Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, board-certified obesity medicine physician
Tirzepatide is the medicine in Zepbound and Mounjaro, and it has become one of the most talked-about treatments for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. If you are in Houston and wondering how to get it, what it costs and whether it is safe, this guide covers the basics.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that activates two hormone receptors involved in appetite and blood sugar: GLP-1 and GIP. It is sold under two brand names:
- Zepbound, approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related conditions, and for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity
- Mounjaro, approved for type 2 diabetes
They contain the same active ingredient. Whether a clinician prescribes one or the other depends on your diagnosis and your insurance situation.
Who may qualify?
Adults are typically considered for tirzepatide for weight loss if they have:
- A BMI of 30 or higher, or
- A BMI of 27 or higher plus a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea
It is not right for everyone. Tell your clinician if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, if you have had pancreatitis, or if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Tirzepatide can also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, so ask about backup contraception.
How much weight can you lose?
In a large clinical trial, adults with obesity taking the highest dose lost about 20 percent of their body weight on average over 72 weeks, while lower doses produced somewhat less. Results vary by person. Diet, activity, sleep and dose all matter.
How dosing works
Treatment starts low and increases slowly to limit side effects. A typical schedule starts at 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks, then increases in steps of 2.5 mg no sooner than every four weeks, with maintenance doses of 5, 10 or 15 mg. Your clinician tailors the plan. You do not need to reach the highest dose to benefit.
Side effects to know about
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation
- Stomach pain, bloating and reflux
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Injection-site reactions
- Rare but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems from dehydration
Most stomach side effects are worst when starting or raising the dose and improve with time. Smaller meals, slower eating, plenty of fluids and avoiding greasy food can help. Call your clinician about severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration.
What does tirzepatide cost in Houston?
The real cost depends on your insurance and how you buy. There are three main scenarios:
- Your plan covers it. Some employer and individual plans cover weight loss medication, often after prior authorization. Your copay depends on your plan.
- Your plan does not cover it. You may pay cash. Manufacturer cash programs exist and can change over time.
- You have diabetes. Coverage for a diabetes medication is generally easier to obtain, but it is only appropriate if you meet the criteria.
At TeleSlim Clinic, the $99 fee covers your video consultation and follow-ups, and medication cash pricing generally falls between $150 and $450 depending on the medication and dose. If your insurance covers weight loss medication, it may help lower your medication cost. Ask about your plan’s requirements before you start.
Getting tirzepatide by telehealth
- Book a free consult to see whether telehealth is a good fit.
- Complete a health questionnaire.
- Meet a clinician by video. They review your history and decide whether tirzepatide is safe and appropriate.
- If prescribed, the prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose.
- Follow up regularly to adjust dose and manage side effects.
We do not use compounded medications. See our GLP medications page and weight loss medications page for other options.
Filling your prescription in Houston
Pharmacy stock of tirzepatide can vary by dose and location. If your usual pharmacy does not have your dose, ask them when they expect it, call another location in your area, or ask your clinician whether to adjust the plan. Never split or change doses on your own.
Beyond the injection
Tirzepatide works best alongside habits that protect your muscle and health:
- Aim for adequate protein at each meal
- Add strength training two or three times a week
- Drink water, and keep an eye on electrolytes if you have frequent vomiting or diarrhea
- Get enough sleep
Your clinician can also discuss what to plan for if you ever stop the medication, since weight regain is common after stopping.
Frequently asked questions
Is tirzepatide the same as Ozempic? No. Ozempic contains semaglutide. Tirzepatide is a different medicine with two hormone targets.
Can I get tirzepatide without insurance? Yes, cash options exist. Costs vary, so ask about your options during your visit.
Do I have to stay on it forever? For many people, obesity is a chronic condition, and weight often returns after stopping. Talk with your clinician about long-term plans.
Is it safe? It is FDA-approved and widely used, but it has real risks and is not appropriate for everyone. A clinician should screen you first.
Ask a Houston clinician
Schedule your free consult, read the FAQs, or learn about Dr. Alatassi.
This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice.
