Compound Tirzepatide Dose Calculator and Titration ScheduleActive ingredient: Tirzepatide
Quick answer: Compound Tirzepatide (tirzepatide) titrates from 2.5 mg at week 1 to a 15 mg maintenance dose once weekly subcutaneously. At the ASCEND standard 15 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water reconstitution (15 mg/mL), the 15 mg target dose equals 1 mL or 100 IU on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
15 mg tirzepatide on a 100-unit insulin syringe
Fast facts
Active
Tirzepatide
Maker
Compounding pharmacies (503A / 503B)
FDA Approval
Not FDA-approved as finished product
Indication
Research / off-label use only. Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product.
Form
Lyophilized vial (commonly 10 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg) + bacteriostatic water. Standard ASCEND default: 15 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water = 15 mg/mL.
Titration schedule
Phase
Dose
Volume
IU (100u)
Week 1-4
2.5 mg
0.167 mL
16.7 IU
Week 5-8
5 mg
0.333 mL
33.3 IU
Week 9-12
7.5 mg
0.5 mL
50 IU
Week 13-16
10 mg
0.667 mL
66.7 IU
Week 17-20
12.5 mg
0.833 mL
83.3 IU
Week 21+
15 mg
1 mL
100 IU
Efficacy in clinical trials
Same active molecule as Mounjaro/Zepbound; clinical efficacy tracks brand product when correctly compounded.
Side effects timeline
Same as branded tirzepatide. Compounding-pharmacy variability is the dominant additional risk; verify Certificate of Analysis.
Cost and access
Historically $250 to $500 / month from 503A pharmacies during the FDA shortage. The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage resolved in late 2024, restricting routine compounding.
Important. Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. The FDA declared the brand-product shortage resolved in 2024 to early 2025, narrowing the legal scope for 503A compounding. Always verify the Certificate of Analysis from the supplying pharmacy and consult a qualified clinician.
What is the standard Compound Tirzepatide titration schedule?
Compound Tirzepatide starts at 2.5 mg once weekly and steps up over 24 weeks to a maintenance dose of 15 mg once weekly. The slow ramp reduces GI side effects.
How long does it take to reach the target Compound Tirzepatide dose?
6 titration steps of about four weeks each, so approximately 24 weeks (roughly 6 months) from the first injection to maintenance. Researchers can extend any single step if side effects are limiting.
How do I reconstitute compounded tirzepatide?
Standard ASCEND default: add 1 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 15 mg lyophilized vial, yielding 15 mg/mL. A 15 mg target dose then equals 1 mL, which is 100 IU on a 100-unit U-100 insulin syringe. Always verify the vial's Certificate of Analysis before use.
What are the common side effects of Compound Tirzepatide?
Same as branded tirzepatide. Compounding-pharmacy variability is the dominant additional risk; verify Certificate of Analysis.
Is Compound Tirzepatide the same as Mounjaro?
Zepbound and Mounjaro are both tirzepatide. Mounjaro is approved for Type 2 diabetes; Zepbound is approved for weight management. The titration ladder (2.5 to 15 mg over 21+ weeks) is identical.
For research informational use only. Not medical advice. Compound Tirzepatide is compounded by 503A or 503B pharmacies and is not an FDA-approved finished drug product. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any clinical decision. ASCEND, ascendpeptide.org