Zepbound
tirzepatide — Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist by Eli Lilly
Dual GIP/GLP-1subcutaneous injectionOnce weeklyFDA Approved
Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 2 sources cited
FDA-Approved Indications
- Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (adjunct to diet and exercise)
- Treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity (December 20, 2024)
Dosing
| Route | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Starting Dose | 2.5 mg weekly |
| Maintenance | 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly |
| Max Dose | 15 mg weekly |
| Titration | 2.5 mg x 4 weeks → 5 mg. May increase by 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks: 5 mg → 7.5 mg → 10 mg → 12.5 mg → 15 mg. |
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 24-33% | 3/5 |
| Diarrhea | 18-25% | 2/5 |
| Vomiting | 10-18% | 3/5 |
| Constipation | 13-17% | 2/5 |
| Abdominal pain | 10-14% | 2/5 |
| Dyspepsia | 7-10% | 2/5 |
| Injection site reaction | 3-7% | 1/5 |
| Hair loss | 5-6% | 2/5 |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <1% | 5/5 |
| Gallbladder events | 1.6% | 4/5 |
Cost
| List Price | $1,060-$1,176/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited) |
| Savings Card | $25/month (Lilly savings card, commercially insured) |
Pricing last updated 2026-04-14. Actual costs vary by pharmacy, insurance plan, and location.
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Boxed Warning
Thyroid C-cell tumors: In rodents, tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Sources
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.