Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medicine for adults with obesity or overweight, intended for weight loss and management alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It uniquely activates both GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors. While beneficial, understanding precautions and contraindications is crucial for safe use.
Absolute Contraindications: Who Should Not Use Zepbound
Using Zepbound is strictly prohibited in certain situations due to significant health risks. The FDA has issued a boxed warning concerning the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.
Do not use Zepbound if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer. Animal studies showed tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors, and while it's unknown if this applies to humans, the risk is serious.
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic condition increasing MTC risk.
- A known serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or its ingredients. Symptoms like face, lip, or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.
Medical Conditions and Lifestyle: What to Avoid
To ensure Zepbound's effectiveness and safety, certain activities and behaviors should be avoided or modified.
Medications and Supplements
Do not combine Zepbound with certain other drugs. Avoid using Zepbound with other tirzepatide products (like Mounjaro) or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines (like Ozempic or Wegovy). The safety of using Zepbound with other weight loss products, including supplements, is not established.
Key drug interactions to be aware of:
- Oral Medications: Zepbound can slow gastric emptying, potentially reducing the absorption and effectiveness of oral medications.
- Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills may be less effective. Consider non-oral or barrier methods for 4 weeks after starting Zepbound and after each dose increase.
- Diabetes Medications: If taking insulin or sulfonylureas, the risk of low blood sugar is higher. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of these medications.
Diet and Alcohol
Do not ignore diet and exercise. Zepbound supplements, but doesn't replace, a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Focus on a balanced diet and limit processed foods and sugary drinks.
Do not drink alcohol heavily. Alcohol can worsen side effects like nausea and indigestion and may increase the risk of pancreatitis or kidney damage.
Important Behaviors
- Do not stop taking it abruptly without a plan: Stopping suddenly will likely lead to weight regain. Continue lifestyle changes to maintain results.
- Do not ignore side effects: Report severe or persistent side effects to your doctor, including symptoms of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or thyroid tumors.
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Zepbound is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not freeze the medication: Store Zepbound in the refrigerator. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days but should not be used if frozen.
Comparison: Zepbound vs. Wegovy
| Feature | Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Wegovy (semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Single GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Avg. Weight Loss | Up to 20.9% of body weight in 72 weeks | Around 14.9% of body weight in 68 weeks |
| FDA Approval Age | 18 years and older | 12 years and older |
| Key Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting | Similar to Zepbound, but may cause more headaches |
| Cardiovascular Benefit | Not specifically approved for this | Approved to reduce risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease |
Conclusion
To use Zepbound safely and effectively, adhere closely to medical advice. Avoid use if you have a history of MTC or MEN 2. Inform your doctor about all medications, including birth control and diabetes treatments, to prevent interactions. Limit alcohol and do not combine Zepbound with other GLP-1 agonists or weight loss products. Following these guidelines and maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports safe weight management.
For more detailed information, you can consult the official FDA prescribing information.
