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Zepbound safety information

What is Zepbound®?

Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription injectable medicine for adults with obesity, or adults who are overweight and have related health problems. It’s meant to help you lose excess body weight and keep it off. Zepbound® is most effective when used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Zepbound® injection is approved as a 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL in single-dose pen or single-dose vial.

How to use Zepbound®

  • Review the instructions that come with your prescription so you know how to use the pen or vial.
  • Follow the dosing schedule your healthcare provider gives you. Zepbound® should always be paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
  • Give the injection just under the skin in your stomach area, thigh, or upper arm.
  • Take it once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day that works best for you.
  • Rotate your injection spot each week to avoid using the same area repeatedly.

If you ever take more than prescribed, contact your healthcare provider right away or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Safety summary with warnings

Do not use Zepbound® if:

  • You or your family has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
  • You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You’re allergic to tirzepatide or any ingredient in Zepbound®.

Important warnings:

  • Thyroid tumors, including cancer: Zepbound® may cause tumors in the thyroid. Watch for symptoms such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice these.
  • Severe stomach problems: Persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain may occur and should be reported to your provider.
  • Kidney problems (kidney failure): Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may lead to dehydration, which can worsen kidney function. Drink fluids to reduce your risk.
  • Gallbladder problems: Gallstones and other gallbladder issues have occurred in people using Zepbound®. Symptoms include upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Stop using Zepbound® and contact your provider if you have severe abdominal pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting. Pain may also move to your back.
  • Serious allergic reactions: Seek emergency help if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting, dizziness, or a very rapid heartbeat.
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This risk is higher if Zepbound® is used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Signs include dizziness, sweating, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, hunger, irritability, or weakness.
  • Vision changes: Tell your provider if you experience changes in your vision, especially if you have type 2 diabetes.
  • Depression or thoughts of suicide: Watch for changes in mood, feelings, or behavior. Report any new or worsening mental health symptoms to your provider right away.
  • Risk during surgery or sedation: Zepbound® may increase the chance of food or liquid getting into the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are taking Zepbound® before any procedure.

Before using Zepbound®, tell your health care provider if you:

  • Take other diabetes medicines (insulin or sulfonylureas).
  • Have medical issues such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, or stomach/digestive problems (like gastroparesis).
  • Use oral birth control—Zepbound® may reduce its effectiveness around the times you start or increase dose.
  • Are scheduled for surgery or any procedure using anesthesia.
  • Take other prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed (there’s a pregnancy registry).

Common side effects

People often experience things like:

The most common side effects of Zepbound® include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Stomach (abdominal) pain or indigestion
  • Injection site reactions
  • Feeling tired
  • Allergic reactions
  • Belching
  • Hair loss
  • Heartburn

These side effects are usually mild to moderate. If they do not go away or if you experience any serious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Let your provider know if you experience any side effects. You can also report them directly to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Learn more

Zepbound® is a prescription medication. For questions or more details, you can call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).

This overview is only a summary and does not include all available information about Zepbound®. Always read the Medication Guide and other information that comes with your prescription each time it is filled. This summary is not a substitute for medical advice. Your healthcare provider is the best resource for guidance on taking Zepbound® and deciding if it’s the right option for you.

Please click here for the Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide for Zepbound®.