab review
Who it is not for
- Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
- People with a history of pancreatitis, or who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- People with severe gastrointestinal disease without provider review
Your protocol, over time
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1Weeks 1 to 4
Starting dose. Appetite drops. Mild nausea or constipation is common at first.
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2Weeks 5 to 20
Dose steps up every 4 weeks as tolerated. Progress is tracked with your care team.
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3Maintenance
Your provider settles on a dose that balances results and comfort. Labs are rechecked.
What your care team watches
Every protocol is built on labs and reviewed by a licensed provider. Your care team tracks these markers and flags anything that needs attention before you have to ask.
Read this before you begin
- Carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies. Not for use with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and reduced appetite.
- Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems from dehydration, and low blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Slowed stomach emptying can affect oral medications, including oral contraceptives. Discuss backup contraception with your provider.
- Tell every provider you take it, especially before any procedure requiring anesthesia.
- Compounded tirzepatide, where dispensed, is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy and is not FDA-approved. Your provider will discuss which formulation is appropriate.
This is not a complete list of side effects, warnings, or interactions. Your provider will review your full history before prescribing and will provide complete medication information with your prescription. If you experience a medical emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked
What does GIP add?
GIP is a second gut hormone released after meals. Activating it alongside GLP-1 appears to strengthen the effect on appetite and on how the body handles blood sugar, which is why tirzepatide is described as a dual agonist. Your provider will explain what that means for your plan.
How is this different from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide works on two receptors rather than one. Your provider will discuss which fits your history and goals.
How long will I stay on it?
That is a decision you make with your provider. Many people continue for maintenance; others taper with a plan to protect their results.
Will I lose muscle?
Some loss of lean mass can happen with any significant weight loss. Your care team builds protein targets and strength training into your plan.
Membership provides access to Fortem's clinical care platform and provider network. All medical decisions are made by licensed providers. Fortem Health does not practice medicine. Results vary by individual. This platform is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Medication availability depends on state licensing and clinical appropriateness.