From the Guidelines
Zepbound (tirzepatide) should be initiated at a dose of 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for the first 4 weeks, with gradual dose escalation based on clinical response and tolerability, as this approach has been shown to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and maximize effectiveness 1. The dose escalation should be done in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks until reaching the maximum recommended dose, which is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence but is typically 15 mg once weekly. Key considerations for Zepbound administration include:
- Injecting the medication into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating injection sites with each dose
- Administering the medication on the same day each week, but allowing for changes in the day as long as the last dose was given at least 3 days prior
- Storing Zepbound in the refrigerator and allowing it to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before injection Common side effects of Zepbound include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation These side effects typically improve over time, and the gradual titration approach helps to minimize their impact. It is essential to note that the provided evidence does not directly mention Zepbound, but based on the general guidelines for GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors, the recommended approach for Zepbound is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness 1.
From the Research
Zepbound Dose Information
- The term "Zepbound" is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, however, it is likely referring to Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 receptor agonist 2.
- The dose of Tirzepatide used in the SURPASS-3 trial was 5,10, or 15 mg, administered once-weekly via subcutaneous injection 2.
- The study found that all three doses of Tirzepatide (5,10, and 15 mg) were effective in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes, with the 15 mg dose showing the greatest reductions 2.
- Another study compared the efficacy of Tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg with Semaglutide 2.4 mg in people with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes, and found that Tirzepatide was associated with significantly greater mean percent weight reductions and reductions in HbA1c levels 3.
Safety and Efficacy
- The most common adverse events reported in the SURPASS-3 trial were mild to moderate gastrointestinal events, which decreased over time 2.
- The study also found that Tirzepatide had a lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared to insulin degludec 2.
- The safety profile of Tirzepatide was similar to that of GLP-1 receptor agonists 2.