Zepbound

The active ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

GLP-1 or glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin or insulin-stimulating hormone naturally produced in our bodies. When we eat, it increases insulin release from the pancreas to help decrease our blood sugars. In addition to stimulating insulin release, it also sends signals to the brain to help you eat less and feel fuller for longer. As a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide mimics the effects of these natural hormones.

In addition to Zepbound, tirzepatide is also available under another brand name called Mounjaro. Although both brand names contain the same medication, they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for different uses. Unlike Mounjaro, Zepound has approval for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI or body mass index of 30 or more (obesity). It can also be used as a weight loss drug in overweight patients (BMI of ≥27) for weight loss if they have at least 1 of the following weight-related comorbidities such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zepbound. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zepbound:

• Your nurse, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider will demonstrate how to use Zepbound before you administer it for the first time.
• Zepbound is a once-a-week subcutaneous injection given right under the skin of the stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. The starting dose is typically 2.5 mg a week. Your dose may be increased depending on your body’s response. Zepbound can be used with or without meals. For each weekly injection, a new site should used. Do not use the same injection site each time. Doing so could increase your risk for injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, soreness, or a burning sensation.
• Zepbound is typically used on the same day each week. If you need to change your injection day, make sure there is at least a 3-day window between your last dose and the new day of your injection.
• If you miss a dose, inject as soon as you remember as long as it has not been more than 4 days since your last dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue injecting on your regular scheduled day.

The most common side effects of Zepbound seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Excessive belching
• Hair loss
• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching, soreness, or a burning sensation)

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zepbound. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Severe stomach problems or abdominal pain that do not go away or become worse with continued use.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction like swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, severe and widespread rash, fainting, or heart palpitations.
• Symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar like dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating, confusion, drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, heart palpitation, irritability or mood changes, hunger, and weakness.
• Symptoms of gallbladder problems including upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and clay-colored stools.
• Symptoms of pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas such as severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back with or without vomiting.
• Symptoms of kidney failure like feeling dehydrated, decreased urination, swelling of the hands or ankles, and confusion.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zepbound. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zepbound, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney problems
• Problems with your pancreas
• Diabetic retinopathy
• An upcoming surgery or procedure that will require anesthesia for deep sedation
• Severe gastrointestinal problems such as slowed emptying (gastroparesis) or difficulty digesting food
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Boxed Warning

• Tirzepatide has caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown how this risk translates to humans. Do not use it if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). If you develop symptoms of thyroid tumors, discontinue use and follow up with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Zepbound should not be used in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Do not use Zepbound if you have:

• A personal history or a family history of thyroid cancer
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to tirzepatide or other ingredients in Zepbound including sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

Zepound starts to work quickly once injected. However, it can take several weeks of regular use with a calorie-reduced diet and physical activity to see weight loss.

When Zepbound is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Any oral medications. Zepbound can delay gastric emptying affecting how well your other medications may work.
• Other diabetes medications, especially insulin secretagogues (e.g. sulfonylureas) or insulin.
• Hormonal contraceptives.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection is available as a single-dose pre-filled pen or vial in the following strengths:

• 2.5mg/0.5mL
• 5mg/0.5mL
• 7.5mg/0.5mL
• 10mg/0.5mL
• 12.5mg/0.5mL
• 15mg/0.5mL

Zepbound should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light. It can be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until its expiry date or at room temperature for up to 21 days. If it is stored at room temperature, it should not be returned to the fridge. Do not freeze Zepbound or use it if it has been frozen.

Zepbound is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company.

No, Zepbound does not have a generic version available yet.

It is recommended to taper your use of Zepbound slowly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Zepbound.

Zepbound can cause harm to the unborn fetus and use should be discontinued if pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Zepbound passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.