Compounded Tirzepatide costs $300–$500 per month at most El Paso clinics, including Solas Health & Wellness. Brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound retail for $1,000–$1,300 per month without insurance. The initial medical consultation at Solas is $200 and includes a full evaluation, baseline labs review, and personalized treatment plan. Monthly follow-ups are included with your medication.
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. It's the first FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — meaning it activates two gut hormones at once (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide and Glucagon-like Peptide-1) instead of just one.
That dual mechanism is why Tirzepatide has produced the highest weight loss numbers ever recorded in obesity clinical trials. In Eli Lilly's SURMOUNT-1 study, patients on the highest dose lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks — roughly double what most older weight loss medications achieve.
You'll see Tirzepatide sold under three names:
- Mounjaro® — FDA-approved brand for type 2 diabetes (Eli Lilly)
- Zepbound® — FDA-approved brand for chronic weight management (Eli Lilly)
- Compounded Tirzepatide — custom-prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies, often combined with B12 in a single injection
The active ingredient is the same in all three. The differences are price, packaging, and whether the formulation is FDA-approved or compounded under a prescription.
Tirzepatide Cost Breakdown in El Paso
Most El Paso patients budgeting for Tirzepatide are looking at three buckets: the initial visit, monthly medication, and baseline labs. Here's how it lays out at Solas Health & Wellness:
| Item | Cost at Solas | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $200 | Full medical history, exam, labs review, personalized treatment plan, prescription |
| Compounded Tirzepatide — low dose (2.5–5 mg) | $300/month | Medication, syringes, supplies, monthly follow-up |
| Compounded Tirzepatide — mid dose (7.5–10 mg) | $400/month | Medication, syringes, supplies, monthly follow-up |
| Compounded Tirzepatide — high dose (12.5–15 mg) | $500/month | Medication, syringes, supplies, monthly follow-up |
| Brand Mounjaro / Zepbound | $1,000–$1,300/month | Retail pharmacy price; insurance or coupons may reduce |
| Baseline labs (if needed) | $100–$200 | CBC, CMP, lipid panel, HbA1c, TSH — paid directly to lab |
Pricing reflects compounded Tirzepatide from U.S. licensed pharmacies. Doses typically escalate every 4 weeks based on tolerance and response. Most patients spend their first 3–4 months in the lower dose tiers before titrating up.
Compounded vs Brand-Name: What's the Difference?
The biggest factor in your monthly Tirzepatide cost is whether you take the brand-name FDA-approved version (Mounjaro or Zepbound) or a compounded version from a licensed compounding pharmacy.
Brand-name Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
- Cost: $1,000–$1,300 per month at retail without insurance
- Made by: Eli Lilly
- FDA approved: Yes — Mounjaro for diabetes (2022), Zepbound for weight loss (2023)
- Insurance: May be covered with prior authorization, especially Mounjaro for diabetes diagnosis
- Pros: FDA-approved formulation, manufacturer savings programs available
- Cons: High out-of-pocket cost without coverage; subject to shortages
Compounded Tirzepatide
- Cost: $300–$500 per month at Solas in El Paso
- Made by: Licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies (503A or 503B facilities)
- FDA approved: Compounded medications are regulated by state pharmacy boards and the FDA but are not "FDA-approved" in the same way commercial drugs are
- Insurance: Not covered — cash pay only
- Pros: Significantly lower cost, often combined with B12 in one injection, accessible during brand-name shortages
- Cons: Not FDA-approved as a finished product; legal availability depends on current regulatory status
At Solas Health & Wellness, the most common choice is compounded Tirzepatide, because the cost difference is substantial and the active ingredient is identical. We work with licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies — never overseas or unverified sources.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Cost
The two leading GLP-1 medications for weight loss are Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) and Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy). Patients often want to know which is cheaper. Here's a direct comparison of typical El Paso pricing:
| Option | Typical monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded Semaglutide (low dose) | $250–$350 | Often the cheapest entry-level GLP-1 option |
| Compounded Tirzepatide (low dose) | $300 | Similar to compounded Semaglutide at starting doses |
| Compounded Semaglutide (high dose) | $400–$500 | Top doses approach brand pricing |
| Compounded Tirzepatide (high dose) | $500 | More potent — higher average weight loss in trials |
| Brand Ozempic / Wegovy | $900–$1,200 | Insurance can dramatically reduce |
| Brand Mounjaro / Zepbound | $1,000–$1,300 | Insurance can dramatically reduce |
The compounded versions of both medications are similarly priced in El Paso. The bigger decision isn't price — it's which medication is right for your physiology, goals, and side-effect profile. We help you decide that during your consultation.
What's Included in Your Solas Treatment Plan
One of the most important things to understand about Tirzepatide pricing is what's bundled into the monthly fee. At a true cash-pay clinic, you should never be surprised by add-on charges. Here's exactly what your monthly Tirzepatide cost at Solas includes:
- Compounded Tirzepatide medication from a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy
- All injection supplies — syringes, alcohol swabs, sharps container
- Monthly follow-up visit — vitals, weight check, dose review
- Unlimited messaging with Celeste via secure HIPAA-compliant messaging for dose adjustments, side-effect questions, and accountability
- Side-effect management including anti-nausea support when needed
- Dose titration guidance based on your response and tolerance
What's not included: the initial consultation ($200, one-time), and baseline labs ($100–$200 if your PCP labs are older than 6 months).
Insurance & Coverage
Solas Health & Wellness is a cash-pay practice. We don't bill insurance directly. Here's what that means for your Tirzepatide costs:
- Compounded Tirzepatide is never covered by insurance — it's always cash pay regardless of which clinic you choose.
- Brand-name Mounjaro may be covered for type 2 diabetes with prior authorization. Some plans require step therapy (trying older medications first).
- Brand-name Zepbound coverage for weight loss is expanding. Check your benefits — the number of plans covering Zepbound has grown significantly through 2025–2026.
- HSA / FSA funds can be used to pay for Tirzepatide at Solas, including the consultation. Save your receipts.
- Manufacturer savings programs from Eli Lilly may reduce your out-of-pocket cost for brand-name Mounjaro or Zepbound to as low as $25/month for eligible commercially insured patients.
If you have insurance coverage for Zepbound or Mounjaro and prefer the brand-name option, we'll write the prescription and you can fill it at any pharmacy. If you're paying cash and want the most affordable path, compounded Tirzepatide through Solas is the most direct option.
How Much Weight Will I Actually Lose?
The honest answer: it depends on dose, adherence, and your individual physiology. But here's what the largest published Tirzepatide weight loss study — SURMOUNT-1 — actually found over 72 weeks:
| Weekly dose | Average weight loss | What it looks like (200 lb starting weight) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 16.0% | ~32 lbs lost |
| 10 mg | 21.4% | ~43 lbs lost |
| 15 mg | 22.5% | ~45 lbs lost |
| Placebo | 2.4% | ~5 lbs lost (likely from diet alone) |
These are averages. Some patients lose more, some lose less. The variables that matter most:
- Adherence — taking your weekly dose consistently
- Protein intake — GLP-1s often blunt appetite for protein; deliberately eating protein protects lean muscle mass
- Resistance training — preserves muscle and metabolic rate as you lose weight
- Sleep — chronic short sleep blunts weight loss response across every diet and medication
- Hormones — thyroid, cortisol, and sex hormones all influence weight loss response
This is why Tirzepatide works best as part of a comprehensive medical weight loss program, not just a prescription. At Solas, that's how we structure it.
Side Effects & Safety
Most Tirzepatide side effects are gastrointestinal and improve as your body adjusts to the medication, especially with slow dose titration. The most common include:
- Nausea (especially the first week after a dose increase)
- Decreased appetite (this is the intended effect)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Acid reflux
- Fatigue in the first few weeks
Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and a boxed warning for medullary thyroid carcinoma (based on animal studies — actual human risk is unclear). Tirzepatide is contraindicated for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2).
We review your full medical history during your initial consult specifically to identify any contraindications before prescribing.
How to Get Started in El Paso
The process at Solas Health & Wellness is straightforward:
- Book your initial consultation online or by calling (915) 266-3174. The first visit is $200 and lasts about 45 minutes.
- Bring recent labs if you have them. If not, we'll order what's needed.
- Get evaluated by Celeste Cisneros, FNP-BC — full medical history, exam, baseline weight and vitals, treatment plan.
- Start medication — your first dose typically arrives within a few days and we'll teach you how to self-inject.
- Monthly follow-up — vitals, weight, dose review, and titration up if you're ready.
Solas Health & Wellness is at 6633 N Mesa St, Suite 508, El Paso, TX 79912. Telehealth follow-ups are available for established patients in Texas and New Mexico.
Ready to start?
Book your medical weight loss consultation with Celeste Cisneros, FNP-BC. Most patients are taking their first Tirzepatide dose within a week of their initial visit.
Book ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
How much does Tirzepatide cost in El Paso, TX?
At Solas Health & Wellness in El Paso, compounded Tirzepatide for medical weight loss typically ranges from $300 to $500 per month depending on dose. The initial consultation with Celeste Cisneros, FNP-BC is $200, which includes a full medical history, baseline labs review, and personalized treatment plan. Monthly follow-ups are included with your treatment plan. Brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound (when prescribed) typically run $1,000–$1,300 per month at retail pharmacies, though manufacturer savings programs may apply.
Is Tirzepatide cheaper than Semaglutide?
Compounded Tirzepatide and compounded Semaglutide are similarly priced in the El Paso market — generally $300–$500 per month at higher doses, with Semaglutide often slightly less expensive at the lowest doses. Brand-name versions (Mounjaro/Zepbound for Tirzepatide; Ozempic/Wegovy for Semaglutide) all retail in the $900–$1,300 per month range without insurance. The right choice depends on your medical history, goals, and response — not price alone.
Does insurance cover Tirzepatide?
It depends. Brand-name Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes — if you have a diabetes diagnosis, insurance may cover it (with prior authorization). Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, and an increasing number of plans now cover it for patients meeting BMI criteria. Compounded Tirzepatide is a cash-pay medication and is not covered by insurance. Solas Health & Wellness is a cash-pay practice — we don't bill insurance directly, but we can help you understand your options.
What's included in the monthly Tirzepatide cost at Solas?
Your monthly fee includes the compounded Tirzepatide medication (shipped or picked up depending on supplier), all your syringes and supplies, and unlimited messaging with Celeste for dose adjustments and side-effect management. The initial consult covers your full medical evaluation, baseline labs review, and treatment plan. Monthly follow-ups for vitals, weight check, and dose titration are part of your ongoing care.
Are there any extra costs beyond the monthly medication fee?
The two extras to budget for are: (1) the one-time initial consultation, and (2) baseline lab work. If you've had recent labs done by your PCP within the last 6 months, we can usually use those — bring them with you. If we need fresh labs (CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, HbA1c, TSH), expect $100–$200 at most local labs. We don't mark labs up — you pay the lab directly.
Why are compounded GLP-1s so much cheaper than brand-name versions?
Compounded medications are made by licensed compounding pharmacies (503A or 503B facilities) to a specific patient's prescription. They're not generic — they're customized formulations. The price gap exists because compounded versions don't carry the same R&D, marketing, and manufacturer-margin costs as brand-name drugs like Mounjaro or Zepbound. Many compounded GLP-1s also combine the active ingredient with B12 or B6 in a single injection. All compounded Tirzepatide at Solas comes from licensed U.S. pharmacies.
How long do I need to take Tirzepatide to see results?
Most patients notice appetite changes within the first 1–2 weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically begins around weeks 4–6, with results compounding through the standard 6–12 month titration. In SURMOUNT clinical trials, patients on Tirzepatide lost an average of 15–22% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Your actual results depend on dose, adherence, lifestyle changes, and individual response.
Do I need a doctor's prescription for compounded Tirzepatide?
Yes — compounded Tirzepatide is a prescription medication and requires a thorough medical evaluation by a licensed prescriber. As a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with prescriptive authority in Texas and New Mexico, Celeste Cisneros conducts the full medical workup, reviews labs, identifies any contraindications, and writes the prescription directly. You cannot get compounded Tirzepatide safely or legally without a prescriber-patient relationship.
What's the difference between Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded Tirzepatide?
All three contain the same active ingredient: Tirzepatide. Mounjaro is the FDA-approved brand for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is the FDA-approved brand for chronic weight management. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are made by Eli Lilly. Compounded Tirzepatide is custom-prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy and is typically more affordable. Effectiveness depends on dose and individual response — the active molecule is the same in all three.
How much weight will I actually lose on Tirzepatide?
In Eli Lilly's SURMOUNT-1 trial — the largest published Tirzepatide weight loss study — patients on the highest dose (15 mg weekly) lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks. The 10 mg group averaged 21.4%, and the 5 mg group averaged 16%. Individual results vary widely based on diet, activity, sleep, hormones, and dose adherence. We set realistic expectations during your initial consult based on your specific health profile.
Can I switch from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide?
Yes — switching between GLP-1 medications is common and well-tolerated. There's no required washout period. We typically restart at the lowest Tirzepatide dose (2.5 mg) and titrate up based on how you respond. Many patients switch because they've plateaued on Semaglutide or want the dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism Tirzepatide offers. Your switch protocol is discussed during your appointment.
What are the side effects of Tirzepatide?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux. These are usually mild and resolve as your body adjusts, especially with slow titration. More serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors (based on rat studies — human risk is unknown). Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN-2 should not take Tirzepatide. We review your full history during the consult to identify contraindications.
How is Tirzepatide given?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection — into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The injection takes about 5 seconds with a tiny insulin-style needle. We teach you exactly how to self-administer at your first visit, and you'll feel comfortable doing it at home by week 2. Most patients describe the injection as 'painless or mild' on a 1–10 scale.
Where can I get Tirzepatide in El Paso?
Solas Health & Wellness is located at 6633 N Mesa St, Suite 508, El Paso, TX 79912. Celeste Cisneros, FNP-BC offers compounded Tirzepatide as part of a comprehensive medical weight loss program — not just a prescription, but full medical oversight including labs, dose adjustments, side-effect management, and accountability. Telehealth is available for patients in Texas and New Mexico after an initial in-person or video consultation. Call (915) 266-3174 or book online.
Can I get Tirzepatide via telehealth in Texas?
Yes. Celeste Cisneros, FNP-BC is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico and offers telehealth follow-up visits for established patients. After your initial intake — which we strongly recommend doing in person so we can verify your baseline weight and vitals — most monthly follow-ups can happen via secure video. Your Tirzepatide is shipped from a licensed pharmacy directly to your home.
Is Tirzepatide safe for long-term use?
The SURMOUNT trials studied Tirzepatide use for 72+ weeks with no new safety signals at the long-term timepoint. The general medical consensus is that GLP-1/GIP medications like Tirzepatide are intended for chronic management of obesity — meaning ongoing use is expected, similar to medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol. Stopping abruptly typically results in rebound appetite and weight regain. Your long-term plan is part of the conversation we have at every visit.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing reflects estimated rates at Solas Health & Wellness as of June 2026 and is subject to change. Tirzepatide is a prescription medication that requires medical evaluation. Please consult with a licensed prescriber before starting any new medication.