Zepbound is a new option for managing chronic weight issues, following in the footsteps of Wegovy, which is another treatment using incretin.
What makes Zepbound stand out is that it’s the first of its kind to tackle obesity by targeting two specific hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1, addressing the root causes of excess weight. This approval means that people dealing with obesity, without also having type 2 diabetes, now have a second once-weekly injectable option for managing their weight. This is in addition to the existing Wegovy (semaglutide) treatment. This development is especially noteworthy given recent shortages of Wegovy and other incretin-based therapies.
Zepbound contains an active ingredient called tirzepatide, which acts like a hormone that helps reduce cravings for food. This same ingredient is also found in the diabetes medication Mounjaro.
In comparison, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have semaglutide as an ingredient. Semaglutide mimics a hormone that signals to the brain when a person is full, helping to suppress appetite.
What sets tirzepatide apart is its ability to mimic a second hormone called GIP. Besides curbing appetite, this hormone might also enhance the body’s breakdown of sugar and fat, contributing to more effective weight loss.
In a phase 3 clinical trial, participants taking the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 milligrams) experienced an average weight loss of 22.5% of their body weight, roughly equivalent to 52 pounds. These participants had either obesity or were overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
The Food and Drug Administration has given its approval for the use of Zepbound in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, or a BMI of 27 or higher if the individual also has another weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals prescribed this medication should avoid taking other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic or Wegovy.
Zepbound is specifically approved for adults aged 18 and older, while Wegovy is sanctioned for individuals aged 12 and above. The FDA highlights on Zepbound’s label that its safety and effectiveness have not yet been established in teenagers or adolescents.
McGowan emphasized the high effectiveness of both medications. When choosing between Zepbound and Wegovy, he suggested that patients take into account two factors: insurance coverage and their individual response to each treatment.
Zepbound underwent extensive examination in various clinical trials as part of the SURMOUNT program, comprising four completed trials and several ongoing studies.
The FDA granted approval for Zepbound in chronic weight management based on comprehensive data derived from the SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2 trials, collectively involving nearly 3,500 participants.
Zepbound has received explicit approval for managing weight in adults with obesity. In contrast, Ozempic is primarily designed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes to regulate blood sugar. However, due to its side effect of weight loss, many individuals use it off-label for that purpose.
The Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Zepbound to be used by adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. Alternatively, individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher are eligible if they also have another weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Introducing Zepbound, a medication that, like Mounjaro, incorporates tirzepatide but is now authorized to address specific cases of obesity. This sets it apart from Mounjaro and resolves the inquiry that Lilly management has been considering since early last year regarding the creation of a new brand for the obesity designation.
The Food and Drug Administration granted approval for Eli Lilly’s Zepbound as a weight loss treatment. This weekly injectable medication includes tirzepatide, the identical ingredient found in the company’s diabetes medication, Mounjaro. Its mechanism of action is akin to Novo’s semaglutide, as it mimics the function of GLP-1.
Zepbound at about $1,060 for a month’s supply, and while it’s less than Wegovy, which is priced at around $1,300, both drugs may be too expensive for many people who are eligible.
Zepbound affects two hormones in the body, GLP-1 and GIP. The GLP-1 component influences a part of the brain that signals reduced eating and fat storage. Its potency lies in the fact that it enhances the brain’s signals to eat less while diminishing signals to eat more. Meanwhile, GIP improves the process of fat storage, reducing the body’s inclination to store excess fat.
The side effects of Zepbound may include, but are not limited to:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and indigestion are common side effects. These often occur, particularly during the initial dose escalation period.
Appetite Changes: Decreased appetite is a potential side effect.
Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions are possible. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Thyroid Tumors: Zepbound may lead to the development of tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for symptoms such as neck lumps, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Interaction with Birth Control Pills: If you take birth control pills orally, their effectiveness may be reduced while using Zepbound. Consult your healthcare provider for alternative birth control recommendations.
Other Adverse Effects: Changes in vision or mental changes that are new, worsening, or concerning should be reported to your healthcare provider.
It’s crucial to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your healthcare provider, and promptly seek medical attention if you experience severe or persistent symptoms.
You can certainly combine this with other medications, as long as they belong to a different category and operate in a distinct manner. Many of my patients use additional drugs like metformin or phentermine for weight loss alongside tirzepatide. Not all healthcare providers may be well-versed in this approach. In my clinic, when I observe patients achieving the most significant weight loss, it’s often not from a single agent but a combination. For instance, one patient I’ve been treating for 11 years, part of our clinic for 15 years, underwent weight loss surgery and has incorporated various medications alongside surgery to achieve a remarkable 60.7 percent reduction in total weight over a 15-year span.
At Patients Medical, our goal is to offer a variety of programs and treatments that can help you lose weight quickly and safely. Our physicians will create a customized plan for you that may include a combination of prescription, conventional and holistic medicine, and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes.
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Zepbound is a new option for managing chronic weight issues, following in the footsteps of Wegovy, which is another treatment using incretin.
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