Important Update: Compounded Tirzepatide Is No Longer Available
As of March 2025, compounded tirzepatide is not available in California or anywhere in the United States.
The FDA ended the temporary allowance for compounded versions after the manufacturer resolved the medication shortage. This change affects all U.S. states, including California.
If you're researching compounded tirzepatide options, this guide explains what happened and shows you the legitimate paths to access tirzepatide today.
What Compounded Tirzepatide Was (And Why It Existed)
Compounded tirzepatide was a pharmacy-made version of the weight loss medication tirzepatide.
Between 2022 and 2024, demand for tirzepatide far exceeded supply. The manufacturer couldn't produce enough to meet patient needs.
During shortages, the FDA allows specially licensed compounding pharmacies to create versions of medications. This temporary exception helps patients continue treatment when the FDA-approved drug isn't available.
Compounded versions differed from FDA-approved medications:
• Produced by individual pharmacies, not pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Not subject to the same FDA oversight and testing
• Often cost $200-$400 per month versus $1,000+ for brand versions
• Quality and potency could vary between pharmacies
• Lacked the extensive safety data of approved medications
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, compounded medications served as a bridge during the shortage period.
Why Compounded Tirzepatide Ended
In late 2024, Eli Lilly (the manufacturer) expanded production capacity significantly.
By early 2025, the FDA determined the shortage was resolved. With adequate supply of FDA-approved tirzepatide available, the temporary allowance for compounding ended.
The FDA cited safety concerns:
• Over 300 adverse events reported from compounded tirzepatide
• Difficulty verifying dosage accuracy across different compounding pharmacies
• Potential for contamination or improper ingredients
• Lack of standardized quality control
Courts upheld the FDA's decision in May 2025. The ruling confirmed that compounding pharmacies must stop producing tirzepatide.
Current Legitimate Options for California Residents
Today, only FDA-approved tirzepatide products are legally available:
Mounjaro (For Type 2 Diabetes)
Approved for: Adults with type 2 diabetes
How it works: Weekly injection that helps control blood sugar
Coverage: Often covered by insurance for diabetes treatment
Zepbound (For Weight Loss)
Approved for: Weight management in adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions
How it works: Weekly injection that reduces appetite and slows digestion
Cost: $1,000+ per month without insurance or savings programs
Both medications require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, these FDA-approved options provide the safety and quality assurance that compounded versions couldn't guarantee.
How to Access Tirzepatide in California in 2026
Getting a legitimate tirzepatide prescription follows a clear process:
Step 1: Medical Evaluation
Connect with a licensed healthcare provider through:
• Telehealth platforms like DrMed Health
• In-person medical clinics
• Your primary care physician
The provider reviews your medical history, weight loss goals, and eligibility.
Step 2: Eligibility Assessment
Tirzepatide is typically prescribed when:
• BMI is 30 or higher (obesity), OR
• BMI is 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions
• You have no contraindications for GLP-1 medications
• Previous weight loss attempts haven't achieved lasting results
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, eligibility criteria ensure the medication is safe and suitable for your specific situation.
Start your free assessment to see if FDA-approved tirzepatide may be right for you.
Step 3: Prescription and Access
If eligible, your provider writes a prescription for Mounjaro or Zepbound.
You can fill the prescription through:
• Your local pharmacy
• Specialty mail-order pharmacies
• Telehealth programs with pharmacy delivery
Insurance coverage varies. Some plans cover Mounjaro for diabetes but not Zepbound for weight loss.
Step 4: Ongoing Medical Supervision
Safe use requires regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to:
• Monitor side effects and adjust treatment
• Track progress and effectiveness
• Ensure proper injection technique
• Address any concerns or questions
Watch Out for Outdated Information
Some California clinics and websites still advertise "compounded tirzepatide" in early 2026.
These listings are not current. They likely weren't updated after the March 2025 regulatory change.
Red flags that indicate outdated or non-compliant information:
• Advertising compounded tirzepatide availability
• Significantly lower prices than FDA-approved versions
• Claims about "shortage alternatives" or "compounding pharmacy options"
• No mention of FDA approval status
Any provider offering compounded tirzepatide today is either unaware of current regulations or operating outside legal guidelines.
Savings Options for FDA-Approved Tirzepatide
The higher cost of FDA-approved versions is a real concern for California residents.
Legitimate ways to reduce costs:
Manufacturer Savings Programs
Eli Lilly offers savings cards that can lower monthly costs for eligible patients. Check their official website for current programs.
Insurance Prior Authorization
Work with your provider to submit documentation showing medical necessity. Some insurers will cover tirzepatide with proper justification.
Telehealth Programs
Some online weight loss programs negotiate better pricing or offer payment plans for FDA-approved medications.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, exploring legitimate cost-saving options helps make treatment more accessible.
What California Residents Should Know
California has strict regulations around prescription medications and telehealth.
Your rights as a patient:
• Prescriptions must come from a provider licensed in California
• You have the right to know whether a medication is FDA-approved or compounded
• Pharmacies must be licensed and in good standing
• You should receive clear information about costs before starting treatment
DrMed Health connects California residents with licensed medical providers who follow current regulations and prescribe only FDA-approved weight loss medications.
The Bottom Line on Tirzepatide Access in California
Compounded tirzepatide is no longer available anywhere in the United States, including California.
The only legal way to access tirzepatide in 2026 is through FDA-approved Mounjaro or Zepbound with a valid prescription.
While FDA-approved versions cost more than compounded options did, they provide:
• Consistent quality and potency
• Extensive safety testing and monitoring
• FDA oversight and manufacturing standards
• Clear labeling and dosing information
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, FDA-approved tirzepatide offers a medically supervised path to weight management with proper safety guarantees.
Ready to explore legitimate weight loss options? Take our free assessment to connect with a California-licensed provider who can evaluate whether FDA-approved tirzepatide or other treatments may be right for you.
Related Resources
• Complete Guide to Medical Weight Loss in 2026
• Understanding GLP-1 Medications
• Online Weight Loss Doctors in California
Medical Review & Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information about medication availability and regulations is current as of February 2026. Eligibility for weight loss medications varies by individual health status and must be determined by a licensed healthcare provider. When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, prescription weight loss medications require ongoing medical supervision. No guarantees of specific results can be made. DrMed Health connects patients with licensed medical providers who evaluate eligibility on a case-by-case basis. All patient information is protected under HIPAA regulations.
For questions about our medical team's credentials, visit our About page.