Overview: Zepbound is a GIP and GLP-1 agonist. It is used to help people lose weight and to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with obesity. Some common side effects include nausea, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, and pain or redness near the injection site. Zepbound is given as a weekly injection under your skin.
Uses
What is Zepbound used for?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Long-term weight management in people with obesity or in people who are overweight with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with obesity
Learn more about How Zepbound Works for Weight Loss and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Zepbound may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Zepbound work (mechanism of action)?
Zepbound works to decrease weight by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body. Weight loss may improve sleep apnea.
How is Zepbound supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Zepbound
Dosage forms and strengths
- 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg solution for injection in prefilled pens (single-dose pens or multi-dose KwikPens) or vials (single-dose or multi-dose)
How should I store Zepbound?
Zepbound Single-Dose Pen or Single-Dose Vial. Store in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), in the original carton. If needed, you can keep a single-dose pen or vial at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 21 total days. Do not freeze or expose to heat. Throw it away after 21 days at room temperature, even if unused.
Zepbound KwikPen or Multi-Dose Vial. Before first use, store it in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), until the expiration date, or at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for up to 30 days. After first use, store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw it away 30 days after first use, after 4 weekly doses, or after it has been kept at room temperature for a total of 30 days, whichever happens first. Keep it in the original carton to protect it from heat and light, and do not freeze it.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Zepbound?
The most common side effects of Zepbound are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach pain, upset stomach or indigestion, acid reflux
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Tiredness
- Allergic reactions
- Burping
- Hair loss
There may be other side effects of Zepbound that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Zepbound?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Zepbound are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Zepbound may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zepbound and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Thyroid Tumors. Zepbound may cause thyroid tumors. Some of these tumors could be cancerous. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a thyroid tumor.
- Swelling or a lump in your neck
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
Pancreatitis. Zepbound may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Zepbound and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Gallbladder Problems. Using Zepbound can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Fever
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Zepbound can cause low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. Your dose of insulin or other diabetes medicine may need to be lowered to decrease your risk of low blood sugar. Do not use Zepbound and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Zepbound. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Trouble catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Severe Stomach Problems. Severe stomach problems may happen with Zepbound. Call your health care provider if you have severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Vision Changes. Tell your health care provider if you notice new or worsening vision problems. If you have a condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Zepbound or use a higher dose. Make sure that you keep all appointments to have your vision checked.
Learn More About Obesity Treatment
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Zepbound?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zepbound.
- Tirzepatide
- Zepbound
- Mounjaro
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zepbound.
Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Zepbound should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your health care provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.
What should I know about Zepbound before using it?
Follow the instructions for use when using Zepbound for the first time or when you have not used it in a while.
Do not use Zepbound unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Zepbound with other people, even if they have the same condition as you and even if the needle is changed. It may harm them or you.
Keep Zepbound out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated.
Use Zepbound on the same day each week, at any time of day.
Avoid using the same injection site each time you use Zepbound by rotating where you inject it.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Zepbound?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Zepbound is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Diabetic Retinopathy. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetic retinopathy, as this may worsen while using Zepbound.
Stomach Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have stomach problems, such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food. Your health care provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Pancreatitis. Tell your health care provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Your health care provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Kidney Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems, including long-term kidney failure, as this may worsen while using Zepbound.
Planned Surgery. Tell your health care provider you are using Zepbound before any planned surgeries or procedures. Zepbound may increase the risk of food or liquid getting into your lungs (aspiration) during a procedure that requires anesthesia or deep sedation.
Pregnancy. Do not use Zepbound if you are pregnant. It is not known if or how Zepbound could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus However, weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, even if you are already overweight. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Zepbound, you can contact Lilly at 800-LillyRX (800-545-5979) to learn about the Zepbound Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects safety information about exposure to Zepbound during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zepbound passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Zepbound?
For more information about Zepbound, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zepbound.lilly.com or call them at 800-545-5979.
Interactions
Does Zepbound interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Zepbound and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zepbound.
Does Zepbound interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Zepbound may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. In particular, make sure you tell your health care provider if you take birth control pills.
Make sure that you tell your health care provider about any medicines you take to treat diabetes, especially insulin or medicines that increase your insulin levels (see risk of low blood sugar above).
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zepbound. Always check with your health care provider.
