Tirzepatide
Also sold as: Zepbound, ZEPBOUND, Zepbound KwikPen, 0.5 ML tirzepatide 10 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 30 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 5 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 20 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 25 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 15 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 15 MG/ML Injection [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 10 MG/ML Injection [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 5 MG/ML Injection [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 30 MG/ML Injection [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 25 MG/ML Injection [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 20 MG/ML Injection [Mounjaro], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 5 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Zepbound], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 10 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Zepbound], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 15 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Zepbound], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 20 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Zepbound], 0.5 ML tirzepatide 25 MG/ML Auto-Injector [Zepbound]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZEPBOUND ® is indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. ZEPBOUND is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. ( 1 ) to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist is
Drug Equivalents
Different molecule, same mechanism of action or pharmacologic class (RxClass). These are therapeutic alternatives, not interchangeable without physician guidance.
Class: G-Protein-linked Receptor Interactions
- lixisenatideGLP-1 Receptor AgonistSame Class
- dulaglutideGLP-1 Receptor AgonistSame Class
- semaglutideGLP-1 Receptor AgonistSame Class
- liraglutideGLP-1 Receptor AgonistSame Class
- exenatideGLP-1 Receptor AgonistSame Class
- tolazamideBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- linagliptinBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- alogliptinBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- insulin detemirBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- dapagliflozinBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- empagliflozinBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- acarboseBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- insulin degludecBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- insulin, regular, humanBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- dasiglucagonBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
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Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Tirzepatide is a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It contains a C20 fatty diacid that enables albumin binding and prolongs the half-life. Tirzepatide selectively binds to and activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, the targets for native GIP and GLP-1. GLP-1 is a physiological regulator of appetite and caloric intake. Nonclinical studies suggest the addition of GIP may further contribute to the regulation of food intake. Both GIP receptors and GLP-1 receptors are found in areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. Animal studies show that tirzepatide distributes to and activates neurons in brain regions involved in regulation of appetite and food intake.
Indications & Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZEPBOUND ® is indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. ZEPBOUND is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. ( 1 ) to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use ZEPBOUND contains tirzepatide. Coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is not recommended.
Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Dose Escalation Schedule The recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. Increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks until recommended maintenance dosage is achieved. ( 2.1 ) Consider treatment response and tolerability when selecting the maintenance dosage. ( 2.1 ) Recommended Maintenance and Maximum Dosage Weight Reduction and Long-Term Maintenance: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. ( 2.2 ) Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 10 mg or 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. ( 2.2 ) Maximum Recommended Dosage: 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. ( 2.2 ) Administration Instructions Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for additional important administration instructions about ZEPBOUND presentations. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Dose Escalation Schedule The recommended starting dosage of ZEPBOUND for all indications is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. The 2.5 mg dosage is for treatment initiation and is not approved as a maintenance dosage. Follow the dosage escalation below for all indications to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . After 4 weeks, increase the dosage to 5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. The dosage may be increased in 2.5 mg increments, after at least 4 weeks on the current dose [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Consider treatment response and tolerability when selecting the maintenance dosage. If patients do not tolerate a maintenance dosage, consider a lower maintenance dosage. 2.2 Recommended Maintenance and Maximum Dosage Recommended Maintenance Dosage Weight Reduction and Long-Term Maintenance The recommended maintenance dosage is 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg, injected subcutaneously once weekly. OSA The recommended maintenance dosage is 10 mg or 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Maximum Recommended Dosage The maximum dosage of ZEPBOUND for all indications is 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. 2.3 Recommendations Regarding Missed Dose If a dose is missed, instruct patients to administer ZEPBOUND as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule. The day of weekly administration can be changed, if necessary, as long as the time between the two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours). 2.4 Important Administration Instructions Inform patients and their caregiver(s) which ZEPBOUND presentation (e.g., vial, prefilled single-dose pen, single-patient-use KwikPen) they will receive and ensure they receive training appropriate for that specific presentation. If the prescribed ZEPBOUND presentation changes, ensure patients and caregivers receive appropriate training and instruct them to consult the Instructions for Use for the newly prescribed presentation. Prior to initiation, train patients and their caregiver(s) on proper injection technique for the prescribed ZEPBOUND presentation [see Instructions for Use ] . After training, a patient may self-inject ZEPBOUND if the healthcare provider determines that it can be properly administered, except for the following: ZEPBOUND KwikPen is not recommended for self-administration by those who are visually impaired. Instruct patients using ZEPBOUND vials to use a syringe appropriate for dose administration (e.g., a 1 mL syringe capable of measuring a 0.5 mL or 0.6 mL dose) and always use a new syringe and needle for each injection. Inspect ZEPBOUND visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use ZEPBOUND if particulate matter or discoloration is seen. Administer ZEPBOUND in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Administer ZEPBOUND once weekly at any time of day, with or without meals. Inject ZEPBOUND subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or another person should inject in the back of the upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each dose.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with ZEPBOUND are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, eructation, hair loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Patients for Weight Reduction and Long-Term Maintenance Pool of Placebo - Controlled Weight Reduction Trials in Adults with Obesity or Overweight, with or without Type 2 Diabetes (Study 1 and Study 2) ZEPBOUND was evaluated for safety in a pool of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that included 2,519 adult patients with obesity or overweight treated with ZEPBOUND for up to 72 weeks and a 4-week off drug follow-up period (Study 1 and Study 2) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . The mean age of patients was 47 years and 37% were male. The population was 72% White, 12% Asian, 8% Black or African American, and 7% American Indian or Alaska Native; 51% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Baseline characteristics included an average BMI of 37.4 kg/m 2 , 29% with a BMI ≥40 kg/m 2 , 41% with hypertension, 37% with dyslipidemia, 25% with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 7% with obstructive sleep apnea, and 4% with cardiovascular disease. Across both trials, 4.8%, 6.3%, and 6.7% of patients treated with 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg of ZEPBOUND, respectively, permanently discontinued treatment as a result of adverse reactions compared to 3.4% of patients treated with placebo. The majority of patients who discontinued ZEPBOUND due to adverse reactions did so during the first few months of treatment due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Common Adverse Reactions Table 1 shows common adverse reactions associated with the use of ZEPBOUND in the pool of two placebo-controlled trials for weight reduction (Study 1 and Study 2). These adverse reactions occurred more commonly with ZEPBOUND than with placebo and occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with ZEPBOUND. Table 1: Adverse Reactions (≥2% and Greater than Placebo) in ZEPBOUND-Treated Adults with Obesity or Overweight in Weight Reduction and Long-term Maintenance Trials (Study 1 and Study 2) a Includes diarrhea, frequent bowel movements. b Includes constipation, feces hard. c Includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, abdominal tenderness. d Includes multiple related adverse event terms, such as injection site bruising, injection site erythema, injection site pruritus, injection site pain, injection site rash, injection site reaction. e Includes asthenia, fatigue, lethargy, malaise. f Includes blood pressure decreased, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension. Adverse Reaction Placebo (N=958) % ZEPBOUND 5 mg (N=630) % ZEPBOUND 10 mg (N=948) % ZEPBOUND 15 mg (N=941) % Nausea 8 25 29 28 Diarrhea a 8 19 21 23 Vomiting 2 8 11 13 Constipation b 5 17 14 11 Abdominal Pain c 5 9 9 10 Dyspepsia 4 9 9 10 Injection Site Reactions d 2 6 8 8 Fatigue e 3 5 6 7 Hypersensitivity Reactions 3 5 5 5 Eructation 1 4 5 5 Hair Loss 1 5 4 5 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 2 4 4 5 Flatulence 2 3 3 4 Abdominal Distension 2 3 3 4 Dizziness 2 4 5 4 Hypotension f 0 1 1 2 In a clinical trial for weight reduction that included an intensive lifestyle intervention lead-in period (Study 3), 287 patients were treated with ZEPBOUND for up to 72 weeks. In a randomized withdrawal trial (Study 4), 783 patients were treated with ZEPBOUND for up to 36 weeks, and 335 of these patients were treated for up to 88 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . In Study 3, 10% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients and 2% of placebo-treated patients discon
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS ZEPBOUND delays gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Concomitant Use with Insulin or an Insulin Secretagogue (e.g., Sulfonylurea) ZEPBOUND lowers blood glucose. When initiating ZEPBOUND, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . 7.2 Oral Medications ZEPBOUND delays gastric emptying and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Caution should be exercised when oral medications are concomitantly administered with ZEPBOUND. Monitor patients on oral medications dependent on threshold concentrations for efficacy and those with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., warfarin) when concomitantly administered with ZEPBOUND. Advise patients using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation with ZEPBOUND and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation. Hormonal contraceptives that are not administered orally should not be affected [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 , 12.3 )] .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ZEPBOUND is contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in ZEPBOUND. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with tirzepatide [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 ( 4 ) Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in ZEPBOUND ( 4 )
Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from FDA-approved labeling data and is for educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice. This information does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always verify with current prescribing information and consult a licensed healthcare professional before any clinical decision. Read full disclaimer.
Data sourced from RxNorm (NLM/NIH), FDA Orange Book, OpenFDA, DailyMed. Last updated: 2026-03-02.