Key takeaways

  • Zepbound is a subcutaneous injection for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
  • Zepbound is not available as a generic drug, contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, and belongs to the drug class of dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
  • The medication is most effective when used in combination with increased physical activity and dietary changes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepbound for the following uses, in combination with exercise and a low calorie diet:

  • Weight loss and weight management. For this use, doctors may prescribe the drug to adults who either:
    • have obesity or
    • have overweight and have at least one health condition related to weight, such as high blood pressure
  • Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults who have obesity.

Zepbound details

  • Drug class: GIP and GLP-1
  • Drug form: solution that’s injected subcutaneously using a single-use prefilled pen or single-dose vial with needle and syringe
  • Generic available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 2023
  • Boxed warning: Yes. Risk of thyroid cancer.

Zepbound can lead to mild or serious side effects.

According to Zepbound’s prescribing information, mild side effects may include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or do not go away, a doctor or pharmacist can help you explore management options.

Serious side effects are not common with Zepbound, but they can occur, and include:

If you experience the following symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number right away:

  • confusion
  • difficulty swallowing
  • difficulty breathing
  • chest pain
  • spread swelling
  • lethargy

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes. They will determine the best Zepbound dosage to fit your needs.

Zepbound comes as a solution in a single-use injection pen and also as a vial for administration with a needle and syringe.

The drug is available in the following strengths for both the pen and vial forms:

  • 2.5 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters (mg/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

The typical starting dose for weight loss and severe OSA is 2.5 mg. You’ll inject this dose once per week for 4 weeks. After that, the doctor may increase the dose to 5 mg once per week. For OSA, they’ll adjust it again after 4 weeks to 10 mg once per week.

A doctor may adjust the weekly dose of Zepbound until the desired effect is achieved. Dose increases will be at least 4 weeks apart. The maximum recommended dosage of Zepbound for weight loss and OSA is 15 mg once per week.

Overdose

Using more than the recommended dosage of Zepbound can lead to serious side effects.

If you think you’ve injected a higher-than-recommended dose of Zepbound, call your prescribing doctor. If this is not possible, you can also call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

As with all medications, the cost of Zepbound can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

A savings card for Zepbound is available. You can find more information by visiting the manufacturer’s website.

Zepbound is approved for weight loss and weight management in adults who either:

For this use, Zepbound is typically prescribed in combination with exercise and a low calorie diet.

Zepbound for OSA

The FDA has also approved Zepbound to treat moderate to severe OSA in adults who have obesity. Zepbound is not FDA-approved for the treatment of other types of sleep apnea.

For treating OSA, Zepbound is also prescribed in combination with exercise and a low calorie diet.

Zepbound can interact with several other medications.

Before starting Zepbound, it’s important to share with the prescribing doctor the complete list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking, as well as any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use.

Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Other drugs may be available for the same conditions Zepbound is approved for. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Zepbound, a doctor can walk you through the pros and cons of each option.

Drugs similar to Zepbound that are also approved for weight loss and weight management in adults include:

Currently, Zepbound is the only FDA-approved drug available to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in certain adults.

It’s not clear whether Zepbound is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This doesn’t mean potential risks don’t exist; it only means there are no reports at the moment. If you have concerns about this, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare professional.

If you’re sexually active and using birth control, you may also want to ask a doctor whether you need to use additional methods during your Zepbound treatment.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Zepbound.

The active ingredient in Zepbound is tirzepatide, and Wegovy contains semaglutide. Both are approved for weight loss and weight management in certain adults. Wegovy is approved for use in children, while Zepbound is not.

The FDA has also approved Zepbound for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA in certain adults. Wegovy is FDA approved to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain adults when used with a low calorie diet and exercise.

Zepbound contains tirzepatide, and Ozempic contains semaglutide.

Ozempic is approved for the management of blood sugar and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Zepbound is approved for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea in certain adults.

In some cases, Ozempic may be prescribed off label for weight management. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it was officially approved for.

Zepbound comes with multiple precautions. If you have concerns or specific questions about any of these, a pharmacist or doctor can help you assess individual risk and prevention tips.

FDA warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

Zepbound has a boxed warning. This is the FDA’s most serious warning. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients to potential serious drug effects.

In animal studies, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound) increased the risk of thyroid cancer. However, it is not clear whether Zepbound increases this risk in humans as well. This is because results from animal studies do not always translate or apply to humans.

To be safe, doctors are unlikely to prescribe Zepbound if there are other factors that may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. These factors include having either of the following:

A doctor can show you how to self-check for thyroid cancer. If you have thyroid cancer symptoms during treatment with Zepbound, alert your doctor right away before discontinuing the drug. Examples of symptoms to watch out for include:

  • a lump or swelling in the neck
  • unexplained hoarseness
  • difficulty swallowing

A doctor may order specific tests to check for thyroid cancer.

Other precautions

Before starting Zepbound, discuss your health history with a doctor. Zepbound may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health, such as:

Zepbound is a prescription weekly injection used for weight loss, and in some cases, obstructive sleep apnea. It is most effective when combined with exercise and a nutrient-dense diet.

Common side effects of Zepbound include digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Serious risks are rare but exist. These include pancreatitis and gallstones. The drug also carries warnings for thyroid tumors.

Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.