Tirzepatide Sherman Oaks, CA

No. The tirzepatide used in this program is a compounded medication prepared by a reputable, certified and licensed pharmacy. Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA, which means the FDA has not reviewed them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Your Provider will discuss this with you at consultation, including why a compounded preparation is or is not appropriate in your case.

Tirzepatide is a GIP/GLP-1 agonist. It increases insulin release after a meal and stops gluconeogenesis. It also slows the movement of food through the stomach and stimulates the brain to give a feeling of satiety.

Tirzepatide cost is dependent on whether the product is a brand name or compounded, insurance coverage, the geographic location, and dose/duration of the treatment. The average cost of the treatment is $300-$1,200.

The contraindications of Tirzepatide treatment include a family history of thyroid cancer, allergies to the active ingredient or other GLP-1s, Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type-2 (MEN-2), gallbladder disease, and a history of pancreatitis.

Tirzepatide acts on two receptors, GIP and GLP-1, while several other medications in the class act on the GLP-1 receptor alone. All of them influence blood sugar and appetite, but individual response, tolerance, and side-effect profile differ from person to person. We cover the differences between molecules in detail in our editorial guide.

Yes, tirzepatide can be used for weight loss, particularly in those with obesity of >30 BMI, or >27 BMI plus certain health conditions. However, it is very important to consult with our experienced providers for a tailored and adapted treatment plan.

Those who have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, certain endocrine tumors, liver or kidney conditions, or severe digestive issues should avoid it. Always check with an expert before taking prescription-strength medications.

Changes in appetite are often noticed within the first few weeks, but weight change is gradual. Published trials of FDA-approved tirzepatide products report average reductions of roughly 4% of body weight at one month and 6% at two months, with larger changes over many months at higher doses. These are averages from studies of approved products and are not a prediction of your result. Slower, steadier reduction is generally preferable, as rapid loss is more often associated with hair shedding and skin laxity.

By lowering sugar levels, tirzepatide can have a protective effect on the kidneys in those with high blood sugar/diabetes. However, the effects of appetite suppression and upset stomach, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can also lead to reduced water intake, dehydration, and hence injury to the kidneys. Other causes for possible kidney damage have not been identified yet. Make sure to stay hydrated while on tirzepatide and be monitored by an experienced provider.

Reported averages are in the region of 4–6% of body weight by three months, and many patients are still escalating dose at that point and will see less. Reduction generally continues gradually over the following months. These figures are averages from studies of FDA-approved products, not a prediction of your result. We recommend aiming for steady rather than rapid loss, as fast weight loss more often brings hair shedding and skin laxity.

Some insurance plans cover tirzepatide, especially if it’s prescribed for diabetes, high blood sugar levels, or obesity level of weight status. Coverage varies, so it’s best to check with your provider or your insurance.

Often, to some degree. Research on GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications shows that appetite returns after discontinuation and that a portion of lost weight is commonly regained. This is why the program builds nutrition and activity habits alongside the medication, and why we plan the exit from treatment as carefully as the start.

During tirzepatide therapy, patients commonly experience reduced appetite which can affect protein, fiber, and micronutrient intake. Supportive supplementation — daily multivitamin, vitamin D, magnesium, and adequate protein intake, is recommended for many patients. Specific supplement choices depend on the patient’s baseline labs, dietary pattern, and any pre-existing deficiencies. Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD reviews supplementation as part of the tirzepatide treatment plan at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa.

Tirzepatide is still relatively new, with no long-term studies. For now, some discontinue the medication once they have achieved their goal and try to manage maintenance with diet and exercise. Others however, continue the medication ongoing, sometimes at a lower dose or frequency.

Weight reduction with tirzepatide includes visceral fat surrounding the abdominal organs as well as subcutaneous fat. Where fat is lost first, and in what proportion, varies from person to person — no medication can target fat loss selectively by area.

Best to keep alcohol intake to a minimum due to its ability to cause blood sugar fluctuations, which can cause hypoglycemia. Also important to stay away from fast food, fried meals, processed foods, sugary drinks, or foods void of nutritious ingredients such as fiber, vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats. On the flip side, also avoid being too restrictive on food and water intake as it can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

The clearest benefit-to-risk balance is in patients with type 2 diabetes, or with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above alongside a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure. Treatment for purely cosmetic weight reduction falls outside established labelling. Where a patient raises it, the prescriber will discuss what is and is not supported by evidence before deciding whether treatment is appropriate; a conversation that happens individually, at consultation.

Factors that may be preventing you from losing belly fat while using tirzepatide include time and persistence (it takes time to lose fat around the abdomen), under-dosage (having excessive calorie intake even if from healthy foods), absence of physical activity, high stress or sleep deprivation (leading to increased cortisol), and many other possibilities. Please visit one of our specialized providers for an assessment.

Discontinuation of tirzepatide will cause your appetite to return, which could result in weight re-gain. Your blood sugar levels may also start to rise again. In other words, your body will return to how it was before you started taking the medication unless you consciously make an effort to control your dietary habits and exercise to maintain the same amount of caloric intake/expenditure as when you were taking tirzepatide.

The best injection site for tirzepatide is subcutaneously under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It’s a good idea to rotate their sites to avoid irritation. Tirzepatide Self-Injection Guide

10-15% of patients in tirzepatide clinical trials had elevated liver enzymes, showing the possibility of a negative impact on the liver. However, these effects seem to be mild and reversible when they occur. Studies also show that tirzepatide can potentially decrease liver fat content due to its weight loss effects, possibly improving conditions like fatty liver disease.  Hence. It’s important to monitor patients while taking tirzepatide. 

Hair loss is a common temporary side effect of rapid, significant weight loss, regardless of cause.  Hence, it can be a side effect associated with tirzepatide. 

One of the vitamins to take while using tirzepatide is Vitamin B12, as it plays a key role in fat metabolism, aids in energy production and neurological function, and may improve weight loss.  Vitamin D promotes bone and immunological health and hence may work well with tirzepatide. A multivitamin with omega-3 and a healthy, nutritious diet full of natural fibers, proteins, and fresh vitamins (found in fruits) are also great for overall well-being. 

Direct head-to-head comparisons are limited, and the FDA does not rank medications against one another ; it approves each product for the indications submitted for it. Published trials and clinical experience suggest that dual GIP/GLP-1 action produces greater average weight reduction than GLP-1 action alone for many patients, but tolerance and individual response vary. Your prescriber will make a recommendation based on your history and goals, not on averages.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. They typically appear during dose escalation and decrease over weeks. Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia (when used with insulin/sulfonylureas), kidney injury (with severe dehydration), and retinopathy worsening in patients with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy. Tirzepatide carries a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors and is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD discusses individual risk with each patient at consultation.