Is semaglutide more effective than semaglutide?

Tirzepatide activates two receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which the literature describes as having a stronger appetite-modulation profile than GLP-1 alone. Whether either is appropriate for you is determined by a U.S. licensed physician.

What are the side effects?

Most common: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, typically mild and temporary. Side effect profile is similar to semaglutide. Your provider starts you at a low dose and titrates up slowly.

How is compounded semaglutide prepared?

Compounded semaglutide dispensed through OPTML is prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies under USP sterility standards, on prescription by U.S. licensed physicians. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Can I switch from semaglutide to semaglutide?

Yes. Many patients switch for stronger results or fewer GI side effects. Your OPTML provider will manage the transition and titration plan.

Do I need labs before starting?

Not always required, but strongly recommended. We offer an optional comprehensive metabolic panel to establish baseline markers before starting treatment.

Sub-clinical GLP-1 for metabolic optimization

The metabolic upside of GLP-1 — without the appetite shut-down.

Sub-clinical doses of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide for the metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of GLP-1 activation — without the heavy appetite shut-down or weight loss of a full-dose protocol.

Improved insulin sensitivity + inflammation markers
Quieter food noise without the appetite shut-down
Free 2-3 day discreet shipping
Free provider consult · cancel anytime

Get started How it works →

Includes a consultation with a U.S.-licensed physician

Compounded medication is not FDA-approved. Sema $199/mo · Tirz $299/mo · HSA/FSA eligible.

LegitScript CertifiedHealthcare Merchant

Prescription only Prescribed by U.S.-licensed physicians

Metabolic optimization · Sub-clinical

Prescribed by U.S.-licensed physicians

The metabolic upside of GLP-1 — without the appetite shut-down.

✓ Licensed US providers✓ 2-3 day discreet shipping✓ Cancel anytime

LegitScript CertifiedHealthcare Merchant

Microdose GLP-1 protocols use sub-therapeutic doses of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — typically a fraction of the doses studied in pivotal weight-loss trials. The goal is metabolic optimization (insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammation, gentle appetite calibration), not significant weight loss. Prescribed by U.S.-licensed providers and dispensed by our licensed 503A pharmacy partners.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Sub-clinical (off-label) dosing is at provider discretion. Individual results vary.

Anti-inflammation + insulin sensitivity
Minimal GI effects
Provider-titrated
Cancel anytime

Get started How it works

Sema $199/mo · Tirz $299/mo · Same retail as full-dose · HSA/FSA eligible

88%

of U.S. adults aren't hitting optimal levels across the five markers of metabolic health.

Insulin efficiency Efficient

Blood sugar control (A1c) Steady

Inflammation (hs-CRP) In range

Food noise & cravings Quiet

Cardiovascular markers (ApoB) Balanced

Source: Araujo J, Cai J, Stevens J. "Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults." Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 2019 (NHANES 2009–2016). The five markers in the cited study are blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Bar positions above are illustrative of the concept of optimization, not a measurement of any individual, not a prediction, and not a claim about any medication or treatment. Whether any marker is appropriate for you is determined by a licensed physician. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Microdose GLP-1, explained

The metabolic upside, without the trade-off.

Microdose GLP-1 means using sub-clinical doses of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — well below the doses commonly used in physician-supervised weight-management protocols. The goal isn't significant weight loss. The goal is the metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 receptor activation: insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation, metabolic flexibility. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

For adults focused on metabolic optimization — not patients with significant weight to lose.

Full-dose GLP-1 protocols are titrated to maximum tolerated dose for maximum weight loss. They produce intense appetite suppression that's hard to navigate if you need to eat enough to fuel training and recovery.

Microdose protocols use ~10-25% of full-dose to capture the metabolic upside while leaving your appetite mostly intact.

Microdose semaglutide ($199/mo): single GLP-1 receptor activation, gentlest profile, longest safety record. Best entry point for most optimization-focused patients.

Microdose tirzepatide ($299/mo): dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor activation, metabolic effects often more pronounced even at sub-clinical doses. Best for patients who want maximum metabolic flexibility.

Same retail as full-dose — we charge by molecule, not by milligram.

GLP-1 receptor activation has documented anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects independent of weight loss. Sub-clinical dosing is an emerging clinical pattern in optimization medicine — there's strong mechanistic basis but fewer large-scale microdose-specific RCTs than full-dose.

Recent literature documents GLP-1 receptor agonist effects on visceral inflammation, cardiovascular markers, and metabolic flexibility at lower doses. Source: Drucker DJ, Cell Metabolism, 2018.

Microdose vs full-dose

Two different approaches to the same category, for two different goals. Here is how they compare in structure, not in promised results.

Microdose

10–25%

of a full titration

Full-dose

100%

of a full titration

Typical goal

Metabolic optimization

Larger weight change

Approach

Low, steady fraction

Full climbing titration

Often explored by

People optimizing from a lean baseline

People with more to lose

Oversight

Physician-directed

Sema, monthly

$199/mo

$249/mo

Tirz, monthly

$299/mo

$349/mo

Both approaches are directed by a U.S. licensed physician, who determines which, if either, is appropriate for you, along with your individual dose and schedule.

What you get

Everything in your semaglutide kit

No surprises, no upsells. Each shipment includes everything you need to administer safely at home, plus full clinical support.

Compounded semaglutide

Sterile, multi-dose vials. Personalized and titrated by your provider.

Sterile syringes & needles

Pre-paired insulin syringes sized for subcutaneous injection.

Alcohol pads + sharps bin

Everything for safe, sanitary self-administration at home.

Provider + care messaging

U.S.-licensed provider review and ongoing clinical support.

Discreet 2-3 day shipping

Insulated, temperature-controlled, plain packaging. Always free.

Customer reviewing her OPTML protocol on her phone

How it works

Start your microdose GLP-1 in 4 simple steps.

Online assessment to first shipment in under a week. No in-person visits, no waiting rooms.

Get started →

Start your online visit

Answer a few questions about your health and goals, all online—no in-person doctor's office visit necessary.

Provider evaluation

A U.S.-licensed provider reviews your intake and prescribes the right protocol, if appropriate.

Personalized plan

Compounded microdose GLP-1, syringes, and supplies arrive in 2–3 days. Microdose tailored to you.

Ongoing support

Message your provider anytime. Dose adjustments, refills, and questions handled in-app.

9:41

Question 1 of 12

What do you want to accomplish with OPTML?

Lose weight
Metabolic optimization
Energy & vitality
Optimize hormones

Start microdose GLP-1 in 4 simple steps

Start your online visit

Answer a few questions about your health and goals, all online—no in-person doctor's office visit necessary.
Provider evaluation
Personalized plan
Ongoing support

Get started →

No commitment. No insurance needed. See full eligibility & contraindications →

Choose your microdose protocol.

Provider consult, compounded medication, and supplies, all included. Cancel anytime.

Physician-directed care

A U.S.-licensed physician personally reviews every order before anything is prescribed.

U.S.-licensed physicians
Reviews every order
LegitScript Certified
503A pharmacy · USP <797>

Compounded microdose GLP-1

One flat price.
Every dose.

Provider-titrated microdose protocol of either compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. Your monthly price stays the same as your dose evolves — same retail as full-dose, just dosed sub-clinically.

Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide vial
Ongoing clinical support
Sterile syringes & alcohol prep pads
Free 2-3 day discreet shipping
Cancel anytime · HSA/FSA eligible

From

$199 /month— cancel anytime

Microdose semaglutide. Tirzepatide $299/mo — same flat retail as full-dose.

Get started →

Provider titrates your microdose protocol based on your response. Microdosing is used to support insulin sensitivity and steadier appetite signals. Individual results vary.

Your monthly price includes everything.

Physician consultation, prescription, and ongoing medical oversight. No hidden fees. No separate membership. Just your optml protocol.

Microdose Semaglutide

$249/month— cancel anytime

Billed monthly. Cancel anytime.

Compounded semaglutide (microdose)
Provider consultation
Syringes & supplies
Free 2-3 day shipping
Provider messaging

Start at $199/mo

Microdose FAQs

Maybe a little, but it's not the goal. A modest weight shift is sometimes observed as a side effect of improved metabolic health; individual results vary. If significant weight loss is your priority, microdose isn't the right protocol — you want full-dose semaglutide or tirzepatide.

No. OPTML pricing is by molecule, not by milligram. Compounded semaglutide is $249/mo and compounded tirzepatide is $299/mo whether you're on a microdose or a full clinical titration. Transparent flat retail.

Most patients start with sema microdose: gentlest profile, longest safety record, $199/mo. Tirz microdose ($299/mo) makes sense if you've already responded well to GLP-1 therapy and want the dual-receptor metabolic effect at a sub-clinical dose. Your provider helps you decide.

Microdose protocols dramatically reduce GI side effects vs full-dose; nausea and appetite changes are uncommon. Occasional mild fatigue or transient injection-site irritation in the first 1-2 weeks. Full GLP-1 eligibility & contraindications →

Not always required, but a baseline metabolic panel (insulin, A1C, lipid panel, hs-CRP) gives your provider a starting point and lets you actually track the metabolic improvements you're after. The OPTML lab panel is offered as a separate add-on at member rates.

Yes — microdose pairs well with TRT, HRT, sermorelin, and NAD+. The metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of microdose GLP-1 amplify the rest of an optimization protocol.

Insulated, temperature-controlled, plain packaging. Free 2-3 day discreet shipping. Vials are stable refrigerated; full storage and dosing instructions ship with each kit.

Sema microdose: $199/mo. Tirz microdose: $299/mo. Same retail as full-dose — we charge by molecule, not by milligram. All-inclusive: medication, provider oversight via call or text, supplies, and shipping. Lab panels are a separate add-on at member rates. Cancel anytime.

Weight-loss medication disclaimer. OPTML offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, prescribed and overseen by U.S.-licensed physicians. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. OPTML is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the manufacturers of FDA-approved branded weight-loss medications, and does not sell or supply those branded products. Anyone interested in an FDA-approved branded medication should consult a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacist. Individual results vary; no specific result is promised, and weight management requires ongoing medical guidance.

The metabolic upside of GLP-1 — without the appetite shut-down.

The metabolic upside of GLP-1 — without the appetite shut-down.

The metabolic upside, without the trade-off.

Microdose vs full-dose

Everything in your semaglutide kit