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Zepbound is a medication that contains both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Together, these ingredients are indicated for once-per-week use in helping patients who have overweight or obesity with their weight management plan.
If you want to learn more about Zepbound and how it works, click here to view the medication’s product monograph.
Zepbound prescriptions work by helping to regulate your appetite, and in turn, reduce caloric intake.
Specifically, GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists affect the areas of your brain that help regulate feelings of hunger, as well as cravings for food.
By slowing down digestion, increasing fullness and reducing appetite, helping to decrease calorie intake and reduce body weight, Zepbound injections may be a beneficial part of your overall weight management plan.
What is Zepbound® used to treat?
Zepbound prescriptions are used to help patients that are living with overweight or obesity as part of their weight management plan, alongside a healthy diet, a calorie deficit, and regular exercise.
This includes individuals who have a BMI between 27-30 and haveweight-related health conditions, or those who have a BMI of 30 or higher.
Zepbound injections are taken one time each week, and they should be taken on the same day, as well as around the same time each week.
It can be a good idea to set an alarm, so that you don’t forget to take your Zepbound medication dose when it’s time. Missed or improperly timed dosages may impact Zepbound’s effectiveness and your health.
Prescription Zepbound injections for weight loss will come in preloaded injector pens, which are to be taken subcutaneously (under the skin).
You can choose to take your Zepbound medication anytime, day or night, and it doesn’t need to be taken after eating. Your practitioner may provide you with a Zepbound dosage chart to use as you begin your treatments.This will explain how Zepbound works so that you can help your body get used to the treatments.
SIDE NOTE: You shouldn’t administer Zepbound injections into either muscles or veins. Follow the dosing location instructions provided alongside your Zepbound prescription for more information.
How long does Zepbound® last after you take it?
Some people that use Zepbound medications won’t experience any kind of side effects, and those that do usually notice that they disappear over time as their bodies adjust to the medication.
With that in mind, some common side effects of Zepbound include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Fatigue or low energy
If any of your side effects become severe or persistent, please seek immediate in-person care at your local emergency department or urgent care centre. For mild or moderate side effects, be sure to let your practitioner know right away. They may be able to adjust your Zepbound dosage, consider alternative medications to Zepbound injections or suggest other treatments (e.g. dietary adjustments or over-the-counter medications) that could help with the negative side effects that you are experiencing.
There are some patients who shouldn’t use prescription Zepbound medication, including (but not limited to):
- Patients with an allergy to Zepbound medications or any of its ingredients
- You or a family member has ever had Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
- You’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Patients under the age of 18
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients who have Type 1 Diabetes
You should also be sure to let your health care practitioner know if you:
- Have a heart condition that raises your heart rate
- Have stomach or digestive issues
- Have had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Have or have had liver problems
- Have or have had kidney problems
- Have ever attempted suicide or had suicidal ideation
- Use insulin or medications that stimulate insulin production from your pancreas
- Have or have had conditions related to your pancreas or gallbladder
- Have retinopathy (diabetic eye disease)
- Have severe stomach problems or issues with digestion
You and your health care practitioner will need to decide if Zepbound is a good medication for you or if an alternative medication should be considered.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Zepbound?
There are certain things that you should be mindful about while using Zepbound.
When using Zepbound, you should also be mindful to avoid dehydration. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting or decreased fluid intake, you are at risk of dehydration. This can increase your chances of adverse health consequences like kidney problems.
When you begin to experience changes in your appetite, it may lead to some people not eating enough calories to sustain what their bodies need to be healthy. It is important to eat regularly each day, focusing on adequate amounts of healthy foods, getting enough protein and fiber, staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged periods without eating since this is important to your overall health while taking Zepbound.
Zepbound can’t be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. This means, if you’re planning to become pregnant, you need to stop taking Zepbound at least 8weeks beforehand.
Be sure to take extra precautions and talk to your practitioner if you use heavy equipment or machinery regularly (low blood sugar may make it difficult to concentrate).
Additionally, Tirzepatide prescriptions may interact negatively with certain other medications, so be sure to let your practitioner know all of your current medications, especially if you’re currently using or planning to use:
- Oral birth control medications
- Anti-diabetic medications
- Medications that could increase your heart rate
Will Zepbound Interact with My Current Medications or Supplements?
At this time, there are no known direct drug interactions with Zepbound medications, although it may affect the absorption of medications.
As with any new treatment, it’s essential that you let your practitioner know all of the other treatments, medications, or supplements that you’re currently using, so that your practitioner can ensure your overall weight management plan remains safe and healthy.
Zepbound may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control, so you may be advised to switch to non-oral birth control or use a backup method while taking Zepbound.
Zepbound may increase the risk of getting low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medicines like sulfonylureas or insulin. Speak to your practitioner about managing the dosage of your medication while taking Zepbound.
Additionally, you should be cautious with taking Zepbound at the same time as medications (prescription and over-the-counter) that can increase your heart rate.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Zepbound?
If it’s been 4 days (96 hours) or less since the time that you would normally have taken your Zepbound injection, you should take the injection at that time, then inject your next dose on your usual day
More than 96 hours after the missed dose, you should skip the missed dose, and simply take the next one at its normal scheduled time.
Is There a Difference Between Zepbound, Tirzapatide & Mounjaro?
All three medications contain the same active ingredients. Tirzepatide is the generic name for this medication, whilst Zepbound and Mounjaro are the brand names it is sold under.
The only difference between Tirzepatide, Zepbound, and Mounjaro are its intended use. Zepbound has been authorized for sale by Health Canada for weight management, and Mounjaro for managing type 2 diabetes. Zepbound was approved by Health Canada in 2024 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related health conditions. It’s currently available through Felix in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
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