On October 2nd 2024, the tirzepatide shortage being “resolved” on the FDA website rippled across national news, and rightfully so. A tirzepatide shortage resolution would mean that compounded tirzepatide would no longer be able to be supplied in the US, impacting over 1,000,000 patients who are currently using it to assist with their health journeys.
While the FDA has paused their resolution for now and compounding of tirzepatide is still allowed to take place for the time being, we want to ensure that we help those who may be impacted in the future to be well prepared.
At Fella Health, we help patients with GLP-1 weight loss medication like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide. That said, we have extensive experience in guiding patients who are making the switch from one to the other. We’ll outline exactly how in this article.
Is one able to safely switch between these two medications? The short answer is, “Yes.” We’ll outline both of these treatments briefly before discussing switching over:
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist administered just once per week. It helps manage diabetes and weight by boosting insulin sensitivity, reducing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying.
Studies show semaglutide lowers HbA1c levels and helps with weight loss. It’s quickly become one of the go-to medications that many clinicians are prescribing across the country due to its efficacy.
Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist acting on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, and is also administered once per week. This unique design helps regulate glucose better than GLP-1 (single receptor agonist) therapies, and has rocketed in popularity due to its efficacy in managing obesity and regulating A1c levels.
Switching from Tirzepatide to Semaglutide, as previously stated, needs to be done under guidance from your healthcare provider. They should shepherd you through this change safely and effectively. They will look at your current dosage, other medications that you’re taking, and ultimately determine which dosage to start you off at before switching you to semaglutide. In most cases, you shouldn’t have to start all the way back at the beginning dosage of semaglutide if you’re at one of the higher dosages of tirzepatide.
During the switch, you'll likely need to check in with your provider more frequently than usual. They will watch how you're doing and adjust your dosage if needed, largely dependent on your response and how well you’re tolerating the semaglutide. Patient/provider collaboration will make the transition as seamless as possible, helping you get the most out of Semaglutide, while not disrupting your journey!
At Fella Health, we specialize in helping our patients shift from one medication to the other with these high touchpoints. Our team of healthcare experts will guide and support you every step of the way.
Switching from Tirzepatide to Semaglutide can yield several benefits, especially when compared to coming off of a GLP-1 altogether. Patients could see sustained weight loss, blood sugar control, and an improvement in overall health over time by making the switch!
Looking at semaglutide and tirzepatide, we find some similarities and some differences:
Mechanism of Action
Dosing Schedule
Efficacy in Weight Loss
Common Side Effects
Knowing these differences helps to highlight the similarities between both treatments. Making the switch to semaglutide when and if compounded tirzepatide becomes inaccessible is what we’re here to help with. Another solution is to explore brand name tirzepatide, and if you have coverage for it. We’ve got you covered there as well.
Switching from tirzepatide to semaglutide can greatly help individuals interested in sustaining their health journeys with the assistance of a GLP-1. It's important to know the differences and benefits of each GLP-1 treatment and make the decision that’s most aligned with your goals!
For those facing this switch, we would love to assist. We can guide you through the process with the aforementioned high touch points, even if you’re joining us from a different GLP-1 provider. We’re here to help!
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