Maintenance dose
The ongoing target dose a clinician settles on, often 10–15 mg, where most of treatment occurs.
Plain-language definitions for the pricing, pharmacy and telehealth terms used across this site.
A tirzepatide preparation made by a licensed pharmacy for an individual prescription. It is not an FDA-approved finished drug product, unlike brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound.
A state-licensed compounding pharmacy that prepares medications for individually identified patients pursuant to a prescription.
An FDA-registered facility that may compound in larger batches under stricter cGMP standards similar to manufacturers.
A model where the monthly price is the same across every eligible dose (dose-independent). The price at 2.5 mg equals the price at 15 mg.
A model where the monthly price increases as your prescribed dose increases.
The low initial dose (commonly 2.5 mg weekly) at which most patients begin before titrating upward.
The ongoing target dose a clinician settles on, often 10–15 mg, where most of treatment occurs.
The gradual stepping-up of dose over weeks to months as tolerated.
A lab document confirming the identity, potency and purity of a compounded batch. Reputable programs provide one on request.
Paying out of pocket rather than through insurance. Compounded tirzepatide is generally cash-pay, often HSA/FSA-eligible.
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts — pre-tax funds often usable for eligible cash-pay medical costs; confirm eligibility.
Evaluation and prescribing by a clinician licensed in your state via video, phone or compliant asynchronous review.
A finished drug product the FDA has reviewed and authorized. For tirzepatide, only brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound (Eli Lilly) are FDA-approved.
Use of a medication for a purpose not in its approved labeling, at a clinician's discretion.
An insurer's requirement to approve coverage before paying for a medication — relevant mainly to brand-name, not cash-pay compounded.
The FDA's official list of drugs in shortage. Compounding of copies is generally permitted only under specific conditions, and shortage status affects those conditions.
The estimated 12-month total at a typical maintenance dose, including any dose-based increases plus visits, labs and shipping.