We are no longer prescribing compounded tirzeptatide. We only offer Zepbound. Please CLICK HERE to learn about our Zepbound program.
The Premium Benefits With Our Weight Loss Programs
The Supplies We Provide:
- Monthly provider visits
- 24/7 on call provider
- Diet Plan that works well with medication
- Exercise plan that works well with medication
- Caddy
- Syringes
- Bandaids
- Alcohol pads
- Gauze
At NW Face & Body, we understand that medical weight management can be a challenging journey. In Bellevue and Kirkland, one option patients can choose is a compounded combination of tirzepatide with levocarnitine. Below, you will find essential information about how these agents may work together, potential benefits, considerations, and important safety points. We emphasize that this combined formulation is not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should be approached with caution under qualified medical guidance.
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is an injectable medication originally developed and approved to help adults with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control¹. Activating two important hormone pathways—GLP-1 and GIP receptors—can also reduce appetite and support weight loss in some individuals². In 2023, the FDA approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management in patients with obesity or overweight who have weight-related conditions³.
How It Works
- Dual Incretin Receptor Agonist: Tirzepatide stimulates the body’s natural incretin hormones, leading to more controlled insulin release after meals while reducing excess glucose production.
- Appetite Suppression: Tirzepatide slows gastric emptying and helps regulate hunger signals, which can lower daily caloric intake².
Potential Weight-Loss Effects
Clinical research suggests that many patients experience clinically significant weight loss while on tirzepatide². Results can vary, but studies have reported average reductions of over 15% in body weight when combined with a balanced diet and exercise plan⁴.
What Is Levocarnitine?
Levocarnitine (L-carnitine) is a substance that helps the body transport fatty acids into cells so they can be burned for energy⁵. In medical practice, prescription levocarnitine treats carnitine deficiency conditions. It is also widely available as a supplement.
Why Add Levocarnitine?
- Fat Metabolism Support: Levocarnitine helps shuttle fats into mitochondria for energy production⁵.
- Potential Muscle Preservation: During weight loss, some professionals theorize that levocarnitine may support lean muscle mass and help reduce fatigue, though robust clinical evidence in combination with tirzepatide is limited⁶.
The Compounded Combination
Compounded tirzepatide with levocarnitine is custom-prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy. A pharmacist mixes the two ingredients into one formulation, often as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved.
Reasons for Compounding
- Customization: A compounded dose can be tailored if a patient requires a non-standard strength or has an ingredient sensitivity.
- Single Injection: Combining these two agents can reduce the need for multiple separate injections.
- Potential Add-On Benefits: While tirzepatide drives the primary effect, levocarnitine is sometimes included to possibly aid in fat metabolism.5,6
However, compounding does not confer FDA approval. No clinical trials have conclusively shown that adding levocarnitine to tirzepatide provides a more significant weight reduction than tirzepatide alone.
Important Regulatory Status
- FDA Approval: Tirzepatide as a standalone medication is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and certain cases of chronic weight management1,3, but compounded tirzepatide with levocarnitine is not.
- Quality & Legality: During past shortages, the FDA allowed limited compounding of certain medications under specific guidelines⁷. At present, compounding tirzepatide must meet strict criteria and should only be done if medically justified⁷.
- Off-Label Use: Even though tirzepatide is authorized for weight management, combining it with levocarnitine in a single product is considered off-label.
Safety and Side Effects
Like any medication, tirzepatide and levocarnitine can cause side effects on their own. Patients using a compounded version may experience similar or additive effects.
Tirzepatide-Related
- Common GI Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are frequently reported².
- Dose-Dependent Tolerability: Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing (titrating) can help reduce gastrointestinal issues.
- Rare but Serious Risks: Pancreatitis and potential thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies⁸. Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should avoid tirzepatide².
Levocarnitine-Related
- Fishy Body Odor: Some people experience a mild, “fishy” smell in sweat or breath due to carnitine metabolism⁶.
- GI Upset: Nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
Compounded Medication Concerns
- Potency & Purity: Compounded drugs do not undergo premarket FDA checks. Potency, purity, and consistency can vary if not prepared according to strict standards⁷.
- Dosing Errors: Multi-dose vials may increase the risk of mistakes if inaccurately measured. Always follow clear instructions on injection technique.
- Adverse Event Reporting: The FDA has received reports of severe gastrointestinal issues and dosing errors with compounded GLP-1 receptor agonists⁷.
Tirzepatide in Bellevue & Kirkland at NW Face & Body
If you are considering tirzepatide in Bellevue or tirzepatide in Kirkland, NW Face & Body may discuss this approach as part of a medically supervised weight management program. We prioritize patient safety and adhere to strict standards:
- Medical Oversight: Our licensed providers will evaluate your medical history, risks, and weight management goals before recommending any medication.
- Informed Consent: We ensure you understand that compounded tirzepatide with levocarnitine is not FDA-approved, and we will outline all potential risks and benefits.
- State-Licensed Pharmacies: We only collaborate with reputable compounders that follow appropriate guidelines for sterile injections.
- Diet & Exercise Programs: We offer diet and exercise programs to help you optimize the medication and support your weight loss.
- Monitoring & Support: Should you proceed with this therapy, we offer regular follow-up visits, dose adjustments, and side effect management.
- Lifestyle Integration: Medication alone is not a magic solution. We emphasize nutritional counseling, exercise plans, and behavior modification to support long-term success.
Is This Option Right for You?
Compounded tirzepatide with levocarnitine might be an option if:
- You are obese or overweight with weight-related health conditions.
- You cannot tolerate or access standard tirzepatide products under certain circumstances.
- You and your physician decide you could benefit from adding levocarnitine’s metabolic support.
However, it is essential to weigh possible benefits against this combination’s lack of FDA oversight. Some patients may do well with FDA-approved weight loss medications or direct lifestyle interventions.
Consultation and Next Steps
If you live or work in Bellevue or Kirkland and are considering tirzepatide for weight management, NW Face & Body offers comprehensive assessments to determine if compounded tirzepatide with levocarnitine is appropriate for you. Our team will guide you through:
- Initial Evaluation: We review your medical background, weight history, and any concurrent conditions.
- Diet & Exercise Plans: We design a plan to help you make the most of the medication, which may include dietary guidance, exercise recommendations, and medication when indicated.
- Medication Access & Instruction: If prescribed, you will receive thorough instructions on how to use the compounded injection safely.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Through regular check-ins, we track your progress, manage dosage adjustments, and address any side effects.
- 24/7 Access to On-Call Providers: When you use our program, you’ll have 24/7 access to our on-call providers.
Contact Us To Schedule Your Consultation Today!
To learn more about tirzepatide in Bellevue or tirzepatide in Kirkland, contact NW Face & Body. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your health and find effective strategies for long-term weight control. Remember that any medication, including a compounded formulation, should be used responsibly under proper medical supervision.
You can schedule your consultation through our online portal, Price Simulator, or call us at (425) 295-2279.
FDA and PubMed Sources
- FDA. “FDA Approves Dual Incretin Receptor Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes.” (Approval Announcement, 2022)
- PubMed ID: 39632534 – “Tirzepatide for overweight and obesity management: Mechanism and 72-week clinical trial outcomes.”
- FDA. “Tirzepatide Authorized for Chronic Weight Management in Adults with Obesity.” (Regulatory Update, 2023)
- PubMed ID: 39854000 – “Clinical Efficacy of Incretin-Based Therapies for Obesity.”
- FDA. “Levocarnitine in Treatment of Deficiency States and Metabolic Disorders.” (Drug Label Reference)
- PubMed ID: 32359762 – “Meta-Analysis of L-carnitine Supplementation in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.”
- FDA. “Safety Concerns with Compounded GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss.” (Drug Safety Communication, 2024)
- FDA. “Tirzepatide Labeling: Pancreatitis and Thyroid C-cell Tumor Warnings.” (Prescribing Information Highlights)
Tina, PA-C
Weight Loss Specialist
Tina was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, but left her home state to explore the mountains of Washington. Drawn to the aesthetic medicine business, Tina graduated from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas as a certified Physician Assistant. Before she graduated, she knew he wanted to relocate to Seattle and join our company. Her love for helping patients grow and her incredible knowledge brought her to our team!
