Weight Management with Compounded Tirzepatide:
Week 1
Welcome to the start of your journey towards better health and well-being with Tirzepatide. Each week for the first five weeks of your weight management program, you will receive guidance and support to help you achieve lifestyle changes for long-term success.
Losing weight is more than just what you eat and how much you move. During the weight management essential series, we explore factors that may influence your health goals and suggest ways to reflect, adjust, and ultimately modify habits for lifetime change.
Led by Accredited Practising Dietitians, Nutritionists, Weight Management Nurses and Health Practitioners, our program focuses on behaviour modification through nutrition and movement education, understanding changeable and non-changeable factors and setting realistic health outcomes goals.
Our weight management program follows a health-first approach. We encourage positive behaviour change that focuses on your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing rather than merely the numbers on the scale or the measuring tape around your waist.
First things first – Your weight management program
By getting to this point and starting this program, we know you’re committed to making positive changes. During your weight management treatment, we will focus on improving your physical and mental health, increasing your quality of life and supporting you to create realistic goals. Achieving a 5-10% body weight loss can improve health risk factors, energy, activities of daily living, and overall physical and mental functioning.
We will commit to working with you to achieve sustainable lifestyle changes; in return, we ask you to commit to implementing these strategies and believing in yourself to do so.
You’ll have regular follow-up consultations with your clinician, usually every four weeks during the first couple of months, then every 6-8 weeks after that. These consultations are a vital part of your program, as they enable your clinician to understand your progress, adapt your treatment plan if necessary, and provide you with personalised lifestyle advice. They’re also a great opportunity to chat about any side effects, hurdles or worries you may have and when your clinician can check your medication dosage and arrange for your next repeat prescription.
You will receive email and SMS notifications at set times to complete your review questionnaire and book your next consultation. It’s essential you complete these steps within a few days of receiving a notification. This ensures your treatment plan is updated and your next supply of medication is promptly dispensed and delivered to your door, helping you to stay on track and never run out of your medication.
Don’t worry about tracking when your next consultation is due; we’ve got that covered! We’ll send you notifications, so all you’ll need to do is complete the questionnaire, attend the telehealth consultation, and accept and pay for your next treatment.
Example: Program Guidelines
After each consultation, if your treatment plan is working well for you, your clinician will arrange your next prescription. To ensure a continuous supply of medication, we encourage you to promptly complete your renewal questionnaires and attend your follow-up appointments. Staying connected with your clinical plays a vital role in our weight management program, enabling us to offer the support and guidance needed to help you reach your health and wellbeing goals. Your commitment to these steps will make a positive impact on your journey.
Now, let’s explore your treatment information
A QR code card will be provided in your monthly orders, so you will always have it on hand. Scan the QR code to read our comprehensive Tirzepatide Guide. Refer to this resource throughout your program, as it contains important information about your medication and weight management program.
You can also access your eBook here for more information about using Tirzepatide for weight management
How does Tirzepatide work?
The active ingredient in Tirzepatide is manufactured from the naturally occurring GIP hormone. As a ‘dual agonist’, Tirzepatide activates two incretin hormone receptors – Glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP).
Tirzepatide is an injectable GLP-1/GIP medication that modifies blood glucose and insulin levels to control metabolism. It also delays gastric emptying, which enables you to feel fuller for longer, helping to suppress appetite.
Whilst Tirzepatide is primarily used in diabetic care, there is strong research and evidence to support the medication’s effectiveness in managing weight for non-diabetic populations.
Dosing Schedule
When using Tirzepatide as a weight management treatment, the dosing schedule is not the same as glycaemic control for people with diabetes. The evidence suggests a maximum 5.0mg weekly dose will likely support up to 15% weight loss when combined with nutrition, movement and lifestyle changes.
Starting this medication on a 2.5mg weekly dose for at least four weeks is important. This allows the body to adjust to the medication gradually, reducing the risk of common side effects.
During your first renewal consultation (2-3 weeks after you commence treatment), your clinician may increase your next month’s supply to the 5.0mg weekly dose if you tolerate the medication well. Your progress is very individual, and there is no rush or need to increase more quickly. It’s all about listening to your body and adjusting your treatment to suit your needs.
Increasing your dose too quickly will not accelerate weight loss; however, it may increase your risk of common side effects. Some people may not achieve the maximum dose due to intolerable side effects, such as nausea, but continue to lose weight and achieve their weight loss goals on maintenance therapy with a lower dose. Your clinician will manage your dosage with you and ensure you reach a safe dose with the best weight loss goals.
What’s in your monthly order?
Your delivery will arrive in discreet packaging from our contactless courier partners. It will require immediate refrigeration. If your medication cannot be refrigerated, it can be stored below 30℃ for up to 45 days. Discard any unused medication after 45 days. In each order, you will receive:
Medication Information
Amid the ongoing global shortages of commercially branded Tirzepatide medications, we’ve established a collaboration with leading compounding pharmacies in Australia. This means, your medication is a bespoke solution to support your ongoing treatment plan when commercial supply is unavailable.
We have partnered with trusted Australian pharmacies who are recognised leaders in producing compounded medications. They are renowned for their commitment to quality and stringent safety measures, ensuring their compounded medications are consistently safe, effective, and of high quality. The process of compounding medications is conducted by trained pharmacists and technicians, using specific equipment in purpose built and externally accredited sterile laboratory facilities.
What does this mean?
The medication will not come in the commercially branded trade pack, but instead be supplied in prefilled syringes by our trusted pharmacy partner. This means your medication will already be inside the syringes with the needles attached. Each syringe is a single use only and will be compounded specifically for you and based on your current prescription. We only prescribe 2.5mg or 5.0mg strengths of Tirzepatide for weight management treatment. This is based on scientific evidence and clinical best practice for effective and sustainable weight loss medication support protocols.
Administering your weekly injections
When taking any medication, it’s important to follow administration instructions to ensure your safety and to make sure the treatment is effective.
Compounded Tirzepatide is a subcutaneous (under the skin) injectable medication. It is administered by using the prefilled single-use syringe needles. It must not be injected into a vein or muscle, but instead injected into the fatty tissue just below the skin on either your stomach or thigh area. Follow the below steps for the correct administration of this medication.
If you require any further clarification or assistance, review your Tirzepatide e-booklet, Consumer Information Sheet (CMI), or contact our Patient support or medical team through your patient portal.
Important things to know
Medications | If you are taking any medications that are slow-release, quickly absorbed in the stomach or have a narrow therapeutic index (like warfarin or oral contraception), Tirzepatide could affect how these work. Discuss this with your clinician or seek advice from your GP. |
Contraception | For four weeks when starting Tirzepatide and four weeks after each dose escalation, consider switching to a non-oral contraceptive method or adding a barrier method of contraception. Due to Tirzepatide delaying gastric emptying, the effectiveness of oral contraception may be reduced, increasing the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. |
Pregnancy | Tirzepatide should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If planning to start a family, stop taking at least two months prior. Cease taking Tirzepatide if you become pregnant. |
Dehydration | Increase water intake to avoid dehydration, particularly when first commencing Tirzepatide. This will also support digestion, metabolism and energy levels. |
Sharps Container | Dispose of ALL used syringes and needles in the provided sharps container. Do not put these in general waste. Check your local council to find the closest locations to dispose of filled containers. |
Side Effect Management
When starting a new medication or changing treatments, it’s common to experience some side effects. Tirzepatide is known to have fewer and milder side effects than other GLP-1 medications. Side effects mainly occur due to the body adjusting to the medication’s active ingredient, which mimics the body’s natural hormone. Common side effects usually subside within a few days after each injection and will lessen over time. Here are a few helpful tips to manage any side effects you may experience.
Nausea
Feeling nauseous or sick as a side effect of weight loss medication can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. It may feel like you are on the verge of vomiting, or your stomach is upset, uneasy or slightly uncomfortable. You may feel weak or tired and have a loss of appetite. If you do experience nausea, some things that may help include:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals: This can help keep your stomach from feeling too empty, which can help reduce feelings of nausea.
- Avoiding fatty or spicy foods: These foods can irritate your stomach and worsen nausea, so it’s best to avoid them and choose bland-type foods.
- Staying hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
- Trying ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nausea and is available in ginger tea, ginger travel calm products or gingernut biscuits.
- Lifestyle behaviours: Try not to lie down after you eat, and go outside to get some fresh air during the day.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea occurs when the food and fluids you consume move too quickly through the digestive system, preventing the body from absorbing water and nutrients properly, leading to loose or watery stools. Diarrhoea can be accompanied by abdominal cramping, bloating, and dehydration. Dietary changes that may help reduce these symptoms:
- Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration. Water, sports drinks, and clear broths are good options to drink regularly.
- Incorporating fibre: Adding more foods with fibre can help bulk up your stools and support the easy-passing of stools through the digestive system. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Avoiding trigger foods: Certain foods can make symptoms worse, such as dairy products, fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. It’s best to avoid these foods until your symptoms improve.
Flu-like symptoms
Some patients experience mild flu-like symptoms, typically 2-3 days after their first injection. This may include symptoms which resemble a common cold or flu, such as upper respiratory congestion, body aches, chills, fever and fatigue. These symptoms are often temporary and will resolve within a few days. To reduce the severity of this side effect:
- Stay hydrated: Ensure you have adequate fluid intake throughout the day and avoid dehydration. Regular drinks throughout the day will help reduce symptoms.
- Rest is best: Try to preserve energy by listening to your body and adjust your daily activities to suit. Be kind to yourself and let your body rest when you can.
- Monitor symptoms: It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if these symptoms persist or worsen.
Things to look out for
Like all treatments, it’s important to monitor for more serious side effects and act quickly if they occur. Serious side effects with Tirzepatide can occur, but they aren’t common.
If you experience severe pain in the stomach and back that does not go away, extreme nausea or vomiting or an allergic reaction (rapid swelling of neck, face, mouth or throat), contact your regular GP or visit your nearest emergency department immediately.
Please review the consumer medication information guide for more information about the risks of all side effects and become familiar with things to look out for and how to manage them.
Your focus for Week One
As you start your journey with Tirzepatide, ensure you are comfortable administering the medication correctly. If you have any questions, reach out to Patient Support.
Remember, this is just the beginning, and it’s important to set realistic goals and expectations beyond your weight. Consider what changes you can make to improve your quality of life and identify ways to incorporate these changes. Start small and link these goals to lifestyle benefits. Some examples to try are:
- Increasing your fitness by using the stairs instead of the lift,
- Prioritising more sleep by going to bed earlier,
- Eating more fruit and vegetables to support better digestion,
- Buying a water bottle and drinking more to reduce dehydration,
- Aiming to enjoy 15-30 minutes of movement a day to help boost your metabolism,
- Trying one new recipe that you cook at home to start adjusting your food choices,
- Creating a better mind/body connection by stretching each time you stand.
If you add some changes during your first week, keep track of the little things you do and assess how you feel each time. There is no right or wrong way; the key is to start and adjust as required to help meet your goals.
If you’re comfortable, including your family or friends is a great way to share your experiences and ask for any support you may need. Above all, be kind to yourself – this week is all about working towards setting yourself up for success. You’ve got this!
Disclaimer: This is an educational resource exclusively for patients participating in the youly weight management program. It is designed to support medication knowledge and encourage sustainable behavioural changes to support your health and wellbeing. This material is not to be reproduced, transferred, or shared outside of the prescribed use within the program. Unauthorised use or distribution is strictly prohibited. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised medical advice.
