Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Description

Zepbound is a medication that is prescribed in combination with diet and exercise for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults who have one or more comorbid conditions related to weight (high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease).

Zepbound comes in single-dose injectable pens in the following strengths:

• 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

Directions

Zepbound should be administered as your doctor has prescribed. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Information regarding how much Zepbound medication you should inject will be provided to you by your doctor. You will be instructed on how to properly inject Zepbound by your provider. Inject the medication one time a week underneath the skin; it can be injected in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and you should rotate injection sites each time.

Storage:

Refrigerate Zepbound in the original carton between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). This medication should not be frozen. The injection pens may be stored for up to 21 days at 30°C (86°F) or below. After the pens are stored at room temperature, you should not put them back in the refrigerator. If the medication has not been administered within 21 days of taking it out of the refrigerator, it should be discarded.

Keep medications out of reach of children.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide, which is also the ingredient in the type 2 diabetes medication Mounjaro®.

Contraindications

Avoid using Zepbound if you or a family member have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Avoid using Zepbound if you have an allergy to Tirzepatide or to any other ingredients in the medication.

Cautions

Zepbound is associated with the following FDA Boxed Warning:

• Thyroid C-cell tumors in rats have been caused by tirzepatide. Thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), have not been determined to be caused by Zepbound in humans

• Zepbound should not be administered to patients with a personal or family history of MTC or to patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Information about the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors should be explained to these patients

• Before you begin using Zepbound, tell your doctor:
• About all prescription and nonprescription medications you take
• If you have any allergies
• About your medical history
• About your current health conditions
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Zepbound could cause the following:
• Potentially severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Zepbound is not recommended for use in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, as this has not been studied.
• Acute kidney injury, acute gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.
• Hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling). If you have signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediately seek emergency care.
• The risk of low blood glucose levels can be increased if you use Zepbound with insulin products, which may require an adjusted dose. The signs and symptoms of low blood glucose should be recognized by the patient and treated as their doctor has directed.
• In type 2 diabetic patients, diabetic retinopathy complications can occur.
• Suicidal behavior and ideation. Stop use of Zepbound if patients experience symptoms.

• Harm to an unborn fetus. It is recommended that females who are taking contraceptives by mouth switch to non-oral contraceptives or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after beginning Zepbound and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.

Side Effects

Some, but not all, side effects associated with Zepbound include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, eructation, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you develop persistent or troublesome side effects, immediately speak to your doctor.

You can buy Zepbound injection here at a competitive price.

Reference:

Zepbound. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA, LLC; 2023.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....