Zepbound
tirzepatide · Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist · Eli Lilly
In short
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly, used for weight reduction and long-term maintenance in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Schedule: once weekly. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.
What it is used for
- Weight reduction and long-term maintenance in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition
- Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity
Zepbound dosage
Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.
| 1Weeks 1–4 | 2.5 mg weekly (starter) |
|---|---|
| 2Week 5 on | 5 mg weekly |
| 3If needed | Increase by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks |
| 4Maintenance | 5, 10 or 15 mg weekly (sleep apnea: 10 or 15 mg) |
| 5Maximum | 15 mg weekly |
How to take it
Inject under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm once weekly.
Storage
Refrigerate. Pens/vials may be kept unrefrigerated up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion / heartburn
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Serious — get medical help
- Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
- Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
- Serious allergic reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
- Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it
Who should not use it
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
- Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
- Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
- Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist
Cost
LillyDirect self-pay vials have been about $299/month (2.5 mg), $399 (5 mg) and $449 (higher doses). Verify before filling.
How to buy Zepbound legally
- Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
- Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
- Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).
Common questions
- What if I miss a Zepbound or Mounjaro dose?
- Can you drink alcohol on Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How long does tirzepatide stay in your system?
- Does Wegovy or Zepbound cause hair loss?
- What happens when you stop Wegovy or Zepbound?
- Can you take Ozempic or Wegovy while pregnant or trying to conceive?
- Where do you inject Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How to manage nausea and constipation on GLP-1 medicines
- What is a GLP-1 agonist?
- Semaglutide vs tirzepatide: which is stronger?
- Is compounded semaglutide legal?
- How long does it take for Wegovy or Zepbound to work?
- What to eat on GLP-1 medicines
- How to store and travel with GLP-1 pens
- Does insurance cover Wegovy, Zepbound or Ozempic?
- Who qualifies for Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How to choose a GLP-1 telehealth provider
Frequently asked questions
Zepbound or Wegovy — which causes more weight loss?
In head-to-head data, tirzepatide produced more average weight loss than semaglutide 2.4 mg. Tolerance, coverage and medical history decide which suits a person.
Why are Zepbound vials cheaper?
Lilly sells single-dose vials directly to self-pay patients with a prescription through LillyDirect.
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Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .