Tirzepatide is a prescription medicine for chronic weight management. At Conkright Aesthetics, Dr. J. Michael Conkright prescribes it when he decides it suits you, after meeting you in person. He sees every patient himself, and his staff supports you between visits.
What tirzepatide is
Tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1, according to its prescribing information. That makes it different from semaglutide, which acts on GLP-1 alone. Tirzepatide is made by Eli Lilly and Company.
Zepbound: the FDA-approved weight-management product
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults, along with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. Its label also includes treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Zepbound comes as a prefilled pen and, from the manufacturer, in single-dose vials. Dr. Conkright explains the options at your visit.
A note on Mounjaro
Mounjaro is also tirzepatide. Mounjaro is approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Any use of Mounjaro for weight loss is an off-label decision Dr. Conkright makes patient by patient. For most people whose goal is weight loss, Zepbound is the product approved for that use.
How it is given
Zepbound is a once-weekly injection under the skin. Per the prescribing information, the dose starts low and is raised in steps over time. Dr. Conkright sets your schedule at the visit. We do not publish doses here, because they are decided for each patient.
Before you leave, our staff shows you how to give the injection.
Side effects
According to the prescribing information, the most common side effects of tirzepatide are digestive: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion and similar effects.
The label also warns about less common but serious problems, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems related to dehydration, and serious allergic reactions. It carries a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, seen in rodent studies. It should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or with MEN 2.
The Zepbound label also notes that it may make birth control pills taken by mouth less effective for a time, and describes what to do. Tell Dr. Conkright about every medicine you take.
This is not a full list. See our side effects and safety page.
Who may be a candidate
According to the Zepbound label, it is approved for adults with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition.
A number alone does not decide it. Everyone who joins must pass the practice's criteria: an in-person first visit, a health screen, and Dr. Conkright's medical judgment. He reviews your health history, your medicines and your goals before he prescribes anything.
Compounded tirzepatide
Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review compounded medicines for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are dispensed.
In our program, compounded tirzepatide is used only for a small number of patients. Dr. Conkright prescribes it only when he determines that a particular patient has a specific medical need for it. It is prepared by a state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy for that one patient and shipped overnight to the patient.
It is not a brand-name product and is not sold under any brand name. For most patients, an FDA-approved medicine is the plan. Our compounded vs. brand-name page explains the difference.
How to start
- Request a consultation online or call our office.
- Meet Dr. Conkright in person in Evansville.
- Complete the health screen.
- If the program fits, leave with a plan, and a prescription or your first medicine when he decides it is appropriate.
Fees are on our cost page. More detail is on how to start. Comparing options? Read about semaglutide and weight loss pills.
Questions
What is the difference between tirzepatide and Zepbound?
Tirzepatide is the medicine. Zepbound is the FDA-approved brand-name product containing it that is approved for chronic weight management.
Can I get Mounjaro for weight loss?
Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Any use of it for weight loss is an off-label decision Dr. Conkright makes patient by patient.
How is tirzepatide different from semaglutide?
Per the prescribing information, tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1), while semaglutide acts on GLP-1. Which is right for you is Dr. Conkright's decision at the visit.
Is tirzepatide available as a pill?
No. Tirzepatide is given by injection. If you prefer a pill, see our weight loss pills page.
What are the common side effects?
According to the label, the most common are digestive effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation.
Do you offer compounded tirzepatide?
Only for a small number of patients, when Dr. Conkright determines a specific medical need. It is not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review it for safety, effectiveness or quality before it is dispensed.
Do I need to come in?
Yes. The first visit is in person, and Dr. Conkright sees you himself.