Zepbound is the most recent medicine permitted within the U.S. by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for persistent weight administration.
Though not particularly permitted to deal with these situations, it additionally helps individuals with insulin resistance obtain higher blood sugar and A1c ranges and decrease blood strain and levels of cholesterol.
This text will clarify the whole lot you must find out about Zepbound earlier than taking the medicine.
(Picture courtesy of Eli Lilly and Firm.)
What’s Zepbound?
Zepbound belongs to the dual-action class of medicines referred to as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medicine are designed to imitate hormones that regulate blood sugar ranges and suppress urge for food in response to the consumption of particular vitamins, primarily carbohydrates and fat.
Accepted by the FDA on November 8, 2023, Zepbound is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Firm.
Its energetic ingredient, tirzepatide, is run as a once-weekly injection for persistent weight administration in adults who’re overweight or chubby and have a number of weight-related situations, reminiscent of kind 2 diabetes, hypertension, or excessive ldl cholesterol.
Zepbound is a part of a broader class of medicines for weight administration that features FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).
Are Zepbound and Mounjaro the identical factor?
Mounjaro is a sister medication to Zepbound. Whereas each medicine have tirzepatide as their energetic ingredient, their permitted makes use of differ, with Mounjaro FDA-approved for managing blood sugar ranges in individuals with kind 2 diabetes.
Learn extra in: Every little thing You Must Know About Mounjaro.
What are the advantages of Zepbound?
Zepbound is a robust medicine. There are numerous advantages to taking Zepbound, together with the next:
Weight reduction
In a single scientific trial for Zepbound, contributors who accomplished a 36-week remedy protocol skilled a median weight lack of 20.9 p.c.
From week 36 to week 88, contributors who continued with Zepbound skilled an extra common weight discount of roughly 5.5 p.c, whereas those that had been switched to the placebo (inactive remedy) noticed a median weight acquire of 14 p.c. This demonstrates Zepbound’s effectiveness in sustaining the load loss achieved in the course of the preliminary remedy part.
Total, 89.5 p.c of the research contributors receiving Zepbound at 88 weeks maintained no less than 80 p.c of their weight reduction in comparison with 16.6 p.c receiving the placebo.
The general weight reduction from the beginning of the research to week 88 was 25.3 p.c for these taking Zepbound versus 9.9 p.c for these taking the placebo.
The research authors famous that contributors who had been switched to a placebo, successfully stopping Zepbound, regained a lot of the load they’d misplaced. This highlights the significance of steady remedy with Zepbound to maintain the advantages of weight reduction.
In different analysis, Zepbound has been discovered to be much more efficient for weight reduction than Ozempic. Members who took Zepbound misplaced between 15 to 21 p.c of their physique weight, on common, in comparison with 14.9 p.c for individuals who took Ozempic.
Decrease blood strain
Though Zepbound shouldn’t be particularly permitted for treating hypertension, scientific trials have proven that individuals taking Zepbound, alongside food plan and train, skilled reductions in blood strain.
This discovering underscores the potential cardiovascular advantages related to weight reduction and metabolic enchancment achieved by means of Zepbound, which could possibly be notably helpful for individuals with diabetes, who typically cope with coexisting hypertension.
Decrease ldl cholesterol
Within the scientific trials, contributors taking Zepbound, together with a nutritious diet and train, skilled enhancements of their levels of cholesterol.
Whereas Zepbound shouldn’t be formally permitted for ldl cholesterol administration, these enhancements spotlight the broader advantages of considerable weight reduction achieved with the medicine. Sustaining wholesome levels of cholesterol is extraordinarily essential for individuals with diabetes, given their heightened danger for coronary heart illness and stroke.
Higher blood sugar ranges
In comparison with the placebo, Zepbound was related to important enhancements in blood sugar (fasting blood glucose) and A1c ranges (a measure of glucose management over the earlier 2 to three months) in research contributors as effectively.
This can be as a result of GIP/GLP-1 drugs work by serving to the pancreas produce extra insulin, reducing the quantity of sugar launched by the liver, growing the physique’s sensitivity to insulin, and slowing digestion, making you are feeling full longer.
Though Zepbound itself is marketed for weight administration, tirzepatide, as famous earlier, can also be permitted beneath the model identify Mounjaro for treating kind 2 diabetes. Due to this fact, the noticed enhancements in blood sugar ranges current an additional advantage, particularly contemplating the frequent overlap between weight problems and kind 2 diabetes.
Why would you be prescribed Zepbound?
Zepbound is FDA-approved particularly for persistent weight administration.
The medication is permitted to be used in adults 18 and older who’ve a body-mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to peak) of 30 or increased, or if their BMI is 25 or increased they usually have one weight-related medical situation, reminiscent of kind 2 diabetes, hypertension, or excessive ldl cholesterol.
Zepbound could decrease blood sugar ranges and enhance A1c, however it’s not a diabetes medicine. (Keep in mind that its energetic ingredient, tirzepatide, can also be permitted for treating kind 2 diabetes beneath the model identify Mounjaro.)
If you don’t meet the factors to take Zepbound, it’s possible you’ll qualify for a GLP-1 medicine reminiscent of Ozempic, Trulicity (dulaglutide), or Victoza (liraglutide), based mostly in your physician’s evaluation.
What are the negative effects of Zepbound?
The commonest negative effects skilled in scientific trials had been delicate to reasonable gastrointestinal occasions, reminiscent of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Different frequent negative effects could embrace:
- Abdomen ache
- Constipation
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), in the event you take insulin
Though uncommon, extra extreme problems could embrace:
- Thyroid tumors, together with most cancers
- Pancreatitis (irritation of the pancreas)
- Modifications in imaginative and prescient (reminiscent of worsening of diabetic retinopathy)
- Kidney issues
- Gallbladder issues, which can current as higher stomach ache, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools
- Critical allergic reactions
- Hair loss and hair thinning (this can be a results of fast weight reduction and never a facet impact of the medicine itself)
A number of of those extra extreme negative effects can result in well being problems and dying.
Name your physician or search emergency medical consideration in the event you:
- Develop a fever
- Expertise modifications or worsening of your imaginative and prescient
- Really feel weak or in ache after taking the medicine
- Assume it’s possible you’ll be having an allergic response to the medicine
Search emergency medical consideration in the event you’re experiencing extreme low blood sugar ranges, which will be deadly if not handled rapidly.
Does Zepbound have an effect on starvation?
Sure — suppressing urge for food is a key mechanism by means of which Zepbound aids in weight reduction.
Zepbound does this in a number of methods. First, it inhibits the discharge of glucagon from the liver, which naturally lowers blood sugar ranges and reduces starvation pangs.
Second, it slows abdomen emptying to maintain you feeling fuller for longer and fewer more likely to snack on empty energy.
Third, it will increase insulin sensitivity by prompting the pancreas to launch insulin when blood sugar ranges are excessive. This stops blood sugar swings and reduces starvation at its core.
Moreover, Zepbound, by means of its GLP-1 receptor agonist exercise, straight impacts urge for food facilities within the mind, additional contributing to a lowered sense of starvation and decrease calorie consumption.
What are the doses of Zepbound?
Zepbound is available in a number of completely different doses tailor-made to fulfill particular person wants, with the suitable dose relying on components reminiscent of your weight, tolerance to the medicine, any negative effects skilled, well being historical past, objectives, and way of life. The choice on the very best dose in your scenario shall be decided between you and your physician.
Zepbound is run subcutaneously (beneath the pores and skin) utilizing a single-dose injection pen, and is on the market within the following incremental doses to permit for dose adjustment :
- 2.5 milligrams (mg): That is the beginning dose.
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
Every dose is run as soon as weekly with or with out meals, ideally on the identical day and on the similar time every week, to keep up constant blood ranges of the medicine.
Any modifications to your dosing routine needs to be made beneath the steerage of your physician, who can think about your response to the remedy and any negative effects it’s possible you’ll encounter.
How a lot Zepbound ought to I take?
This choice needs to be made in session along with your physician. Nevertheless, initially, everybody who takes Zepbound begins with a 2.5 mg weekly injection to attenuate the chance of negative effects and permit the physique to regulate to the medicine.
This beginning interval lasts for no less than 4 weeks, offering a chance to observe for any adversarial reactions. In scientific trials, 7 p.c of contributors stopped taking the medicine attributable to adversarial negative effects.
Primarily based in your response and the medicine’s tolerability, your physician could regulate your dose, with 15 mg as soon as weekly being the utmost beneficial dose. It’s essential to comply with your physician’s directions and to not change your dose with out medical recommendation.
What occurs if I take an excessive amount of Zepbound?
For those who take an excessive amount of Zepbound it’s possible you’ll expertise extreme adversarial negative effects, together with:
- Debilitating nausea
- Extreme vomiting (with the lack to maintain meals down)
- Diarrhea
- Abdomen ache
- Low blood sugar, particularly in the event you’re additionally on insulin — this may be deadly if not handled instantly
Name your physician or search emergency medical consideration instantly in the event you’ve by accident taken an excessive amount of Zepbound or by accident taken your dose twice inside one week.
Do I want to vary my food plan to shed some pounds on this medicine?
Altering your food plan shouldn’t be strictly essential to shed some pounds whereas taking Zepbound. Nevertheless, the medicine is best when used at the side of elevated bodily exercise and wholesome dietary modifications.
Moreover, the medicine could make you nauseous, and it could make it more durable to eat giant meals and meals excessive in fats, particularly whenever you first begin taking the drug.
Speak along with your physician in the event you’re keen on altering your food plan, or meet with a registered dietitian (RD) to formulate a meal plan that may be just right for you and your well being objectives.
Additionally converse along with your physician in the event you’re experiencing adversarial negative effects like nausea and vomiting and are having hassle consuming common meals and snacks.
You might also have to decrease your dose in the event you’re coping with low blood sugars attributable to persistent nausea or vomiting.
What occurs if I miss a dose of Zepbound?
It’s no huge deal in the event you forgot to take your weekly dose of Zepbound. Nevertheless, consistency is essential to the best well being advantages and success.
For those who miss a dose of your medicine, attempt to take it as quickly as attainable. Nevertheless, if it’s been greater than 4 days (96 hours) since your missed dose, simply skip that week and wait till your subsequent weekly dose to renew taking your medicine. This method helps make sure you don’t take doses too shut collectively, which might enhance the chance of negative effects.
After addressing a missed dose, you’ll be able to proceed along with your common once-weekly dosing schedule. If wanted, the particular day of your weekly dose will be adjusted, so long as there’s a minimal interval of three days (72 hours) between doses. This flexibility permits you to preserve the remedy’s effectiveness whereas accommodating any needed modifications to your routine.
All the time examine along with your physician in the event you’re uncertain about the right way to handle a missed dose or you probably have any considerations about your Zepbound remedy.
How do I take Zepbound?
Zepbound is taken through a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection utilizing a pen system, designed for self-administration at house. It doesn’t are available tablet kind.
If there are any particles or discoloration current within the medicine, don’t use the pen, because it could possibly be expired.
Earlier than injecting, clear the injection website with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Rotate injection websites every week to forestall accidents and the event of scar tissue.
Zepbound can usually be injected beneath the pores and skin within the thigh, stomach, or higher arm.
Who shouldn’t take Zepbound?
Solely take Zepbound if it has been prescribed to you by your physician. This medicine shouldn’t be meant for the remedy of kind 1, kind 2, or gestational diabetes.
Zepbound shouldn’t be acceptable for individuals beneath 18 years previous.
It isn’t beneficial to be used in case you are pregnant, planning on changing into pregnant, or in case you are breastfeeding.
Don’t use Zepbound in the event you or any of your loved ones members have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or you probably have A number of Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome kind 2 (MEN 2).
Don’t use Zepbound in case you are allergic to tirzepatide.
How can I cease taking Zepbound?
By no means cease taking your drugs with out consulting along with your physician first. Doing so could lead to fast weight acquire and insulin resistance.
Your physician can present steerage on the very best method to discontinuing Zepbound, which can embrace regularly tapering the dose.
Additionally discuss to your physician about another medicine, train, or meal plan to assist fight any rebound results it’s possible you’ll expertise in the event you determine to cease taking Zepbound.
Does Zepbound change insulin?
No. Zepbound shouldn’t be insulin and it’s not an insulin substitute. It isn’t FDA-approved for the remedy of diabetes.
For those who’ve been prescribed Zepbound for persistent weight administration and now have diabetes, you will want to proceed taking your diabetes drugs, together with insulin, as prescribed.
Can I take Zepbound together with different drugs?
This may rely on what different kinds of drugs you’re presently prescribed.
All the time discuss to your physician earlier than starting a brand new medicine in the event you take Zepbound.
For those who’re being prescribed Zepbound, disclose all the present drugs you are taking to your physician and ask about any contraindications to your security and well-being.
For those who take contraception tablets, bear in mind that Zepbound could cut back their effectiveness in the course of the first 4 weeks of remedy and for 4 weeks following every dose enhance, requiring a dialogue on different or supplementary types of contraception along with your healthcare supplier.
Zepbound is mostly not beneficial for use together with different GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Victoza, or Ozempic, because of the potential for additive results or elevated danger of negative effects. Zepbound will be taken together with insulin.
How is Zepbound saved?
Zepbound needs to be stored refrigerated between 36 to 46 levels Fahrenheit (2 to eight levels Celsius). Don’t freeze Zepbound and don’t use the medicine whether it is or has been frozen.
How can I get a prescription for Zepbound?
Speak to your physician in the event you want to get a prescription for Zepbound. They will see in the event you qualify based mostly in your well being historical past and BMI and/or waist circumference.
Speak along with your physician if you don’t qualify for Zepbound however want to shed some pounds.
They are able to suggest different FDA-approved weight-loss drugs that could be a greater match for you, reminiscent of Wegovy.
How a lot does Zepbound price?
How a lot you pay for the medication will rely in your insurance coverage protection. The listing worth for Zepbound is $1,059.87 for a 30-day provide of the medicine.
Most individuals with insurance coverage protection won’t pay anyplace close to the listing worth of the medicine. Nevertheless, protection and prices do fluctuate by insurance coverage plan.
Sadly, presently, Medicare doesn’t cowl weight reduction drugs, together with Zepbound. Nevertheless, monetary help or affected person assist applications supplied by the medicine’s producer could also be out there to assist cut back prices for eligible individuals.
Ultimate ideas
Zepbound marks a notable development in persistent weight administration, providing a brand new possibility for adults who’re overweight or chubby with associated well being situations.
As with every medicine, it’s essential to think about the advantages in opposition to potential negative effects and to make use of Zepbound as a part of a broader well being technique that features way of life modifications. Value and insurance coverage protection are additionally essential components to think about.
In case you are keen on utilizing Zepbound for weight reduction, converse along with your healthcare supplier to find out if it’s best for you.
