Important Update: Compounded Tirzepatide Is No Longer Available
If you're searching for compounded tirzepatide in California, you need to know this first:
Compounded tirzepatide is no longer available anywhere in the United States.
The FDA ended sales of compounded tirzepatide on March 19, 2025. Courts upheld this decision in May 2025. This applies to California and every other state.
But here's the good news: You can still access tirzepatide legally through FDA-approved medications. This guide shows you exactly how California residents can get started with legitimate options.
Why Compounded Tirzepatide Was Discontinued
The FDA originally allowed compounded tirzepatide during a temporary supply shortage that began in 2022. When demand for tirzepatide skyrocketed, manufacturer Eli Lilly couldn't keep up with orders.
During this shortage period, compounding pharmacies could legally create their own versions. This gave patients access while supplies were limited.
By late 2024, Eli Lilly resolved the shortage. Manufacturing capacity expanded. FDA-approved versions became readily available again.
Once the shortage ended, the FDA revoked the emergency allowance for compounded versions. The agency cited safety concerns:
• Over 300 adverse event reports linked to compounded tirzepatide
• No FDA oversight of compounded medication purity
• Dosage accuracy couldn't be verified
• Risk of harmful additives or contaminants
• Lack of standardized quality control
Compounding pharmacies challenged the decision in court. The courts sided with the FDA. The ban remains in effect.
Your Legitimate Options for Tirzepatide in California
California residents can still access tirzepatide through two FDA-approved medications:
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide for Type 2 Diabetes)
FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes. When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, Mounjaro helps lower blood sugar levels and may support weight management.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide for Weight Loss)
FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management. When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, Zepbound is indicated for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions.
Both medications contain the same active ingredient: tirzepatide. The difference lies in their FDA-approved indications.
How Tirzepatide Works
Tirzepatide is a dual-action medication. It mimics two natural hormones in your body:
GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
• Helps regulate blood sugar
• Influences how your body stores fat
• May affect feelings of fullness
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
• Slows digestion
• Reduces appetite
• Helps control blood sugar levels
• Signals fullness to your brain
This dual mechanism sets tirzepatide apart from single-action GLP-1 medications like semaglutide.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, tirzepatide may help eligible patients with their weight management goals under medical supervision.
Who May Qualify for Tirzepatide in California
Eligibility varies by individual health factors. Generally, healthcare providers consider tirzepatide for:
For Zepbound (Weight Loss):
• Adults with BMI ≥30 (obesity)
• Adults with BMI ≥27 (overweight) plus at least one weight-related condition
• Weight-related conditions may include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol
For Mounjaro (Type 2 Diabetes):
• Adults with type 2 diabetes
• Used alongside diet and exercise
• May be combined with other diabetes medications
Your healthcare provider will evaluate:
• Your complete medical history
• Current medications
• Pre-existing conditions
• Individual health goals
• Potential risks and benefits
Only a licensed medical provider can determine if tirzepatide is clinically appropriate for your specific situation.
How to Get Started in California: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Schedule a Medical Consultation
You need a prescription from a California-licensed healthcare provider. Options include:
• Your primary care physician
• An endocrinologist or obesity medicine specialist
• A telemedicine weight loss provider licensed in California
DrMed Health offers online consultations with board-certified providers for California residents. When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, we can help you explore FDA-approved weight loss medication options.
Step 2: Complete Your Medical Assessment
Your provider will review:
• Your weight and BMI
• Medical history and current conditions
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Current medications
• Lab work (if needed)
Be honest and thorough. This information helps your provider determine the safest, most appropriate treatment.
Step 3: Receive Your Prescription
If your provider determines tirzepatide is appropriate, they'll send your prescription to a pharmacy. For FDA-approved Mounjaro or Zepbound, you can use:
• Local retail pharmacies
• Mail-order pharmacies
• Specialty pharmacies
Some telemedicine providers coordinate medication delivery directly to your California address.
Step 4: Start Treatment with Medical Supervision
Your provider will explain:
• How to administer injections
• Proper storage requirements
• What to expect
• Potential side effects
• When to contact them
Regular follow-ups are essential. Your provider monitors your progress and adjusts treatment as needed.
Cost Considerations for California Residents
Pricing for FDA-approved tirzepatide varies based on several factors:
Insurance Coverage
• Some insurance plans cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes
• Coverage for Zepbound (weight loss) is less common
• Check with your specific plan
Manufacturer Savings Programs
• Eli Lilly offers savings cards for eligible patients
• Copay assistance may be available
• Restrictions apply based on insurance type
Out-of-Pocket Pricing
• Without insurance or savings programs, FDA-approved tirzepatide can cost $900-$1,200+ per month
• Prices vary by pharmacy and location
• Telemedicine providers may offer bundled pricing
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, DrMed Health's pricing includes both the provider consultation and medication when available.
What to Expect: Side Effects and Safety
All medications carry potential risks. Common side effects of tirzepatide may include:
• Nausea (often temporary)
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Injection site reactions
Most side effects are mild and decrease over time as your body adjusts.
Serious risks may include:
• Thyroid tumors (observed in animal studies)
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe allergic reactions
• Kidney problems
• Changes in vision (for diabetic patients)
Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks and monitor you throughout treatment. Report any concerning symptoms immediately.
Why Choose Legitimate FDA-Approved Options
The FDA approval process exists to protect patient safety. FDA-approved medications undergo:
✓ Rigorous clinical trials with thousands of participants
✓ Quality control and manufacturing standards
✓ Consistent dosing and purity verification
✓ Post-market safety monitoring
✓ Accountability and oversight
Compounded versions lacked these safeguards. The FDA documented over 300 adverse events related to compounded tirzepatide. These included:
• Dosing errors
• Contamination
• Incorrect ingredients
• Inconsistent potency
Choosing FDA-approved Mounjaro or Zepbound means choosing verified safety and efficacy.
How DrMed Health Can Help California Residents
DrMed Health offers California residents convenient access to weight loss medical care:
What We Provide:
• Online consultations with board-certified providers
• Evaluation for FDA-approved weight loss medications
• Ongoing medical supervision and support
• Medication coordination when clinically appropriate
• Flexible telemedicine appointments
Our Process:
- Complete an online assessment (takes about 5 minutes)
- Connect with a California-licensed provider
- Receive personalized treatment recommendations
- Start your journey with medical supervision
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, we focus on safe, legitimate weight loss options that align with FDA guidelines.
Alternative Weight Loss Medication Options
If tirzepatide isn't right for you, other FDA-approved options may be appropriate:
Semaglutide
• GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Available as Wegovy (weight loss) or Ozempic (diabetes)
• Weekly injection
• May be covered by insurance
Other FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications
• Phentermine-topiramate
• Naltrexone-bupropion
• Orlistat
• Liraglutide
Your healthcare provider can discuss which option best fits your medical profile and goals.
Take Your Next Step
Compounded tirzepatide may no longer be available, but effective, safe weight loss options are.
California residents can access FDA-approved tirzepatide through legitimate medical channels. When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro offer clinically-studied approaches to weight management.
Ready to explore your options? Start your free assessment with DrMed Health today.
Our board-certified providers will evaluate your unique situation and recommend the most appropriate path forward. No sign-up required. Takes just 5 minutes.
Visit DrMed Health to learn more about weight loss medication options available in California.
Important Disclaimers
Medically Reviewed: This content has been reviewed for medical accuracy by licensed healthcare providers at DrMed Health. It is intended for educational purposes only.
Educational Purpose: This article provides general information about tirzepatide and weight loss medication options. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Individual results vary based on numerous factors including medical history, adherence, and lifestyle.
No Guarantees: Weight loss outcomes vary by individual. No specific results can be guaranteed. When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, tirzepatide may help eligible patients with weight management under medical supervision.
Medical Supervision Required: Tirzepatide is available only by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your specific health situation.
Eligibility Varies: Not everyone qualifies for tirzepatide or other weight loss medications. Eligibility depends on individual medical factors, health history, and clinical appropriateness as determined by your healthcare provider.
HIPAA Compliance: DrMed Health maintains strict privacy and security standards in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Your health information is protected.
About DrMed Health: We are a telemedicine provider offering online consultations with board-certified healthcare providers. Our team specializes in weight management and metabolic health. Learn more about our credentials and approach.