Everything You Need to Know About Zepbound

Zepbound is the most recent remedy accepted within the U.S. by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for persistent weight administration. 

Though not particularly accepted to deal with these circumstances, it additionally helps individuals with insulin resistance obtain higher blood sugar and A1c ranges and decrease blood stress and levels of cholesterol. 

This text will clarify every little thing you should learn about Zepbound earlier than taking the remedy. 

(Picture courtesy of Eli Lilly and Firm.)

What’s Zepbound?

Zepbound belongs to the dual-action class of medicines often called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medicine are designed to imitate hormones that regulate blood sugar ranges and suppress urge for food in response to the consumption of particular vitamins, primarily carbohydrates and fat.

Accepted by the FDA on November 8, 2023, Zepbound is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Firm. 

Its energetic ingredient, tirzepatide, is run as a once-weekly injection for persistent weight administration in adults who’re overweight or chubby and have a number of weight-related circumstances, equivalent to kind 2 diabetes, hypertension, or excessive ldl cholesterol.

Zepbound is a part of a broader class of medicines for weight administration that features FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).

Are Zepbound and Mounjaro the identical factor?

Mounjaro is a sister drugs to Zepbound. Whereas each medicine have tirzepatide as their energetic ingredient, their accepted makes use of differ, with Mounjaro FDA-approved for managing blood sugar ranges in individuals with kind 2 diabetes.

Learn extra in: All the things You Must Know About Mounjaro.

What are the advantages of Zepbound?

Zepbound is a strong remedy. There are numerous advantages to taking Zepbound, together with the next:

Weight reduction

In a single scientific trial for Zepbound, members who accomplished a 36-week therapy protocol skilled a median weight lack of 20.9 p.c.

From week 36 to week 88, members who continued with Zepbound skilled a further common weight discount of roughly 5.5 p.c, whereas those that had been switched to the placebo (inactive therapy) noticed a median weight achieve of 14 p.c. This demonstrates Zepbound’s effectiveness in sustaining the load loss achieved throughout the preliminary therapy part.

General, 89.5 p.c of the research members receiving Zepbound at 88 weeks maintained no less than 80 p.c of their weight reduction in comparison with 16.6 p.c receiving the placebo. 

The general weight reduction from the beginning of the research to week 88 was 25.3 p.c for these taking Zepbound versus 9.9 p.c for these taking the placebo. 

The research authors famous that members who had been switched to a placebo, successfully stopping Zepbound, regained a lot of the load that they had misplaced. This highlights the significance of steady therapy with Zepbound to maintain the advantages of weight reduction.

In different analysis, Zepbound has been discovered to be much more efficient for weight reduction than Ozempic. Members who took Zepbound misplaced between 15 to 21 p.c of their physique weight, on common, in comparison with 14.9 p.c for individuals who took Ozempic.

Decrease blood stress

Though Zepbound isn’t particularly accepted for treating hypertension, scientific trials have proven that folks taking Zepbound, alongside food regimen and train, skilled reductions in blood stress. 

This discovering underscores the potential cardiovascular advantages related to weight reduction and metabolic enchancment achieved by means of Zepbound, which might be notably helpful for individuals with diabetes, who usually cope with coexisting hypertension.

Decrease ldl cholesterol

Within the scientific trials, members taking Zepbound, together with a nutritious diet and train, skilled enhancements of their levels of cholesterol. 

Whereas Zepbound isn’t formally accepted for ldl cholesterol administration, these enhancements spotlight the broader advantages of considerable weight reduction achieved with the remedy. Sustaining wholesome levels of cholesterol is extraordinarily vital for individuals with diabetes, given their heightened danger for coronary heart illness and stroke.

Higher blood sugar ranges 

In comparison with the placebo, Zepbound was related to important enhancements in blood sugar (fasting blood glucose) and A1c ranges (a measure of glucose management over the earlier 2 to three months) in research members as effectively.

This can be as a result of GIP/GLP-1 drugs work by serving to the pancreas produce extra insulin, reducing the quantity of sugar launched by the liver, growing the physique’s sensitivity to insulin, and slowing digestion, making you’re feeling full longer.

Though Zepbound itself is marketed for weight administration, tirzepatide, as famous earlier, can be accepted underneath the model title Mounjaro for treating kind 2 diabetes. Subsequently, the noticed enhancements in blood sugar ranges current an additional advantage, particularly contemplating the widespread overlap between weight problems and kind 2 diabetes.

Why would you be prescribed Zepbound?

Zepbound is FDA-approved particularly for persistent weight administration. 

The drugs is accepted to be used in adults 18 and older who’ve a body-mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to peak) of 30 or increased, or if their BMI is 25 or increased they usually have one weight-related medical situation, equivalent to kind 2 diabetes, hypertension, or excessive ldl cholesterol. 

Zepbound might decrease blood sugar ranges and enhance A1c, however it isn’t a diabetes remedy. (Do not forget that its energetic ingredient, tirzepatide, can be accepted for treating kind 2 diabetes underneath the model title Mounjaro.)

If you don’t meet the factors to take Zepbound, chances are you’ll qualify for a GLP-1 remedy equivalent to Ozempic, Trulicity (dulaglutide), or Victoza (liraglutide), based mostly in your physician’s evaluation.

What are the negative effects of Zepbound?

The commonest negative effects skilled in scientific trials had been delicate to average gastrointestinal occasions, equivalent to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

Different widespread negative effects might embrace: 

• Abdomen ache
• Constipation 
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), when you take insulin 

Though uncommon, extra extreme problems might embrace: 

• Thyroid tumors, together with most cancers
• Pancreatitis (irritation of the pancreas)
• Adjustments in imaginative and prescient (equivalent to worsening of diabetic retinopathy)
• Kidney issues
• Gallbladder issues, which can current as higher stomach ache, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools
• Critical allergic reactions
• Hair loss and hair thinning (this can be a results of speedy weight reduction and never a aspect impact of the remedy itself)

A number of of those extra extreme negative effects can result in well being problems and demise. 

Name your physician or search emergency medical consideration when you:

• Develop a fever
• Expertise adjustments or worsening of your imaginative and prescient 
• Really feel weak or in ache after taking the remedy 
• Assume chances are you’ll be having an allergic response to the remedy 

Search emergency medical consideration when you’re experiencing extreme low blood sugar ranges, which could be deadly if not handled shortly. 

Does Zepbound have an effect on starvation?

Sure — suppressing urge for food is a key mechanism by means of which Zepbound aids in weight reduction.

Zepbound does this in a couple of methods. First, it inhibits the discharge of glucagon from the liver, which naturally lowers blood sugar ranges and reduces starvation pangs. 

Second, it slows abdomen emptying to maintain you feeling fuller for longer and fewer more likely to snack on empty energy.

Third, it will increase insulin sensitivity by prompting the pancreas to launch insulin when blood sugar ranges are excessive. This stops blood sugar swings and reduces starvation at its core. 

Moreover, Zepbound, by means of its GLP-1 receptor agonist exercise, immediately impacts urge for food facilities within the mind, additional contributing to a diminished sense of starvation and decrease calorie consumption.

What are the doses of Zepbound?

Zepbound is available in a number of completely different doses tailor-made to fulfill particular person wants, with the suitable dose relying on elements equivalent to your weight, tolerance to the remedy, any negative effects skilled, well being historical past, objectives, and way of life. The choice on the perfect dose in your state of affairs will probably be decided between you and your physician. 

Zepbound is run subcutaneously (underneath the pores and skin) utilizing a single-dose injection pen, and is obtainable within the following incremental doses to permit for dose adjustment :

• 2.5 milligrams (mg): That is the beginning dose.
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg

Every dose is run as soon as weekly with or with out meals, ideally on the identical day and on the identical time every week, to keep up constant blood ranges of the remedy.

Any adjustments to your dosing routine must be made underneath the steering of your physician, who can take into account your response to the therapy and any negative effects chances are you’ll encounter.

How a lot Zepbound ought to I take?

This choice must be made in session together with your physician. Nonetheless, initially, everybody who takes Zepbound begins with a 2.5 mg weekly injection to attenuate the chance of negative effects and permit the physique to regulate to the remedy. 

This beginning interval lasts for no less than 4 weeks, offering a possibility to watch for any hostile reactions. In scientific trials, 7 p.c of members stopped taking the remedy as a result of hostile negative effects. 

Based mostly in your response and the remedy’s tolerability, your physician might alter your dose, with 15 mg as soon as weekly being the utmost really useful dose. It’s essential to observe your physician’s directions and to not change your dose with out medical recommendation.

What occurs if I take an excessive amount of Zepbound?

In the event you take an excessive amount of Zepbound chances are you’ll expertise extreme hostile negative effects, together with:

• Debilitating nausea 
• Extreme vomiting (with the shortcoming to maintain meals down)
• Diarrhea
• Abdomen ache 
• Low blood sugar, particularly when you’re additionally on insulin — this may be deadly if not handled instantly

Name your physician or search emergency medical consideration instantly when you’ve unintentionally taken an excessive amount of Zepbound or unintentionally taken your dose twice inside one week. 

Do I want to alter my food regimen to shed extra pounds on this remedy?

Altering your food regimen isn’t strictly essential to shed extra pounds whereas taking Zepbound. Nonetheless, the remedy is simplest when used along with elevated bodily exercise and wholesome dietary adjustments.

Moreover, the remedy might make you nauseous, and it might make it more durable to eat massive meals and meals excessive in fats, particularly if you first begin taking the drug.

Discuss together with your physician when you’re considering altering your food regimen, or meet with a registered dietitian (RD) to formulate a meal plan that can be just right for you and your well being objectives. 

Additionally communicate together with your physician when you’re experiencing hostile negative effects like nausea and vomiting and are having hassle consuming common meals and snacks. 

You might also must decrease your dose when you’re coping with low blood sugars as a result of persistent nausea or vomiting. 

What occurs if I miss a dose of Zepbound?

It’s no huge deal when you forgot to take your weekly dose of Zepbound. Nonetheless, consistency is essential to the best well being advantages and success. 

In the event you miss a dose of your remedy, attempt to take it as quickly as attainable. Nonetheless, if it’s been greater than 4 days (96 hours) since your missed dose, simply skip that week and wait till your subsequent weekly dose to renew taking your remedy. This method helps make sure you don’t take doses too shut collectively, which might improve the chance of negative effects.

After addressing a missed dose, you may proceed together with your common once-weekly dosing schedule. If wanted, the precise day of your weekly dose could be adjusted, so long as there’s a minimal interval of three days (72 hours) between doses. This flexibility permits you to keep the therapy’s effectiveness whereas accommodating any essential adjustments to your routine.

All the time examine together with your physician when you’re not sure about the best way to handle a missed dose or you probably have any considerations about your Zepbound therapy.

How do I take Zepbound?

Zepbound is taken by way of a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection utilizing a pen system, designed for self-administration at house. It doesn’t are available capsule kind. 

If there are any particles or discoloration current within the remedy, don’t use the pen, because it might be expired. 

Earlier than injecting, clear the injection website with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Rotate injection websites every week to forestall accidents and the event of scar tissue. 

Zepbound can sometimes be injected underneath the pores and skin within the thigh, stomach, or higher arm. 

Who shouldn’t take Zepbound?

Solely take Zepbound if it has been prescribed to you by your physician. This remedy isn’t meant for the therapy of kind 1, kind 2, or gestational diabetes. 

Zepbound isn’t applicable for individuals underneath 18 years previous.

It isn’t really useful to be used in case you are pregnant, planning on turning into pregnant, or in case you are breastfeeding.

Don’t use Zepbound when you or any of your loved ones members have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or you probably have A number of Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome kind 2 (MEN 2). 

Don’t use Zepbound in case you are allergic to tirzepatide. 

How can I cease taking Zepbound?

By no means cease taking your drugs with out consulting together with your physician first. Doing so might lead to speedy weight achieve and insulin resistance. 

Your physician can present steering on the perfect method to discontinuing Zepbound, which can embrace steadily tapering the dose.

Additionally discuss to your physician about another remedy, train, or meal plan to assist fight any rebound results chances are you’ll expertise when you resolve to cease taking Zepbound. 

Does Zepbound change insulin?

No. Zepbound isn’t insulin and it isn’t an insulin substitute. It isn’t FDA-approved for the therapy of diabetes.

In the event you’ve been prescribed Zepbound for persistent weight administration and now have diabetes, you have to to proceed taking your diabetes drugs, together with insulin, as prescribed. 

Can I take Zepbound together with different drugs?

This may depend upon what different kinds of drugs you’re at present prescribed. 

All the time discuss to your physician earlier than starting a brand new remedy when you take Zepbound. 

In the event you’re being prescribed Zepbound, disclose all the present drugs you’re taking to your physician and ask about any contraindications in your security and well-being. 

In the event you take contraception capsules, bear in mind that Zepbound might scale back their effectiveness throughout the first 4 weeks of therapy and for 4 weeks following every dose improve, requiring a dialogue on different or supplementary types of contraception together with your healthcare supplier.

Zepbound is mostly not really useful for use together with different GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Victoza, or Ozempic, because of the potential for additive results or elevated danger of negative effects. Zepbound could be taken together with insulin.

How is Zepbound saved?

Zepbound must be saved refrigerated between 36 to 46 levels Fahrenheit (2 to eight levels Celsius). Don’t freeze Zepbound and don’t use the remedy whether it is or has been frozen. 

How can I get a prescription for Zepbound?

Discuss to your physician when you want to get a prescription for Zepbound. They’ll see when you qualify based mostly in your well being historical past and BMI and/or waist circumference. 

Discuss together with your physician if you don’t qualify for Zepbound however want to shed extra pounds. 

They can advocate different FDA-approved weight-loss drugs that could be a greater match for you, equivalent to Wegovy. 

How a lot does Zepbound price?

How a lot you pay for the medication will rely in your insurance coverage protection. The checklist worth for Zepbound is $1,059.87 for a 30-day provide of the remedy. 

Most individuals with insurance coverage protection won’t pay wherever close to the checklist worth of the remedy. Nonetheless, protection and prices do differ by insurance coverage plan. 

Sadly, right now, Medicare doesn’t cowl weight reduction drugs, together with Zepbound. Nonetheless, monetary help or affected person help packages provided by the remedy’s producer could also be out there to assist scale back prices for eligible individuals.

Last ideas

Zepbound marks a notable development in persistent weight administration, providing a brand new choice for adults who’re overweight or chubby with associated well being circumstances. 

As with all remedy, it’s vital to contemplate the advantages in opposition to potential negative effects and to make use of Zepbound as a part of a broader well being technique that features way of life adjustments. Value and insurance coverage protection are additionally vital elements to contemplate. 

In case you are considering utilizing Zepbound for weight reduction, communicate together with your healthcare supplier to find out if it’s best for you.