What is Zepbound?
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.
How does Zepbound work?
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 reducing both appetite and the quantity of food being eaten, using Zepbound injections may be a beneficial part of your overall weight management plan.
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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 are experiencing weight-related health concerns, or those who have a BMI of 30 or higher.
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How do you take Zepbound?
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.
Prescription Zepbound injections for weight loss will come in preloaded injector pens, which are to be taken subcutaneously (under the skin).
SIDE NOTE: You shouldn’t administer Zepbound injections for weight loss into either muscles or veins. Follow the dosing location instructions provided alongside your Zepbound prescription for more information.
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How long does Zepbound last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Zepbound?
There are some patients who shouldn’t use prescription Zepbound medications, 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
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 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
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.
Who shouldn't take Zepbound?
What Should I Avoid While Taking Zepbound?
You should avoid dehydration. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting or decreased intake, you are at risk of dehydration which can increase your chances of adverse health consequences like kidney problems.Â
Changes in appetite may lead to some people not eating enough calories to sustain their bodies. It is important to continue to eat regularly, 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.Â
Zepbound can’t be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are planning to get pregnant, you need to stop taking it at least eight weeks beforehand.
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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. Â
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 known as sulfonylurea 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.
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Is There a Difference Between Zepbound, Tirzapatide & Mounjaro?
From an ingredient standpoint, there is no difference between Zepbound, Tirzepatide, and Mounjaro. They all contain the same active ingredients.
The generic name for this medication is Tirzepatide, while the brand names for Tirzepatide are Zepbound and Mounjaro.
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Further reading
