The newest entrant in the weight loss market is Zepbound, the brand name for tirzepatide. Due to its rising popularity and limited availability, it has become one of the most sought-after medications. But what exactly is tirzepatide and how does it help you lose weight? More importantly, if you’re considering using tirzepatide knowing how to inject is paramount so that you’ll be able to do it correctly every time.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is an injectable drug used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes, sold under the name Mounjaro. It works as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Besides its use in diabetes, tirzepatide is also approved for weight loss and long-term weight management in individuals with obesity related to certain medical conditions.
In November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m² or more) or overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m² or more) with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
This approval requires that Zepbound be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Tirzepatide, the active component in Zepbound, is also approved as Mounjaro for improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with exercise and diet.
“Obesity and overweight are serious health issues linked to major causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes,” said Dr. John Sharretts, Director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “With the rising rates of obesity and overweight in the United States, this approval meets a critical medical need.”
How to Inject Tirzepatide
Proper administration of tirzepatide involves selecting the right injection site and using the correct technique. Follow these steps for a safe and effective treatment.
1. Choose an Injection Site
The injection should be administered subcutaneously, just under the skin. The preferred injection sites for tirzepatide include:
- Stomach – At least two inches away from the navel.
- Thigh – The upper part, avoiding any bony areas.
- Upper arm – If self-injection is difficult, someone else can administer the injection here.
Rotate injection sites to avoid skin irritation or damage.
2. Injection Technique
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry.
- Assemble the syringe or injection pen as per the instructions.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Pinch the skin gently and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
- Administer your prescribed dose.
- Remove the needle and dispose of it safely.
Important Information You Should Know Before Using Tirzepatide
Before you start using tirzepatide, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of the medication. This decision is something you and your doctor will need to make together. Here are some key factors to consider:
Allergies
Let your doctor know if you’ve ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any other medication. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. When using non-prescription products, always read the ingredients on the label carefully.
Geriatric Use
Current studies have not identified any age-related issues that would restrict the use of tirzepatide in older adults. However, elderly patients might be more sensitive to the medication’s effects compared to younger individuals.
Pediatric Use
There haven’t been adequate studies on the effects of tirzepatide in children. Therefore, its safety and effectiveness for the pediatric population have not been established.
Breastfeeding
There is a lack of sufficient studies to determine the risk to infants when using tirzepatide while breastfeeding. You should weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks before using this medication if you are breastfeeding.
Tirzepatide Drug Interactions
Sometimes, certain medications should not be used together, while in other cases, combining drugs might be necessary despite potential interactions. Your doctor may need to adjust doses or take other precautions if you are taking any of the following medications:
Desogestrel, Dienogest, Acarbose, Chlorpropamide, Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethynodiol, Gestodene, Estetrol, Estradiol, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone, Norgestimate, Norgestrel, Mestranol, Nomegestrol, Glipizide, Glyburide, Liraglutide, Metformin, Nateglinide, Repaglinide, Insulin (various types), Semaglutide, Tolbutamide,Tolazamide, Warfarin, Glimepiride
Also, some medicines can interact with certain foods, tobacco or alcohol. It’s important to discuss the use of your medication with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your healthcare professional to avoid any adverse interactions.
Other Medical Conditions
The presence of other medical issues may influence how tirzepatide affects you. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- History of pancreatitis
- Dehydration
- History of depression
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic retinopathy
- History of thyroid cancer
- Severe gastroparesis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Type 1 diabetes
What If You Miss a Dose of Tirzepatide?
If you miss a dose of tirzepatide, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed one.
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible within 4 days.
- If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Tirzepatide?
If you stop taking tirzepatide, there’s a significant chance of regaining the lost weight. Continued use of tirzepatide helps maintain and even further the initial weight loss. This means it’s essential to keep taking the medication as prescribed to sustain the benefits.
A study investigated the effects of stopping tirzepatide on maintaining weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight. The study found that:
For the first 36 weeks, participants were given the maximum tolerated dose of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg) along with diet and physical activity recommendations. On average, participants experienced a 20.9% reduction in body weight.
At week 36, participants were split into two groups. One group continued with tirzepatide, and the other switched to a placebo. Those who switched to the placebo experienced a 14% weight regain during the following 52 weeks. Those who continued tirzepatide saw an additional 5.5% weight reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Injecting Tirzepatide
What are the recommended dosing instructions for tirzepatide when used for weight loss?
For weight loss, adults usually begin with a dose of 2.5 milligrams injected under the skin once a week for the first four weeks. The dose may be increased as needed after that.
What are the common side effects associated with Tirzepatide injections?
Typical side effects of tirzepatide injections include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), reactions at the injection site, and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
How should tirzepatide be administered for the best results in weight management?
For effective weight management, tirzepatide should be administered once a week through a subcutaneous injection using a single-dose prefilled auto-injector pen.
Is Tirzepatide the Same as Mounjaro?
Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are weekly injections that contain tirzepatide as their active ingredient. They share similar dosages, drug interactions and side effects. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes in adults, while Zepbound is approved for long-term weight management in adults.
What’s the Difference Between Mounjaro and Zepbound?
Mounjaro is specifically approved for managing Type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is designed for weight loss. Although both contain tirzepatide, they have distinct FDA-approved purposes.
Mounjaro is pproved for lowering glucose levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes, and should be paired with a diabetes-friendly diet and regular exercise. Zepbound on the other hand is approved for chronic weight management in adults, and should be used alongside a low-calorie diet and routine exercise. It is recommended for adults who meet one of the following BMI criteria:
- A BMI of at least 30 kg/m²
- A BMI of at least 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition
Another thing to note is that insurance coverage for Mounjaro and Zepbound varies by plan. Many insurance plans, including some Medicare plans, cover Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes. However, coverage for weight-loss medications like Zepbound can be limited or nonexistent. Brand-name medications often have higher copays compared to generics, and some plans might require additional steps, like prior authorization, for coverage.
How Much Weight Will I Lose on Zepbound (Tirzepatide)?
The short answer – it varies from one individual to another. In clinical studies involving more than 2,500 adults with obesity or overweight and a weight-related health condition, Zepbound led to an average weight loss of 15-20% (35 lbs to 52 lbs) over a year and a half when combined with exercise and diet.
A 2023 study also found that participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes taking the highest doses of Zepbound (10-15 mg) experienced an average weight loss of around 15% of their body weight.
Although these results are promising, the amount of weight you can lose on Zepbound depends on various factors. In the clinical trials, higher dosages resulted in more weight loss. For example:
- Those taking 15 mg lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight (52 pounds).
- Those taking 10 mg lost an average of 19.5% of their body weight (49 pounds).
- Those taking 5 mg of Zepbound lost an average of 15% of their body weight (35.5 pounds).
Also, participants reduced their waistlines by an average of 5.5-7.3 inches and cut body fat by nearly 34%.
Another important factor is the duration of medication use. Clinical trials showed that adults with obesity or overweight, along with certain weight-related conditions (like obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease), experienced more significant weight loss if they took Zepbound for 88 weeks compared to those who stopped after 36 weeks.
Finally, lifestyle modifications. Following a balanced diet and maintaining a regular exercise routine while using the medication can greatly influence how much weight you can lose on Zepbound.
Customer Reviews for Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
AwwJeez-WhatNow
Since it’s the same as Mounjaro I can share my experience with that. I have zero regrets. It’s changed my life by making it easy for me to do the lifestyle changes I’ve tried to do my entire life but couldn’t. I now rather healthy and get exercise. But I was convinced I needed to make these changes when I started. If you’re not sure this is right for you keep investigating it. You’ll likely have some GI side effects. Mine are easily managed by OTC meds. It’s intended to be a lifelong medication although some people plan to take it short term. I’ve lost 100+ pounds twice and when I started taking Mounjaro I was back up to 280. I don’t want to have to lose this kind of weight again so this is it for me. I’m all in and so far it’s amazing.
Inevitable_Sky_3397
I lost 7 lbs after week 1 on ZP. The only side effects I had Initially were a dull headache and feeling very thirsty, my lips are so dry no matter how much I drink. By day 5 I would say I started thinking about snacking but I didn’t. I took my second shot yesterday and no side effects. I’m not hungry whatsoever, I have to make an effort to remind myself I still need nutrition because I seriously feel like I could avoid it all day long. Hoping to continue to avoid side effects because this medication is working!!!
Mike
Been on Zepbound 7 weeks now. Lost about 22 lbs so far with no exercise. This stuff is amazing at curbing your appetite. But beware, stick to healthy foods and minimal portions because the nausea is otherworldly. I ate too much too late in the day yesterday. I had to leave work early today for the second time since being on this med. Light-headed, profuse sweating, chills, diarrhea almost non-stop and even puking. This med is a miracle, but you cannot mess around. Take it seriously. Cut back portions, minimal dairy, low sugar and don’t eat too late. I’m excited to see how far I can go on this med. So thankful I have access.
Dee
I started Zepbound 2 weeks ago, so ready for my third injection tomorrow. I’ve lost 4 lbs in the first 2 weeks. I’ve had no side effects whatsoever so far. I’m on the 2.5 initial dose. I am 64 yo and need to lose 50 lbs. I think it’s an amazing drug. I don’t feel hungry all the time, no thoughts of eating or snacking, NO MORE CARB CRAVINGS, and find it’s very easy now to eat super healthy foods. I am eating very small portions, and I think that makes a big difference as far as having side effects. I’ll check back in after I increase my dose, but I want others to hear that not everyone has side effects. Don’t be afraid to try it and don’t let some reviews scare you so much that you refuse it. It’s a fantastic experience so far, for me.
Why is Zepbound Always Out of Stock?
Persistent shortages of highly sought-after weight loss drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy are causing a lot of frustration among patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers. And there are no immediate solutions in sight.
Also, there’s the high cost of these drugs to contend with as well. Many insurance companies refuse to cover these medications when they are used for weight loss instead of diabetes management. In the U.S., the out-of-pocket cost for Ozempic, Wegovy drug, Mounjaro, and Zepbound ranges from $1,200 to $1,400 per month.
Due to the high costs and medication shortages, many people are turning to compounded alternatives. Telehealth services like Brightmeds provide GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are thoroughly tested and dispensed from licensed U.S. pharmacies. You simply need to visit their website, fill out a form, and they will connect you with a U.S. certified physician who will review your medical profile and determine your eligibility. If suitable, the doctor will prescribe tirzepatide at a price that is much lower than Zepbound and Mounjaro.