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Zepbound®
Tirzepatide for chronic weight management, in a once-weekly KwikPen® or vial. The manufacturer's product, never compounded.
- Molecule
- Tirzepatide
- Forms
- KwikPen® prefilled weekly injection; single-dose vials with syringes
- FDA status
- Approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition
- Also approved
- Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity
- Made by
- Eli Lilly; dispensed as the manufacturer's product
- Compounded
- Never
How it works
In plain terms.
Tirzepatide activates two gut-hormone receptors, GLP-1 and GIP. Together they signal fullness, slow stomach emptying and improve how the body handles blood sugar. It is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How to take it
- Once a week, same day each week, injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
- The label's schedule starts at 2.5 mg and steps up in 2.5 mg increments over months; your prescriber sets the pace and the maintenance dose.
- Vial presentation uses a separate syringe; your pharmacist will show you the draw-up.
What to expect
- Nausea, diarrhoea and early fullness in the first weeks at each step; usually easing as the dose settles.
- Appetite changes within the first month; weight change follows at the pace the label describes for the population studied. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
- Regular check-ins with your prescriber.
Not for
- Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
- Anyone with a history of pancreatitis, unless a prescriber decides otherwise.
- Pregnancy, or planning pregnancy within two months.
- Anyone using another GLP-1 medication.
Important safety information
Read before you start. Your prescriber reviews the full profile with you.
Tirzepatide: Zepbound® (pen and vial) and Mounjaro®
Boxed warning. Tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; it is unknown whether it causes thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. Do not use if you or a family member has had MTC or MEN 2. Tell your prescriber about any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Zepbound® is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, and for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity. Mounjaro® is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes; a prescriber may prescribe it off-label for weight management at their discretion, and off-label means the FDA has not approved that use. Both are dispensed only as the manufacturer's product.
- Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems from dehydration, severe allergic reactions, worsening of diabetic eye disease, and low blood sugar (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas).
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour have been reported with weight-management medicines; report any new or worsening mood changes.
- Tirzepatide slows stomach emptying and may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives for several weeks after starting or increasing a dose; use a back-up method. It may increase the risk of aspiration during anaesthesia, tell any clinician treating you.
- Do not use if pregnant; stop at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
- Common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, injection-site reactions, tiredness, hair loss, heartburn.
This is not a complete list of side effects, warnings, or interactions. Read the full prescribing information or medication guide, and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Mounjaro®, Zepbound® and KwikPen® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. FarmaciaRx is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eli Lilly.
Request a consultation
Tell us how to reach you and we'll send a secure link to your medical intake. Please don't include health information in this form.
There's no charge to request a consultation. A California-licensed prescriber reviews your intake before anything is prescribed.
Prefer to talk? Call (714) 215-4740, Mon to Sat 9 am to 7 pm Pacific.
Questions about Zepbound®
Anything else, call (714) 215-4740.
KwikPen® or vial?
Same medication. The KwikPen® is a prefilled pen; vials are a lower-cost presentation you draw up with a syringe. Your prescriber and pharmacist will help you choose.
Is this compounded tirzepatide?
No. We dispense only Eli Lilly's FDA-approved product.
I take birth control pills. Anything to know?
Tirzepatide can reduce their absorption for a few weeks after starting or increasing a dose. Use a back-up method; your prescriber will explain.