If you’ve been using weight loss medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, you’re likely aware of the supply issues that are facing these drugs.
But here’s some good news for you. There’s a new weight loss drug known as Zepbound. Zepbound has the active ingredient tirzepatide, a previously approved medication to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepbound for weight loss and long-term weight management in people with obesity or overweight and with a weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
But what is Zepbound? Is it for everyone? How does it work? How do you use it, how much does it cost, and how safe is the medication? This post will answer these and much more.
What Is Zepbound?
Zepbound is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps you lose weight and keep it off.
The FDA approved Zepbound for long-term weight management in adults who are obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher) and have weight-related medical conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, or obstructive sleep apnea.
According to two FDA-approved randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 2,519 people with obesity or overweight, those taking Zepbound experienced a statistically significant decrease in body weight compared to those taking a placebo.
The FDA also reports that, in one research, participants who received the highest dose of Zepbound lost an average of 18% of their total weight. (People with type 2 diabetes lost an average of 12% of their body weight.)
While Zepbound has been proven effective for weight loss, it’s prescribed with physical exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.
How Does Zepbound Work?
Zepbound works by imitating the actions of two hormones known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GIP and GLP-1 trigger certain binding sites in the body, which help control appetite.
Thus, Zepbound promotes weight loss by suppressing your appetite. The medication also slows digestion, making you feel fuller sooner and longer after eating. This makes you consume fewer calories, which can help in weight loss and long-term weight management.
Once you book a consultation with us, we will show you how to inject Zepbound under your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen.
Every injection pen provides one dose of Zepbound. For every dosage, you will use a fresh injection pen.
A standard starting dosage is 2.5 mg. You will inject this dosage once a week for 4 weeks. We might increase your dosage to 5 mg once a week after that.
We may change your weekly Zepbound dose until you achieve the intended result. There will be at least four weeks between dose increases. Zepbound’s maximum recommended dosage is 15 mg once a week.
Who Is Eligible for Zepbound?
Zepbound is eligible for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) with a weight-related health condition, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease.
You may not be eligible for Zepbound if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to be pregnant soon. This is because losing weight is not recommended while pregnant as it may harm the developing baby.
You should not use Zepbound if you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, has been shown to increase the risk of thyroid tumors in rats.
While it is not known if this reaction is the same in humans, you should avoid using Zepbound if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer. We may not prescribe Zepbound if you’re on other medicines with tirzepatide (the main ingredient in Zepbound), like Mounjaro. We will also not recommend the drug if you’re taking similar glucagon-like peptide-1 medications such as Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), as well as using any other weight loss products, whether they are prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or herbal products.
It’s important to note that Zepbound may interact with birth control pills. The medication may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills during the 4 weeks of Zepbound treatment and 4 weeks following each dose increase.
If you take birth control pills, we might advise you to switch to a non-oral birth control method like the vaginal ring or patch or add a barrier technique like condoms.
4 weeks after your last dose increase, we can advise you on the possibility of returning to your birth control pill.
How Does Zepbound Compare with Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are all recommended for weight loss. However, only Zepbound and Wegovy have been given FDA approval for this use.
Mounjaro is FDA-approved to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. However, it is occasionally recommended off-label for weight loss.
Zepbound and Mounjaro have the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and Wegovy contains semaglutide. Both drugs help you lose weight and keep it off after losing it.
While Zepbound and Wegovy are approved for weight loss and weight management, they’re both prescribed with a low-calorie diet and exercise. Wegovy is also approved for some children, while Zepbound isn’t approved for children.
Zepbound Side Effects
The most common side effects of Zepbound include:
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Stomach pain
● Diarrhea
● Fever or rash on the injected area
● Indigestion
● Belching
● Fatigue
● Hair loss
● Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Many of these negative reactions, especially the digestive ones like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, are also common with other weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Gastrointestinal side effects are generally mild to severe and occur more frequently when you increase the dosage.
While Zepbound is a safe and efficient weight-loss drug for many people, though rarely, it may have severe side effects, including:
● Acute pancreatitis
● Acute kidney injury
● Acute gallbladder disease
● Severe gastrointestinal illness
● An allergic response to Zepbound
● Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
● Diabetic retinopathy (type 2 diabetes-related vision loss or damage)
● Depression or suicidal thoughts.
People with type 2 diabetes or a history of renal or gallbladder issues may be more susceptible to these adverse effects. Be sure to notify us of any underlying medical conditions before beginning your Zepbound treatment.
We can modify your insulin dosage to prevent hypoglycemia or suggest additional precautions to ward off any possible adverse effects.
How Much Does Zepbound Cost?
Zepbound costs $1,060 for a one-month supply, which is around 20% less than Wegovy. This might not be affordable to everyone, considering that the drug must be taken once a week. However, Eli Lilly noted that health insurance will lower the cost.
If your insurance covers other weight loss medications like Wegovy or Saxenda, like Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal does, it may cover Zepbound.
Eli Lilly estimated that you may pay as little as $25 for a one- or three-month prescription if you have insurance coverage. You may have to pay more than $550 for a one-month prescription if you have health insurance that does not specifically cover Zepbound.
Call the number on your insurance card to find out if Zepbound is covered. They should respond to you with clarity.
FAQs
What if I miss a dose of Zepbound?
If you miss a dose of Zepbound, inject it as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 4 days (96 hours) since your last dose, ignore the missed dose and inject your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not inject two doses at once to compensate for a missed dose. You should also avoid injecting two doses within three days (72 hours). This could increase your chances of developing more side effects.
How long does Zepbound take to work?
Zepbound begins to work as soon as you start treatment. However, weight loss may start after a few weeks. Weight loss may also depend on your level of exercise and calorie intake.
Is there a best time of day to inject Zepbound?
Zepbound is injected once every week. While you can do it at any time of the day, it’s better to inject the medication the same day each week.
Should I inject Zepbound with food?
You can use Zepbound with or without food.
What are the best injection sites for Zepbound?
You should inject Zepbound into the back of your upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Administer the injection in a slightly different location weekly to prevent skin irritation.
Zepbound for Weight Loss and Weight Management in Oklahoma
Zepbound could be a good option, especially if you have been struggling to lose weight with exercise and diet alone.
If you want to lose weight quickly and safely, Visit the NP 2 GO Clinic in Oklahoma City. We provide virtual consultations by appointment and are the biggest medical weight loss practice in the United States.
Our weight loss program is more than a diet plan. We are your dependable resource for healthy living and safe weight loss. We’ll make sure you see the desired results along the way. If you’ve previously struggled with weight loss, our clinic can help you learn how to control your food better. We’ll help you rediscover who you are with outcomes you can see, feel, and love.
Your journey begins when you book a consultation with our licensed nurse practitioner. They’ll discuss your medical history, weight loss goals, and lifestyle so they can provide the best program specifically tailored to you.
Most patients are eligible to start a program right away. All you have to know is that no matter how much weight you want to lose—10, 15, or 50 pounds—we will be here to assist and encourage you.
If you’re wondering how tirzepatide, the peptide that gives Zepbound its benefits, can help you lose weight and if you’re also interested in learning more about its potential health benefits, contact NP2GO Clinic. We are proud to be the leading provider of weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound in Oklahoma, Alaska, New York, Washington, and Texas. Call us today at (405) 696-7003 to schedule your consultation.