What are the instructions for taking Zepbound (unknown generic) 2.5mg/0.5ml?

Zepbound 2.5mg/0.5mL Administration Instructions

Zepbound 2.5mg/0.5mL is administered as a single subcutaneous injection once weekly, injected into the abdomen, thigh, or back of the upper arm using the prefilled single-dose pen. 1

Dosing Schedule and Escalation

• The 2.5mg dose is the starting dose for all patients initiating Zepbound therapy. 1
• Administer once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of day, independent of meals. 1
• After at least 4 weeks on the 2.5mg dose, escalate to 5mg weekly if additional glycemic control or weight loss is needed. 1
• Continue dose escalation in 2.5mg increments at 4-week intervals as tolerated (5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg maximum). 1

Injection Technique

Step-by-step administration: 1

1. Site selection: Inject into the abdomen (stomach area) or front of thigh (self-injection), or back of upper arm (requires another person). 1
2. Site rotation: Change injection sites each week within the same body area to reduce injection site reactions. 1
3. Preparation: Remove pen from refrigerator, leave gray base cap on until ready to inject, wash hands, and verify the medicine is colorless to slightly yellow without particles. 1
4. Administration: Pull off gray base cap, place clear base flat against skin, unlock by turning the lock ring, press and hold the purple injection button for up to 10 seconds until you hear two clicks (first click = injection started, second click = injection completed). 1
5. Completion verification: Confirm the gray plunger is visible through the pen window, indicating full dose delivery. 1

Storage Requirements

• Store in refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in original carton to protect from light. 1
• May store at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for maximum 21 days if needed. 1
• Do not freeze; discard if frozen. 1
• Once removed from refrigerator and stored at room temperature, do not return to refrigerator. 1

Critical Safety Warnings

Gastrointestinal effects are common and dose-dependent: 1

• Most common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. 1
• Zepbound significantly delays gastric emptying, which can lead to severe complications including functional small bowel obstruction even without surgical history or conventional risk factors. 2, 3
• Increased aspiration risk during surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia due to delayed gastric emptying—inform all healthcare providers you are taking Zepbound before any scheduled procedures. 1

Hypoglycemia risk when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas: 1

• Monitor for dizziness, sweating, confusion, shakiness, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. 1
• Dose reduction of concomitant insulin or sulfonylurea may be necessary. 1

Disposal

• Place used pen immediately in FDA-cleared sharps container after injection. 1
• Never throw pens in household trash or reuse needles. 1
• When sharps container is almost full, follow community guidelines for proper disposal. 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not remove gray base cap until ready to inject—removing it prematurely and unlocking the pen will require discarding the pen. 1
• Do not touch the needle after removing the base cap. 1
• Air bubbles in the pen are normal and do not affect dosing. 1
• A drop of liquid on the needle tip after cap removal is normal. 1
• If vision problems exist, do not use pen without assistance from a trained person. 1