What is Zepbound?
On November 8th, the FDA approved the new brand name medication called Zepbound.
Zepbound contains the active ingredient of tirzepatide but is now officially indicated for weight loss treatment for obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical conditions including hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. The study leading to its approval showed its effectiveness at up to a 25% body weight loss at the highest dose versus patients on the placebo medication.
Tirzepatide was already approved for type 2 diabetes called Mounjaro.
How does it work?
Tirzepatide functions on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) as a receptor agonist. GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones, which are hormones released naturally when eating. Thus when tirzepatide binds with GLP-1 and GIP receptors, it mimics these hormones and causing the sensation of reducing appetite. It also increases insulin while decreasing glucagon release helping to lower blood sugar. These reactions lead to delayed gastric emptying amplifies weight loss effects.
Tirzepatide is indicated as an adjunct with diet and exercise to control blood glucose in type 2 diabetics to aid with weight loss. It must be injected subcutaneously once weekly.
What are common side effects with tirzepatide?
Common side effects are largely gastrointestinal (GI) but tend to lessen over longer usage of the medication.
These side effects include:
- · Nausea
- · Vomiting
- · Diarrhea
- · Constipation
- · Abdominal Pain
How can I get Zepbound?
Zepbound is a prescription medication that should be available in the coming weeks but assess may be scarce due to the demand. Feel free to call Preston’s Pharmacy with any questions or concerns.
