Zepbound

Zepbound is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or excess weight. The active ingredient is tirzepatide, which mimics natural hormones that help control blood sugar and appetite. Zepbound comes as a weekly injection you give yourself under the skin.

This medication is designed to work alongside diet and exercise, not replace them. Zepbound helps your body feel full longer and slows how fast food leaves your stomach. The FDA approved Zepbound in November 2023 specifically for chronic weight management.

Zepbound requires a prescription from your doctor. Your healthcare provider will determine if this medication is right for your situation. They will consider your weight, health conditions, and weight loss goals before prescribing.

• Weight management in adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater, which means obesity
• Weight management in adults with a body mass index of 27 or greater who have weight-related health problems like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
• Reducing the risk of heart disease in people who are overweight or have obesity
• Supporting long-term weight loss when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

Zepbound activates two hormone receptors in your body called GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones normally release after you eat to help control blood sugar and digestion. By activating both receptors, Zepbound sends signals to your brain that reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. This dual action makes it different from other weight loss medications that only target one receptor.

The medication also slows gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer. This helps you feel satisfied after eating smaller amounts. Zepbound may also affect how your body stores and uses fat. These combined effects support weight loss when you follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.

Zepbound starts at a dose of 2.5 mg injected once weekly. Your doctor will typically increase the dose gradually every 4 weeks. Common maintenance doses range from 5 mg to 15 mg once weekly. The maximum dose is 15 mg per week. Your doctor determines your specific dose based on your response and how well you tolerate the medication. Always inject Zepbound on the same day each week. You can inject it at any time of day, with or without meals.

• Nausea, which often improves after a few weeks
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Decreased appetite
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Injection site reactions like redness or itching
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Hair loss, which is usually temporary

Serious side effects need immediate medical attention. These include severe stomach pain that does not go away, vision changes, signs of thyroid tumors like a lump in your neck, or symptoms of pancreatitis. Contact your doctor right away if you have persistent vomiting, severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, or thoughts of suicide. Zepbound has a boxed warning about thyroid tumors seen in animal studies.

• Insulin and medications that increase insulin production, which may cause low blood sugar when combined with Zepbound
• Oral medications taken by mouth, as Zepbound slows digestion and may affect how your body absorbs other drugs
• Birth control pills, which may be less effective due to delayed stomach emptying, especially during dose increases or if vomiting occurs
• Warfarin and other blood thinners, which may need dose adjustments and more frequent monitoring
• Do not use Zepbound if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Not recommended during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant within 2 months, as weight loss may harm a developing baby

Your doctor should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking Zepbound, especially if you have diabetes or prediabetes. Glucose monitoring helps catch low blood sugar early and adjust other medications if needed. Hemoglobin A1C testing shows your average blood sugar control over the past 3 months. Your doctor may check this every 3 to 6 months to see how the medication affects your blood sugar long-term.

Lipid panels measure cholesterol and triglycerides, which often improve with weight loss. Testing these markers helps track your heart health progress. Rite Aid offers blood testing services with 200 biomarkers available, making it easy to monitor glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and lipids in one visit. Regular monitoring helps you and your doctor see how your body responds to treatment and catch any problems early.