Zepbound is a prescription medication designed to help people manage their weight effectively. As a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), it suppresses appetite and slows digestion, leading to reduced calorie intake and gradual weight loss.
Zepbound is a liquid solution for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. It is usually given once weekly. The active ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepbound to help in weight management for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more and people with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Like other injectable weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy or Saxenda, Zepbound has a ramping-up dosage regimen that requires a gradual increase over several weeks.
Read on for more about Zepbound’s dosage, strengths, and usage, but in the end, you should follow your doctor’s prescription and stick to the weekly dosing plan.
What Is Zepbound’s Dosage for Weight Loss?
Zepbound comes as a liquid solution in prefilled injectable pens.
The table below shows the basic dosing guidelines for Zepbound. All strengths are shown in milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL).
Zepbound strengths | Initial dosage | Maximum dosage |
---|---|---|
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 | 2.5 mg/weekly | 15 mg/weekly |
Zepbound Dosage Schedule
Your healthcare provider will start you at a low 2.5 mg dosage of Zepbound to help your body adjust and minimize potential side effects, like nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. They will then progressively increase your dosage by 2.5 mg every four weeks until you reach the most effective dosage.
After 4 weeks on the initial dose, the dosage is usually increased to 5 mg per week. If your body tolerates well, your healthcare provider may continue to increase the dosage in increments, with subsequent increases to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and higher, based on your progress and tolerance.
The typical maintenance dose for weight loss with Zepbound is 15 mg per week. This dosage maximizes weight loss benefits while ensuring long-term tolerability. However, not all patients require the highest dosage to achieve the desired outcome.
Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage once they find an effective dose for you, depending on how well your body tolerates the medication.
What Are Zepbound’s Form and Strengths?
Zepbound comes as a liquid solution injected once weekly under the skin. The injection is typically delivered using a pre-filled pen.
You can choose to use a prefilled single-dose syringe or a prefilled single-use vial with syringes bought from pharmacies.
Here are the available strengths for both options:
- Single-dose injection pens: 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.
- Single-dose vials: 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.
What Factors Influence Zepbound Dosage?
Several factors influence the right dosage of Zepbound for each patient, making it important to customize the treatment plan. Here are the key factors that determine the right Zepbound dosage for weight loss:
- Response to treatment: Everyone reacts differently to medications, and the way your body responds to Zepbound will influence how your dosage is adjusted. If significant weight loss is observed on a lower dose, your Zepbound doctor may decide to maintain that level. If the results are slower, the dosage may be increased to achieve better outcomes.
- Side effects: How your body tolerates Zepbound side effects is a key factor that can affect your dosage. Common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, which occur mostly during the first two weeks of treatment or dosage increase. If side effects become bothersome, your healthcare provider may slow down the dosage increase or lower the current dose to ensure better tolerability.
- Medical history: Your medical history, including any existing conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal issues, may influence the dosage plan. Certain conditions require a more cautious approach with smaller dosage increases to avoid complications.
- Other medications: If you’re taking other medications, especially those for managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, your Zepbound dosage may need to be adjusted to avoid interactions or worsened side effects.
How Is Zepbound Given?
Zepbound is administered as a once-weekly injection under the skin. Before starting Zepbound, our healthcare provider at NP2GO will provide detailed instructions on how to give yourself this injection properly at home. You’ll inject Zepbound on the same day of the week at any time of the day, with or without food.
You can inject Zepbound in your abdomen, thigh, or the back of your upper arm. You should rotate injection sites each week to prevent skin irritation or discomfort.
Store Zepbound in a refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F or 2°C and 8°C) and protected from light. Before injection, you can let the pen or syringe sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to avoid discomfort during injection. Do not freeze the medication or use it if it has been frozen.
Always check the solution for particles or discoloration before using. If the liquid appears cloudy or has particles, discard it and use a new pen or syringe.
After using the pen or syringe, dispose of it in a sharps container to ensure safe and proper disposal.
What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Zepbound and it’s been less than 4 days (96 hours) after the missed injection, take it as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your usual weekly dosing schedule.
If it has been more than 4 days (96 hours) since your missed dose, skip it and wait until your next dose. Do not double up a dose within 3 days of each other to make up for the missed injection, as this could increase the risk of side effects.
Consider setting a weekly reminder on your phone or using a pill-tracking app to avoid missing future doses.
How to Change Your Zepbound Injection Day
If you want to change your injection day, ensure at least 3 days (72 hours) between your last injection and the new one. For example, if you normally take your injection on Monday but want to switch to Thursday, you should wait until Thursday to administer your next dose. If you take it on Tuesday and want to change it to Wednesday, take your next dose on Wednesday of the following week. The key is not to take 2 doses within 3 days.
After you’ve taken the new dose on the desired day, continue with your regular weekly dosing from that point onward. For instance, if you switch your injection day to Thursday, your new schedule will be every Thursday.
If you’re unsure about how to adjust your injection schedule or if you need to make frequent changes, consult your prescriber. They can provide a safe and personalized schedule for your unique health needs.
How Long Does It Take to See Weight Loss Results with Zepbound?
It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your appetite and weight when using Zepbound. Many people begin to lose weight within a few weeks, but how quickly you lose weight will depend on several factors, including your starting weight, any underlying medical conditions you may have, and any changes you make to your daily routine (such as changing your calorie intake and amount of physical activity).
In clinical trials, participants on Zepbound began to lose weight around 4 weeks after beginning the medication. This is how long it takes for your body to absorb the medicine consistently. This clinical trial lasted 72 weeks (16.5 months), and people were losing weight throughout the trial. However, the best results were seen in the 8th and 9th months of using Zepbound.
Zepbound vs.Wegovy: A Dosage Comparison
There are similarities in the formulations and how often you take each medication. Both Zepbound and Wegovy come in prefilled injectable pens as liquid solutions. You inject either medication once a week on your thigh, belly, or the back of your upper arm.
When starting Wegovy or Zepbound, your dosage is gradually increased at 4-week intervals to help you control side effects and find the right dose. However, the dosing schedule for each medication varies slightly.
The table below compares the typical dosing schedule for Zepbound and Wegovy:
Medication | Starting Dose | Recommended Dosage | Maximum dose |
---|---|---|---|
Zepbound | 2.5 mg/0.5 mL | Week 1-4: 2.5 mg/week Week 5-8: 5 mg/week Week 9-12: 7.5 mg/week Week 13-16: 10 mg/week Week 17–20: 12.5 mg/week Week 21+ :15 mg/week | 15 mg/week |
Wegovy | 0.25 mg/week | Week 1-4: 0.25 mg/week Week 5-8: 0.5 mg/week Week 9-12: 1 mg/week Week 13-16: 1.7 mg/week Week 17+: 2.4 mg/week | 2.4 mg/week |
How to Get a Zepbound Prescription
To get a Zepbound prescription, you need to talk to a licensed healthcare provider, like a nurse practitioner (NP), a medical doctor (MD), or a physician assistant (PA). You can do this in person or online using a healthcare marketplace like NP2GO.
Your provider will create a personalized weight loss plan for you, determine if you’re eligible for weight loss medication, obtain prior authorization for prescription drugs if necessary, and monitor your health while on your weight loss journey.
If your healthcare provider prescribes Zepbound for weight loss or Mounjaro to help control your blood sugar, ensure you know of all potential side effects, including contradictions and warnings, for both Mounjaro and Zepbound. Our provider will inform you about all this.
Zepbound Dosage FAQs
Can I adjust my Zepbound dosage on my own?
As with any medication, you should never adjust your Zepbound dosage without your doctor’s recommendation. A healthcare provider must guide dosage changes to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can I take Zepbound with alcohol?
While moderate alcohol consumption may not cause a huge risk, alcohol can worsen Zepbound side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. It can also affect blood sugar levels, which is important to monitor, especially in people with diabetes.
What is the maximum dosage for Zepbound?
The maximum dosage for Zepbound is 15 mg per week.
Can you overdose on Zepbound?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Zepbound, as with any medication. Taking more than the prescribed dose or taking doses within 3 days of each other can lead to serious side effects and health complications. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal issues. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with NP2GO Today
Here at NP2GO, your health and well-being come first. Our comprehensive approach focuses on medication and includes dietary guidance and lifestyle changes to ensure long-lasting results. Whether you’re just starting or have struggled with weight management in the past, we’re here to provide the resources and support you need. Book an appointment with NP2GO right now to begin your weight loss journey.