What It Is Used For

  • Weight Management: Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. It should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Zepbound has received FDA approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity. In clinical studies, patients using Zepbound showed significant improvements in OSA symptoms.

How It Works

  • Dual Hormone Action: Zepbound is a dual-acting drug that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. By mimicking these hormones, it helps regulate appetite and food intake, leading to reduced calorie consumption.
  • Slows Digestion: It slows the movement of food through the stomach, promoting a feeling of fullness after meals and reducing overall appetite.

How It’s Taken

  • Administration: Zepbound is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week. It comes in three doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the appropriate dosing schedule.
  • Injection Sites: Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It’s important to rotate injection sites with each dose to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Potential Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and fatigue. These side effects often diminish as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • Serious Side Effects: There is a potential risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Precautions and Lifestyle Tips

  • Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), as Zepbound is contraindicated in these conditions.
  • Lifestyle Integration: For optimal results, use Zepbound in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on appropriate lifestyle changes.
  • Missed Doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses of Zepbound within 3 days (72 hours) of each other.