Zepbound® Prescription Medication

Zepbound® is a brand name for Tirzepatide, a prescription drug that was approved by the FDA in November 2023 for the treatment of overweight and obesity. Previously approved in 2022 as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, this medication works best when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Clinical trials showed that over 18 months, diabetic patients lost an average of 16% of their total body weight, while non-diabetic patients lost an average of 21%.

Zepbound® is a bit different from other weight loss injections because it is the only medication that mimics GLP-1 and GIP, two hormones your body naturally releases during digestion in response to eating. These hormones regulate insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and glucagon, which balances insulin's effects and suppresses your appetite. GLP-1 and GIP also slow down how fast your stomach empties, helping you feel full longer. Another interesting benefit is that it sharpens the connection between your brain and digestive system, which helps you stop eating before you become too full, leading to reduced calorie consumption and weight loss.

Zepbound® is packaged in a single-dose injection pen that is pre-loaded with the dose you will need that week. It is injected once a week into the fatty area of the thigh, stomach, or upper arm. It is best to give yourself the injection at the same time and on the same day every week. The site you use for your injection should be rotated each week to prevent one place from becoming tender or overly irritated.

Starting Zepbound® gradually helps your body get used to the medication, reducing the severity of common side effects like nausea and vomiting. When used for weight loss, the starting dose is 2.5 mg, which is increased every four weeks for six months until reaching the highest dose of 15 mg. Your doctor can adjust your schedule if you are having intolerance issues, but the typical schedule is as follows:

If you are currently on another GLP-1 medication or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, or pancreatic issues, Zepbound is not recommended for you. Additionally, individuals allergic to any ingredients in Zepbound, or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive in the near future, should not use this medication.

Zepbound may cause side effects, just like any other type of prescription medication. The majority of patients reported that their side effects were more frequent when they first began their treatment but eased off as their bodies got used to the medication. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. To learn more about other side effects, please see the manufacturer's website.

When you partner with Kiini, our team of doctors creates a plan that is just for you. We understand that everyone's weight loss journey is different, so we tailor the weight loss solutions to meet your specific needs and circumstances. Including a prescription medication like Zepbound in your weight loss plan can help boost your progress so you reach your goals faster.

By choosing Kiini, you'll receive expert guidance from our doctors and coaches, who will help you learn about the range of weight loss options available and together, we will choose the safest, most effective, and affordable solution to help you lose weight and improve your health.