Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to support weight loss and treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in certain adults. Administered via a once-weekly injection, Zepbound works by suppressing appetite and slowing digestion to help manage weight over the long term.

What Is Zepbound?

Zepbound is a brand-name drug that contains tirzepatide, a medication that mimics natural hormones to regulate appetite and blood sugar. It is currently only available in brand-name form, with no generic alternative.

Zepbound is delivered as a liquid solution in prefilled single-dose injection pens or vials for subcutaneous (under-the-skin) use.

Boxed Warning: Zepbound carries a boxed warning due to the potential risk of thyroid tumors. See the section below: “What to Know Before Starting Zepbound” for important safety considerations.

Approved Uses for Zepbound

Zepbound is prescribed in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for:

• Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30), or
• Adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27) and have at least one weight-related condition, such as:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

Additionally, Zepbound is approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

How Zepbound Works

Zepbound helps reduce food intake by:

• Suppressing appetite
• Delaying stomach emptying

These combined effects lead to a feeling of fullness sooner and for longer, supporting gradual, sustained weight loss and improved sleep apnea symptoms over time.

Who Should NOT Use Zepbound?

Zepbound is not recommended if you:

• Take other medications containing tirzepatide (e.g., Mounjaro)
• Use other GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
• Are you currently using other weight loss drugs or supplements
• Have a history of pancreatitis

Zepbound Cost & Savings Options

The cost of Zepbound varies depending on your insurance coverage, treatment plan, and pharmacy. Here are a few ways to manage costs:

• Optum Perks: Compare prices and access savings coupons (note: these can’t be combined with insurance).
• Manufacturer’s Savings Card: Eligible patients may receive discounts.
• Pharmacy Assistance: Ask your pharmacist about other cost-saving programs.

Zepbound Side Effects

Like most medications, Zepbound can cause both mild and serious side effects. Not everyone will experience these, and their severity can vary.

Mild Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating, gas, or burping
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Injection site reactions (redness, itching, rash)
• Mild allergic reactions
• Temporary hair thinning

Most mild side effects subside within a few weeks. Contact your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects

• Severe nausea or diarrhea leading to dehydration or kidney problems
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones)
• Low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
• Thyroid cancer risk (boxed warning)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior (rare, but possible)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe abdominal pain.

Zepbound Dosage Guide

Available Strengths

Zepbound injection pens and vials are available in the following doses:

• 2.5 mg / 0.5 mL
• 5 mg / 0.5 mL
• 7.5 mg / 0.5 mL
• 10 mg / 0.5 mL
• 12.5 mg / 0.5 mL
• 15 mg / 0.5 mL

For Weight Loss

• Start: 2.5 mg once per week for 4 weeks
• Step-up: 5 mg weekly for the next 4 weeks
• Adjust: Your doctor may increase your dose in 2.5 mg increments, up to 15 mg max per week

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Typical long-term maintenance dose: 10 mg or 15 mg once per week

How to Inject Zepbound

• Inject under the skin (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
• Rotate injection sites weekly to avoid irritation
• Use each pen or vial only once
• You can inject with or without food, at any time of day—just stick to the same day each week

Store in the refrigerator, or at room temperature (up to 86°F) for a maximum of 21 days. Do not freeze.

What If I Miss a Dose?

• Inject as soon as you remember, within 4 days
• If more than 96 hours have passed, skip the missed dose
• Resume your regular schedule—never double up

Zepbound and Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

• Not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the fetus
• Safety while breastfeeding is unknown
• Use non-hormonal birth control if you’re of childbearing potential, as hormonal contraceptives may be less effective with Zepbound.

Drug Interactions

Zepbound may delay the absorption of other oral medications. Common interactions include:

Drug Type	Examples
Birth control pills	Junel, Yaz
Insulin	Humalog, Lantus
Sulfonylureas	Glipizide, Glimepiride
Blood thinners	Warfarin

Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking.

Is Zepbound Safe for Older Adults?

Yes, but caution is advised. While studies show similar side effects across age groups, older adults are more likely to have other health conditions or take interacting medications.

Warnings and Precautions

Boxed Warning: Thyroid Cancer Risk

Avoid Zepbound if you or a family member has a history of:

• Medullary thyroid cancer
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Watch for symptoms like neck lumps, persistent hoarseness, or trouble swallowing or breathing.

Additional Warnings

Zepbound may not be suitable if you have:

• Gastroparesis or severe digestive issues
• Kidney disease
• Diabetic eye disease
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• History of severe allergic reactions to similar drugs

In Case of Overdose

If you inject too much Zepbound:

• Call your doctor or the Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222
• For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately

Alternatives to Zepbound

Several other medications are used to support weight loss:

• Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
• Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
• Phentermine (Adipex-P)
• Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)
• Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave)

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FAQs

Is Zepbound the same as Mounjaro or Ozempic?

• Zepbound and Mounjaro both contain tirzepatide, but only Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss.
• Ozempic contains semaglutide and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Can Zepbound cause long-term side effects?

Long-term risks are currently considered low, but research is ongoing. Talk to your doctor about any concerns.

How long does it take Zepbound to work?

You may begin seeing results within a few weeks, but weight loss and sleep apnea improvements usually occur over several months.