Understanding and Managing Zepbound Side Effects

What Is Zepbound?

Zepbound is an injectable prescription medication used for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults. Patients who took the drug along with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity showed improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and waist circumference. According to extensive research, Zepbound may work better than Ozempic (semaglutide) in some cases.

Zepbound is also known by its generic name, tirzepatide. In this article, we’ll explore managing Zepbound side effects.

How Does Zepbound Work?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GIP and GLP-1 are the two primary incretin hormones secreted from the intestine on ingestion of food, mainly glucose or nutrients, to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas.

This way, the cells are more prepared to take up glucose and at the same time signal to the brain that enough food has been taken. GLP-1 secretion from the gut seems to be impaired in obese subjects and since Zepbound medication activates the cell receptors for both hormones we can understand one of the reasons that this medication leads to weight loss.

By behaving just like GIP as well as GLP-1, it helps keep your appetite under control and makes weight loss possible by maintaining balanced blood sugar levels through 

• increasing amount of insulin produced; 

• decreasing amount of glucagon made; 

• reducing production of glucose within body; 

• making a person feel full after eating; 

• and slowing down stomach emptying.

It is important to highlight that GLP-1 and GIP receptors are also found in areas of the human brain, important for appetite regulation, which can add an extra reason to explain why Zepbound leads to decreased food intake.

The effect of Zepbound weight loss and its maintenance varies depending on the initial body mass index (BMI), the amount of exercise, other drugs being used in conjunction with it, the total dosage of Zepbound, beginning body weight, one’s diet and so forth. So, individual factors can vary significantly. Generally, Zepbound results in a nearly 23% decrease in body weight in those who were given the 15mg dose.

Who Is Suitable for Zepbound?

Zepbound can be taken by obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) 30 kg/m2 or higher or overweight patients (BMI) 27 kg/m2 or higher with at least one weight-related condition like high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Mounjaro is also used for type 2 diabetes treatment and contains the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, as Zepbound. Therefore, a patient who takes Zepbound is not allowed to take Mounjaro at the same time, because they contain the same substance.

Studies About the Effectiveness of Zepbound

According to a 2021 published study “after 40 weeks, the mean body weight reductions with tirzepatide were −7.6 kg to −11.2 kg depending on the dose, while the weight loss using semaglutide (Ozempic) was −5.7 kg.” At all doses, tirzepatide was found to be superior to semaglutide.

In a Japanese study (2022) researchers concluded that there is a weight reduction of −5.8 kg for 5 mg, −8.5 kg for 10 mg, and −10.7 kg for 15 mg of tirzepatide indicating that tirzepatide is associated with dose-dependent reductions in body weight.

Another study (2022) confirmed the effectiveness of Zepbound on weight-loss. Specifically, after 72 weeks of Zepbound, the mean weight change weight was −15.0% (dose of 5 mg tirzepatide), −19.5% (dose of 10 mg), and −20.9% (dose of 15 mg).

In a 2024 review that included 12 randomized control trials, and 11758 participants, tirzepatide compared to placebo had a prominent advantage in weight loss >20% and 25%.

Despite the effectiveness of Zepbound, when you stop taking it you will notice a weight regain. According to a recently published study, after 36 weeks of tirzepatide, adults with obesity or overweight experienced a mean weight reduction of 20.9% at week 36. Afterwards, those who switched to placebo experienced a 14% weight regain and those continuing tirzepatide experienced an additional 5.5% weight reduction during the 52-week double-blind period.

Common Side Effects of Zepbound

Along with its benefits, Zepbound may cause some side effects. While Zepbound is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience unwanted effects, with stomach aches or pains being the most common. Other common side effects include the following: 

Digestive Issues

• Nausea: feeling queasy or like you might vomit

• Diarrhea: having frequent, loose stools

• Constipation: having difficulty passing stools

Neurological Symptoms

• Headaches: pain in the head

• Dizziness: feeling lightheaded or unsteady

• Fatigue: feeling tired or lacking energy

Skin Reactions

• Rash: a skin eruption or irritation

• Itching: feeling an uncomfortable sensation on the skin

• Redness: the skin becomes flushed or pink

Respiratory Issues

• Cough: a reflex action to expel irritants from the respiratory tract

Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing or feeling like you can't get enough air

Serious Side Effects of Zepbound

While most people experience mild side effects of Zepbound, some individuals may develop more severe reactions. However, serious side effects from this medication are not common. In case the side effects turn out to be severe, then you should contact your physician for help.

If, however, the side effects are life-threatening or if it is a medical emergency, then you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. You must be aware of these serious side effects and immediately get medical help if they occur. The list below may not contain all possible serious side effects of the drug; refer to the Zepbound prescribing information for more details.

Cardiovascular Problems

A serious side effect of this medication is an increased heart rate, which means your heart may beat faster than usual. More than 20% of people taking the medication experience this, but the severity can differ. Other cardiovascular issues include:

• Chest pain: discomfort or pressure in the chest, often described as a squeezing or heavy feeling.

• High blood pressure: elevated blood pressure that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Irregular heartbeat: an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause palpitations or dizziness.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions may occur when using the medication. These are infrequent, but the skin reactions may start at the Zepbound injection site. Watch for any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as: 

• Swelling of the face or throat 

• Severe skin reactions include hives, blistering, severe rash, itching, or peeling skin

• Anaphylaxis and angioedema, which lead to swelling and difficulty breathing

• Fainting or feeling dizzy, or a rapid heartbeat

Liver and Kidney Concerns

The side effects can cause kidney problems that make a person experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, leading to fluid loss and dehydration. Sometimes, you might have yellowing of the skin or eyes or jaundice, a liver, gallbladder, or pancreas problem symptom. 

You may feel severe pain from your abdomen to your back or have dark urine. Tell your healthcare provider if these serious problems worsen or will not go away.

Psychological Effects

Zepbound can sometimes cause mood swings such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Pay attention if you take medication that affects your moods, behaviors, emotions, and ideas. It can also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs include dizziness or lightheadedness; sweating; headache; blurred vision; slurred speech; shakiness or fast heartbeat; anxiety; irritability; confusion or drowsiness; and mood changes such as hunger, weakness, and jitters. Any new mental change that worries you should result in a phone call to your doctor.

Managing Side Effects of Zepbound

While Zepbound can be an effective medication, it is essential to understand how to manage any side effects that may occur. Here are some tips for managing side effects and seeking appropriate medical care:

When to Contact a Doctor

• Severe or persistent side effects: If you experience serious side effects, such as those listed in the previous section, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• New or worsening symptoms: If you develop any new or existing symptoms that worsen, consult your doctor.

• Concerns about side effects: If you have any questions or concerns about the side effects of Zepbound, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

• Overdosing: The highest recommended Zepbound dosing is 15 mg once per week. Contact your doctor if you exceed the recommended dosage.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Zepbound is not a quick fix for weight loss. It should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. These lifestyle changes can also help alleviate mild side effects. Consider the following:

To help avoid gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 drugs:

• Eat slowly and stop when full.

• Have smaller portions.

• Avoid being too active immediately after eating.

Rest

• Get enough sleep: aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

Medications and Supplements

In some cases, over-the-counter medications or supplements may help manage specific side effects. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications or supplements, as they may interact with Zepbound.

Over-the-counter options

• Antacids: for heartburn or acid reflux

• Laxatives: for constipation

• Antihistamines: for mild allergic reactions

• Pain relievers: for headaches or muscle aches

Prescription alternatives

If over-the-counter remedies do not provide adequate relief, your doctor may prescribe alternative medications to manage your side effects. 

It is important to highlight that most adverse effects are self-resolving within a few days.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Obesity is a chronic disease, therefore, you should take your medication in the long term like you take your statins. The second thing to keep in mind is that the maintenance of weight loss is not achieved by just taking the medication, it needs diet and exercise as complementary tools. Regular monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider are essential for managing side effects and ensuring the effectiveness of your treatment. Typically, doctors follow up with patients at set intervals, as early as four weeks or as late as 12 weeks, depending on the dosage and the local standard of care.

Regular check-ups

• Scheduled appointments: Attend your appointments with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment progress.

• Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor your liver and kidney function.

Self-monitoring techniques

• Symptom tracking: Keep a journal to record your symptoms, their severity, and any factors that may trigger them.

• Pulse oximetry: Using a pulse oximeter can help monitor your oxygen saturation levels if you have respiratory issues.

Conclusion

Zepbound is a medication used for treating weight-related medical issues. However, it's important to be aware of its potential risks and side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn. Seek appropriate medical care in case of severe side effects.