Hi Besties! If we haven’t met yet, welcome to the table. I’m Elizabeth, the Countess of Shopping. Over the last three years, I have lost over 113 pounds using GLP-1 medications—specifically Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Currently, I am in maintenance mode (just waiting on that loose skin surgery consultation!), but recently, I made a major switch. I moved from the brand-name Zepbound 15mg pen to a compounded Tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP).
I’m going to be honest with you: I wish I had done this sooner. However, the transition wasn’t exactly “apples to apples.” There were learning curves, a few surprises, and one major mistake I made that I want to help you avoid.
If you are considering switching from manufacturer pens to a compound due to cost or insurance changes, here are the seven changes you need to know about.
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1. Dosage and Units: It’s Not the Same Math 🧮
When I was on Zepbound, I was on the highest dose: 15mg. Naturally, I assumed the compound would be exactly the same.
It wasn’t.
With the compound pharmacy I use, my dosage actually came out to roughly 11.125mg. It was slightly less than the max dose of the brand name. Because of this, I expected my appetite suppression to change (more on that in a minute).
The biggest learning curve is understanding Milligrams vs. Units.
- Zepbound: Measured in fixed milligrams (e.g., 15mg).
- Compound: You measure in “units” on a syringe.
Here is the tricky part: The concentration varies per shipment. One month, your instruction might be to inject 55 units. The next shipment, because the concentration in the vial is different, you might need 80 units. You have to pay attention to the instructions every single time.
2. Pens vs. Needles (And My Major Mistake) 🖊️ 🆚 💉
This is where I messed up, Besties. I want to share this warning so you don’t throw money down the drain like I did.
The Mistake: Zepbound pens need to be refrigerated, but they can technically survive being left out for a bit. Compounded Tirzepatide in a vial? It must be refrigerated.
I accidentally left my vial out on a window ledge for four days after my injection. Because the compound has additives in it, I was too scared to use it. I had to throw it away. It was a painful, expensive error. Do not leave your vial out.
The Process: The injection ritual is different, too.
- The Pen: Takes about 60 seconds. Cap off, click, done.
- The Needle: It’s a bit more laborious. You have to get the alcohol wipes, swab the vial, draw the medicine, swab your skin, and inject. It used to take me 30 minutes when I was nervous; now I’m much faster, but it is a different experience than the auto-injector.
3. Side Effects & My Secret Weapon ⚡🧂
One cool thing about compounds is that you can often customize them. My provider allows me to add certain things to the compound to help with energy. However, different additives—and the medication itself—mean we still have to manage those common side effects: Nausea, Constipation, and Diarrhea.
This brings me to my absolute secret weapon: LMNT Electrolytes.
If you’ve been following my journey, you know I don’t go a day without my electrolytes. They have been a non-negotiable part of my routine for almost three years. When you are on GLP-1s, water alone isn’t always enough to manage how you feel.
How I use LMNT to manage side effects:
- For Constipation: The magnesium is a lifesaver.
- For Nausea: I slowly sip my LMNT in a 40oz tumbler (it helps settle my stomach).
- For “The Runs”: It replenishes the sodium and potassium you lose quickly.
It’s not just me who loves them—the Duke (my 10-year-old) takes them for leg cramps during sports! My current obsession is the sparkling Pineapple flavor. It is chef’s kiss 🤌.
8 Free Sticks with any LMNT electrolyte drink mix purchase
4. Appetite Suppression 🍽️ 🚫
Going from 15mg of Zepbound to roughly 11mg of compound, I was incredibly nervous that the “food noise” would come back.
The Verdict: My appetite suppression has stayed exactly the same.
I was so relieved. Despite the lower dosage number, it has been just as effective for me in maintenance.
5. The Cost Difference 💸 💰
Let’s talk about the pocketbook. First, I had to make sure the medication worked (Check) and that it was safe (Check). Then, I looked at the price.
For me, switching to compound resulted in a 50% savings compared to paying out-of-pocket for the brand name.
My health insurance does not cover my prescription, and it just didn’t make sense for our family to pay thousands more annually for the brand name when the compound makes me feel exactly the same.
6. Ordering and Refills 📦 🗓️
This was a surprise benefit: Time Savings. I used to have to call Walmart, navigate text systems, and drive to pick up my pens every 23 days.
Now? I order online. I don’t have to talk to a human. It ships directly to my door.
A Caution on Shipping: Since the medication must stay cold, you have to be mindful of delivery dates. We were recently at Disney, and I was panicked that my shipment would arrive while we were gone. You need to ensure someone is home to take it out of the box and put it straight into the fridge immediately.
7. Travel and Disposal ✈️ 🗑️
Traveling with a vial and loose needles requires a little more planning than traveling with a pen.
- Packing: Needles don’t pack as neatly as a box of pens. I use a specific hard-shell travel case to keep everything safe.
- Disposal: You need a game plan for your used needles. Do not leave loose needles in a hotel room or Airbnb trash can! That is dangerous for housekeeping staff. Bring a sharps container or a safe way to transport the used needle back home with you.
TSA has never given me an issue, but I always carry my prescription label with me just to dot my I’s and cross my T’s.
Final Thoughts 💭 ✨
Bottom line? I am pumped.
I wish I had switched sooner to save the money. I feel great, the medication works, and I am using a reputable, legitimate pharmacy (I do not recommend the “mix it yourself” kits—safety first, friends!).
If you are looking to make the switch, just be mindful of the concentration of your units and keep that vial in the fridge!
Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and count your blessings because life is delicious.
Love you guys!
Elizabeth, Countess of Shopping
Disclaimers: Friends, I am not a medical professional, nor do I pretend to be one on the internet. This information is for educational purposes only, gathered from trusted sources and my personal experiences. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle. This post has links included that are affiliate links. Countess of Shopping & her furbabies will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through the links at no cost to you. This post is sponsored by LMNT.
