Microdose is built for three specific patients: (1) women starting their first GLP-1/GIP medication who want the gentlest possible on-ramp, (2) patients who tried standard tirzepatide and had significant nausea, fatigue, or GI distress, and (3) smaller-frame or medication-sensitive women who respond strongly to lower doses. It delivers the same dual GLP-1 + GIP mechanism as full-dose tirzepatide — just at a starting concentration tuned to minimize side effects.

Yes. Even sub-therapeutic tirzepatide doses produce measurable appetite suppression because GIP and GLP-1 receptors respond at lower concentrations than the clinical trial maximum. Most microdose patients see steady 1–2 pound weekly loss in the first few months. Your provider can titrate you upward over time if you want to accelerate results, or keep you at a gentle maintenance level if your progress is on track.

Both are lower-concentration compounded GLP-1 therapies, but tirzepatide microdose still hits two receptors (GLP-1 + GIP) while semaglutide microdose only activates one. That means even at a microdose, tirzepatide tends to produce a slightly stronger effect on food noise, cravings, and fat metabolism. Your provider will help decide which fits your body, history, and goals best during intake.

Plan for mild nausea, reduced appetite, occasional constipation, and possible fatigue during the first 1–2 weeks — usually gentler than what patients report on full-dose tirzepatide. Side effects fade as your body adjusts. Eat smaller meals, stay hydrated, and message your provider through the Patient Portal if anything feels off. They can slow titration or pause a dose if needed.

Tirzepatide microdose is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection — same day every week, any time of day, with or without food. The needle is tiny and the injection takes under 30 seconds. Your first shipment includes medication, syringes, alcohol swabs, a sharps container, and a step-by-step guide. Your care team can walk you through your first injection by video if you’d like.

Do not use if you or a family member has medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, or if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide. Tirzepatide may also reduce oral contraceptive effectiveness — discuss backup contraception with your provider. See our Important Safety Information page for the full list of contraindications and warnings.