Zepbound (Subcutaneous)
Mounjaro is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (not for type 1 diabetes).
Zepbound is used with diet and exercise to manage weight in overweight or obese adults who also have at least one weight-related medical condition.
Zepbound is also used to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Tirzepatide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Zepbound (Subcutaneous) used for?
- Diabetes Type 2
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetic Coma (in DM Type II)
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (in DM Type II)
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Zepbound (Subcutaneous)?
You should not use tirzepatide if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:
- a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or
- multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands).
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- pancreas problems;
- a severe stomach problem such as problems with digesting food or slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis);
- eye problems caused by diabetes;
- a planned surgery or any other medical procedure; or
- kidney disease.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while using Zepbound. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.
May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of Zepbound on the baby.
Tirzepatide can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. If you take birth control pills you may need to use different birth control options for 4 weeks after starting this medicine and for 4 weeks each time the dose is increased.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Zepbound (Subcutaneous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach problems;
- changes in your vision;
- signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or if you feel short of breath;
- pancreas or gallbladder problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, chalky-colored stools, stomach pain after eating, heartburn, and bloating;
- low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or
- kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- hair loss;
- tiredness;
- signs of an allergic reaction;
- pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite; or
- heartburn, burping, constipation, or stomach pain or upset.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Zepbound (Subcutaneous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of Zepbound on the baby.
Tirzepatide can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. If you take birth control pills you may need to use different birth control options for 4 weeks after starting this medicine and for 4 weeks each time the dose is increased.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Zepbound (Subcutaneous)?
Never share an injection pen, vial (bottle), or syringe even if you changed the needle. Sharing these devices can pass infections from person to person.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Zepbound (Subcutaneous)?
Use Zepbound (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Tirzepatide is injected under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food.
If you change the day of the week you use tirzepatide, allow at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject tirzepatide. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
You may give an injection of Mounjaro and insulin in the same area (such as stomach), but not right next to each other.
Do not mix insulin and Mounjaro in the same injection.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
If you are using tirzepatide for diabetes, tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.
You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you drink liquids less than usual.
Each vial (bottle), syringe, or prefilled pen is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store this medicine in the original carton in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. Do not use the medicine if it has been frozen.
You may store an unopened vial (bottle) or prefilled pen at room temperature in the original carton for up to 21 days. Do not return the medicine to the refrigerator. Throw away an unopened vial (bottle) or prefilled pen kept at room temperature if you have not used it within 21 days.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but if you are more than 4 days (96 hours) late for the dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.