All the things You Have to Know About Zepbound

Zepbound is the most recent treatment accredited within the U.S. by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for power weight administration. 

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

This text will clarify all the things it’s good to find out about Zepbound earlier than taking the treatment. 

(Picture courtesy of Eli Lilly and Firm.)

What’s Zepbound?

Zepbound belongs to the dual-action class of medicines often known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medication 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.

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

Its lively ingredient, tirzepatide, is run as a once-weekly injection for power weight administration in adults who’re overweight or obese and have a number of weight-related circumstances, corresponding to sort 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 medication have tirzepatide as their lively ingredient, their accredited makes use of differ, with Mounjaro FDA-approved for managing blood sugar ranges in individuals with sort 2 diabetes.

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

What are the advantages of Zepbound?

Zepbound is a robust treatment. There are various advantages to taking Zepbound, together with the next:

Weight reduction

In a single medical trial for Zepbound, members who accomplished a 36-week remedy protocol skilled a mean weight lack of 20.9 p.c.

From week 36 to week 88, members who continued with Zepbound skilled an extra common weight discount of roughly 5.5 p.c, whereas those that have been switched to the placebo (inactive remedy) noticed a mean weight achieve of 14 p.c. This demonstrates Zepbound’s effectiveness in sustaining the burden loss achieved through the preliminary remedy section.

General, 89.5 p.c of the examine members receiving Zepbound at 88 weeks maintained a minimum of 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 examine to week 88 was 25.3 p.c for these taking Zepbound versus 9.9 p.c for these taking the placebo. 

The examine authors famous that members who have been switched to a placebo, successfully stopping Zepbound, regained a lot of the burden that they had misplaced. This highlights the significance of steady remedy 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 strain

Though Zepbound is just not particularly accredited for treating hypertension, medical trials have proven that individuals taking Zepbound, alongside weight loss plan and train, skilled reductions in blood strain. 

This discovering underscores the potential cardiovascular advantages related to weight reduction and metabolic enchancment achieved via Zepbound, which may very well be significantly helpful for individuals with diabetes, who usually take care of coexisting hypertension.

Decrease ldl cholesterol

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

Whereas Zepbound is just not formally accredited for ldl cholesterol administration, these enhancements spotlight the broader advantages of considerable weight reduction achieved with the treatment. Sustaining wholesome levels of cholesterol is extraordinarily necessary for individuals with diabetes, given their heightened threat for coronary heart illness and stroke.

Higher blood sugar ranges 

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

This can be as a result of GIP/GLP-1 medicines work by serving to the pancreas produce extra insulin, lowering the quantity of sugar launched by the liver, rising 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 also be accredited underneath the model title Mounjaro for treating sort 2 diabetes. Subsequently, the noticed enhancements in blood sugar ranges current an additional benefit, particularly contemplating the widespread overlap between weight problems and kind 2 diabetes.

Why would you be prescribed Zepbound?

Zepbound is FDA-approved particularly for power weight administration. 

The medication is accredited to be used in adults 18 and older who’ve a body-mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to top) of 30 or larger, or if their BMI is 25 or larger they usually have one weight-related medical situation, corresponding to sort 2 diabetes, hypertension, or excessive ldl cholesterol. 

Zepbound might decrease blood sugar ranges and enhance A1c, however it’s not a diabetes treatment. (Do not forget that its lively ingredient, tirzepatide, can also be accredited for treating sort 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 treatment corresponding to Ozempic, Trulicity (dulaglutide), or Victoza (liraglutide), primarily based in your physician’s evaluation.

What are the unintended effects of Zepbound?

The most typical unintended effects skilled in medical trials have been gentle to reasonable gastrointestinal occasions, corresponding to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

Different widespread unintended effects might embrace: 

• Abdomen ache
• Constipation 
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), in the event 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 (corresponding 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 facet impact of the treatment itself)

A number of of those extra extreme unintended effects can result in well being problems and dying. 

Name your physician or search emergency medical consideration in the event you:

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

Search emergency medical consideration in the event you’re experiencing extreme low blood sugar ranges, which might be deadly if not handled rapidly. 

Does Zepbound have an effect on starvation?

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

Zepbound does this in just a few 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, via its GLP-1 receptor agonist exercise, straight 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 totally different doses tailor-made to satisfy particular person wants, with the suitable dose relying on components corresponding to your weight, tolerance to the treatment, any unintended effects skilled, well being historical past, objectives, and life-style. The choice on the most effective dose in your scenario 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 treatment.

Any modifications to your dosing routine must be made underneath the steering of your physician, who can think about your response to the remedy and any unintended effects chances are you’ll encounter.

How a lot Zepbound ought to I take?

This resolution must be made in session together with your physician. Nonetheless, initially, everybody who takes Zepbound begins with a 2.5 mg weekly injection to reduce the danger of unintended effects and permit the physique to regulate to the treatment. 

This beginning interval lasts for a minimum of 4 weeks, offering a possibility to observe for any opposed reactions. In medical trials, 7 p.c of members stopped taking the treatment attributable to opposed unintended effects. 

Primarily based in your response and the treatment’s tolerability, your physician might alter your dose, with 15 mg as soon as weekly being the utmost really helpful 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?

Should you take an excessive amount of Zepbound chances are you’ll expertise extreme opposed unintended effects, together with:

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

Name your physician or search emergency medical consideration instantly in the event you’ve by accident taken an excessive amount of Zepbound or by accident taken your dose twice inside one week. 

Do I want to alter my weight loss plan to reduce weight on this treatment?

Altering your weight loss plan is just not strictly essential to reduce weight whereas taking Zepbound. Nonetheless, the treatment is only when used at the side of elevated bodily exercise and wholesome dietary modifications.

Moreover, the treatment might make you nauseous, and it might make it more durable to eat giant meals and meals excessive in fats, particularly while you first begin taking the drug.

Discuss together with your physician in the event you’re keen on altering your weight loss plan, or meet with a registered dietitian (RD) to formulate a meal plan that can give you the results you want and your well being objectives. 

Additionally communicate together with your physician in the event you’re experiencing opposed unintended effects like nausea and vomiting and are having hassle consuming common meals and snacks. 

You may additionally have to decrease your dose in the event you’re coping with low blood sugars attributable to persistent nausea or vomiting. 

What occurs if I miss a dose of Zepbound?

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

Should you miss a dose of your treatment, attempt to take it as quickly as potential. 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 treatment. This method helps make sure you don’t take doses too shut collectively, which may improve the danger of unintended effects.

After addressing a missed dose, you possibly can proceed together with your common once-weekly dosing schedule. If wanted, the precise day of your weekly dose might be adjusted, so long as there’s a minimal interval of three days (72 hours) between doses. This flexibility permits you to preserve the remedy’s effectiveness whereas accommodating any crucial modifications to your routine.

All the time verify together with your physician in the event you’re uncertain about methods to handle a missed dose or you probably have any issues about your Zepbound remedy.

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 dwelling. It doesn’t are available tablet type. 

If there are any particles or discoloration current within the treatment, don’t use the pen, because it may very well be expired. 

Earlier than injecting, clear the injection web site 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 treatment is just not meant for the remedy of sort 1, sort 2, or gestational diabetes. 

Zepbound is just not acceptable for individuals underneath 18 years outdated.

It’s not really helpful to be used in case you are pregnant, planning on changing into pregnant, or in case you are breastfeeding.

Don’t use Zepbound in the event 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 sort 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 medicines with out consulting together with your physician first. Doing so might end in speedy weight achieve and insulin resistance. 

Your physician can present steering on the most effective method to discontinuing Zepbound, which can embrace progressively tapering the dose.

Additionally discuss to your physician about another treatment, train, or meal plan to assist fight any rebound results chances are you’ll expertise in the event you determine to cease taking Zepbound. 

Does Zepbound change insulin?

No. Zepbound is just not insulin and it’s not an insulin substitute. It’s not FDA-approved for the remedy of diabetes.

Should you’ve been prescribed Zepbound for power weight administration and now have diabetes, you’ll need to proceed taking your diabetes medicines, together with insulin, as prescribed. 

Can I take Zepbound together with different medicines?

It will rely on what different sorts of medicines you’re at present prescribed. 

All the time discuss to your physician earlier than starting a brand new treatment in the event you take Zepbound. 

Should you’re being prescribed Zepbound, disclose all the present medicines you are taking to your physician and ask about any contraindications to your security and well-being. 

Should you take contraception drugs, bear in mind that Zepbound might scale back their effectiveness through the first 4 weeks of remedy and for 4 weeks following every dose improve, requiring a dialogue on various or supplementary types of contraception together with your healthcare supplier.

Zepbound is mostly not really helpful for use together with different GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Victoza, or Ozempic, because of the potential for additive results or elevated threat of unintended effects. Zepbound might be taken together with insulin.

How is Zepbound saved?

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

How can I get a prescription for Zepbound?

Discuss to your physician in the event you want to get a prescription for Zepbound. They will see in the event you qualify primarily based 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 need to reduce weight. 

They are able to advocate different FDA-approved weight-loss medicines which may be a greater match for you, corresponding to Wegovy. 

How a lot does Zepbound price?

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

Most individuals with insurance coverage protection won’t pay anyplace close to the checklist value of the treatment. Nonetheless, protection and prices do fluctuate by insurance coverage plan. 

Sadly, at the moment, Medicare doesn’t cowl weight reduction medicines, together with Zepbound. Nonetheless, monetary help or affected person help applications supplied by the treatment’s producer could also be out there to assist scale back prices for eligible individuals.

Remaining ideas

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

As with all treatment, it’s necessary to contemplate the advantages in opposition to potential unintended effects and to make use of Zepbound as a part of a broader well being technique that features life-style modifications. Price and insurance coverage protection are additionally necessary components to contemplate. 

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