What is Zepbound®?
Zepbound is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication on November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
It is also known by its generic name, Tirzepatide, a new injectable medication developed by Eli Lilly. Zepbound is part of the drug class called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonists. It’s designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring gut hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite, making it a dual-action treatment for managing diabetes and supporting weight loss.
Benefits of Zepbound®?
Zepbound (Tirzepatide) has shown promising results for individuals struggling with weight loss. Multiple clinical studies funded by Eli Lilly have demonstrated significant weight loss in patients taking Zepbound compared to those using a placebo (treatment with no active properties).
In one clinical trial funded by Eli Lilly, participants who took Tirzepatide 5.0 mg lost 16.1 kg of body weight, participants who took Tirzepatide 10 mg lost 22.2 kg of body weight, and participants who took Tirzepatide 15 mg lost 23.6 kg of body weight, while only 2.4 kg weight loss was observed in participants taking placebo. You can observe a trend that, as the dose of Tirzepatide increases, the weight reduction increases.
In addition to weight loss, other Zepbound health benefits include improved blood sugar control and cardiovascular health, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How does Zepbound® work?
Zepbound works as a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Both GLP-1 and GIP are hormones involved in regulating insulin secretion, appetite, and digestion.
Insulin and Glucose Control: GLP-1 and GIP receptors stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels, lowering blood glucose after meals. They also suppress the production of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose.
Appetite and Satiety: By activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Zepbound slows down digestion, reduces appetite, and prolongs the feeling of fullness, helping users to eat less over time.
Zepbound may not work for everyone, and it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to assess which medication is best suited for you. Aayu Well Healthcare ensures thorough assessment and evaluation to build a plan tailored to your needs.
How to use it
Zepbound should be taken as instructed by a qualified healthcare provider. Zepbound is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. It should be injected under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. It's advisable to rotate the injection site each week to prevent skin irritation or infection. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended to assess effectiveness and manage any potential side effects.
Dosing
- The dosing of Zepbound typically follows a gradual increase over time to allow the body to adjust and lessen the occurrence of the side effects.
- Starting Dose: Treatment generally begins at a lower dose, 2.5 mg, to minimize potential side effects. This lasts for four weeks.
- Dose Escalation: After the 4 weeks, the dose is increased incrementally, reaching doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and potentially up to 15 mg weekly, depending on how the patient responds to the treatment (efficacy and tolerance).
- Maintenance Dose: A healthcare provider will help determine an appropriate maintenance dose for each individual. It is often based on how well blood glucose levels are controlled and if the weight loss goals are met.
Side effects
- You may experience some side effects when taking Tirzepatide. Side effects are generally experienced when starting treatment and may subside as you get used to the medication. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal events. Examples are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are some of the most frequently reported side effects, often occurring as the body adjusts.Some individuals may experience serious side effects such as:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): If you experience severe abdominal pain or back pain that doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder issues: If you feel a sudden pain in your upper abdomen or back, it may indicate gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
- Kidney problems: Dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney issues.
- If these side effects persist or worsen, consult with a healthcare provider.
Black Box Warning
- Zepbound carries a black box warning due to findings in animal studies where GLP-1 medications, like Tirzepatide, have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Although this hasn’t been observed in humans if you experience a change in your voice (hoarseness), have difficulty swallowing, or if you observe a painless lump in your neck (the lump may grow gradually), contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- As a precaution, the FDA warns patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid using Zepbound (Tirzepatide).
Precautions
- Certain precautions are necessary for those taking Zepbound. It is necessary to inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of pancreatitis, a history of thyroid cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take Zepbound (Tirzepatide) because it is not known if it will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
- Zepbound (Tirzepatide) is not for insulin-dependent diabetics (type 1 diabetes). When Zepbound (Tirzepatide) is taken with insulin and the insulin dose is reduced too quickly, it can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Interactions
- Zepbound may interact with other medications, making it important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting treatment to avoid potential interactions. Inform your doctor about the medications and supplements you are taking. Some examples are:
- Other Diabetes Medications: Combining Zepbound with insulin or sulfonylureas can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Medications Affecting Digestion: Since Zepbound slows digestion, it may affect the absorption of oral medications, particularly those that need rapid absorption. Discuss with your healthcare provider if other medications need timing adjustments.
- Other GLP-1 Agonists: Combining Zepbound with other GLP-1 receptor agonists (Semaglutide, Liraglutide, or Dulaglutide) is generally not advised due to similar mechanisms of action and an increased risk of side effects.
