Uses
What is Zepbound used for?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is commonly used for long-term weight management in people who are obese or who are overweight with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Zepbound may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Zepbound work (mechanism of action)?
Zepbound works by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body.
Learn more about How Zepbound Works for Weight Loss.
How is Zepbound supplied (dosage forms)?
Zepbound is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg solution for injection, prefilled pens
- 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg solution for injection, vials
How should I store Zepbound?
Zepbound injection solution should be stored in the original packaging (to keep it protected from light) in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Unused Zepbound can be stored until the expiration date.
If needed, Zepbound can be kept at temperatures up to 86 F (30 C), for no more than 21 days. If Zepbound is stored outside of the refrigerator, do not put it back in the refrigerator.
Store in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Zepbound?
The most common side effects of Zepbound are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Stomach pain, upset stomach or indigestion, acid reflux
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Tiredness
- Allergic reactions
- Burping
- Hair loss
There may be other side effects of Zepbound that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Zepbound?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Zepbound are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Zepbound may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zepbound and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Thyroid Tumors. Zepbound may cause you to develop thyroid tumors. Some of these tumors could be cancerous. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a thyroid tumor.
- Swelling or a lump in your neck
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
Pancreatitis. Zepbound may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Zepbound and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Gallbladder Problems. Using Zepbound can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Fever
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Zepbound can cause low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. Your dose of insulin or other diabetes medicine may need to be lowered to decrease your risk of low blood sugar. Do not use Zepbound and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Zepbound. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Severe Stomach Problems. Severe stomach problems may happen with Zepbound. Call your healthcare provider if you have severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Vision Changes. Zepbound may cause your vision to worsen when you start using the medicine or start a higher dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop new vision problems. If you have a condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Zepbound or use a higher dose. Make sure that you keep all appointments to have your vision checked.
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Zepbound may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Zepbound?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zepbound.
- Tirzepatide
- Zepbound
- Mounjaro
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zepbound.
Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Zepbound should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your healthcare provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.
Suicidal Thoughts or Suicide Attempts. People with a history of suicidal thoughts or previous suicide attempts should not use Zepbound. See the Side Effects section above for more details.
Pregnancy. Do not take Zepbound if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare professional right away. See the Pregnancy section below for more details.
Severe Stomach Problems. People with severe stomach problems, including severe gastroparesis should not use Zepbound. See the Side Effects section above for more details.
What should I know about Zepbound before using it?
Follow the instructions for use when using Zepbound for the first time or when you have not used it in a while.
Do not use Zepbound unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Zepbound with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Zepbound out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated.
Use Zepbound on the same day each week, at any time of day.
Avoid using the same injection site each time you use Zepbound by rotating where you inject it.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zepbound?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zepbound is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Diabetic Retinopathy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetic retinopathy, as this may worsen while using Trulicity.
Stomach Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems, such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Pancreatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Kidney Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, including long-term kidney failure, as this may worsen while using Zepbound.
Pregnancy. Do not take Zepbound if you are pregnant. It is not known if or how Zepbound could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. However, weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, even if you are already overweight. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Zepbound, you can contact Lilly at 800-LillyRX (800-545-5979) to learn about the Zepbound Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects safety information about exposure to Zepbound during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zepbound passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Zepbound?
For more information about Zepbound, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://zepbound.lilly.com/ or call them at 800-545-5979.
Interactions
Does Zepbound interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Zepbound and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zepbound.
Does Zepbound interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Zepbound may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. In particular, make sure you tell your healthcare provider if you take birth control pills.
Make sure that you tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you take to treat diabetes, especially insulin or medicines that increase your insulin levels (see risk of low blood sugar above).
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zepbound. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zepbound?
If you or someone else has used too much Zepbound, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Zepbound?
If you miss a dose of Zepbound and it is less than 4 days (96 hours) from when you should have used it, use Zepbound as soon as you remember it. If it has been more than 4 days (96 hours) from when you should have used it, skip the missed dose of Zepbound and use it at your next scheduled dose. You should not take 2 doses of Zepbound within 3 days (72 hours) of each other.