Yes, it is possible to switch from another GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Wegovy to Zepbound. However, this change should only happen with your healthcare provider’s guidance. Ozempic and Mounjaro are for patients managing their type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy and Zepbound are specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or those with overweight with related health issues.

Yes, Zepbound is approved by the FDA for certain conditions including:

• Weight loss and weight maintenance in adults (18 years and older) who have obesity, and in adults with overweight with at least one weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It is meant to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.

Zepbound is available as a once-weekly single- dose injectable pen or a single-dose vial which is administered with a needle and a syringe. The injectable pen is prefilled and ready for use while the vial requires withdrawing the medication from the vial with a needle and syringe prior to use.

You or another person can inject the medicine in your stomach or thigh – you can speak with your healthcare provider about other injection sites that may work for you.

Detailed instructions on how to administer Zepbound should be reviewed prior to use. In general, the steps for using Zepbound include:

1. Prepare to inject Zepbound by removing the pen or vial from the fridge and inspecting it prior to use.
2. Choose and prepare the injection site (typically the stomach, thigh, or back of upper arm). The same general area can be used when injecting, but the injection site should be changed or rotated weekly.
3. Inject the medication dose as prescribed and properly dispose of the single-use pen or syringe if using a vial in an approved sharps disposal container.
4. Store any remaining medication as recommended.

Patients typically begin with a low dose of a GLP-1 agonist medication, which is gradually increased for effective weight loss. The initial months of treatment allow you to adjust to the medication and lifestyle changes while starting to lose weight. Your dosage may be modified over time depending on your weight loss and any side effects you may experience.

Studies show that patients who are obese or overweight using injectable GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss, combined with diet and exercise, achieve weight loss of approximately 6% of their body weight at 4 months, 9% at 6 months, and 13% at 12 months. The most significant weight loss occurs within the first 6 months, stabilizing after a year, and can be sustained with continued use of the GLP-1 agonist alongside healthy diet and exercise.

You may consider stopping the GLP-1 agonist medication once you reach your goal weight; however, some studies suggest that weight may be regained after discontinuation. Therefore, it is critical to consult your provider before stopping the medication. Following a healthy diet and exercise plan recommended by your healthcare provider will help to maintain your results if you decide to stop.

The overall side effects of GLP-1 agonist medications are similar but do vary with each product and can differ for each person.

The most common side effects of Zepbound are digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and indigestion or acid reflux as well as injection site reactions, allergic reactions, fatigue, burping, and hair loss.

Other less common but serious side effects of Zepbound can also occur. Notify your provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the following: dehydration leading to kidney problems, gallbladder problems, inflammation of your pancreas, serious allergic reactions, low blood sugar, changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes, depression or thoughts of suicide and increased risk of food or liquid getting in your lungs during surgery or with use of anesthesia.

Initially, most patients check in monthly so their provider can adjust their medication dosage for the best results. Once weight loss stabilizes, check-ins typically become less frequent – about every 3 to 6 months, depending on your provider’s recommendation. If you need additional support to discuss side effects, dosing, or other questions or concerns, you can request an on-demand visit with a Walgreens Weight Management provider 7 days a week (7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST). No subscription required – only pay for the care you need.

Yes! To begin the process, you can start a virtual visit through our Walgreens Weight Management service. A provider will review your medical history and current medications to confirm you’re eligible for weight management treatment. If it’s clinically appropriate and safe, your provider can create a personalized treatment plan and may prescribe Zepbound.

Some insurance plans may cover Zepbound but coverage varies. However, many people choose to pay out of pocket – no prior authorization needed. Walgreens Weight Management is currently intended for patients paying out of pocket for weight loss medications. We don’t currently handle insurance or prior authorizations for GLP-1 medications, but please check back soon.

Yes! In addition to Zepbound pens and vials, Walgreens Weight Management supports several other GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda). A doctor or nurse practitioner will evaluate which GLP-1 agonist is right for you by considering your unique health factors, including your BMI and medical history, and will recommend what is most appropriate for your needs.

• Contraindications:

  Zepbound is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). In rats, Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors. The risk in humans is unknown.

  Zepbound should not be used in patients who have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Zepbound.

• Warnings and Precautions:

  Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: have been reported. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.

  Acute Kidney Injury: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may lead to dehydration which may cause kidney problems such as acute kidney injury and, in rare cases, requiring hemodialysis. It is important that you drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away.

  Acute Gallbladder Disease: including gallstones have occurred. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of gallbladder disease or complications: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stool.

  Acute Pancreatitis: has been reported. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.

  Hypersensitivity Reactions: can occur. Stop using Zepbound and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, fainting or feeling dizzy.

  Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): risk is increased when using Zepbound, especially if also taking medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, shakiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness, anxiety, hunger, headache, irritability or mood changes, confusion or drowsiness, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery.

  Changes in Vision in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy could occur. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision.

  Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: has been reported. Pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you and stop taking if symptoms develop.

  Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: (food or liquid getting into your lungs) can occur during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation due to delayed gastric emptying. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Zepbound before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

• Common Side Effects include:
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • stomach (abdominal) pain
  • indigestion
  • injection site reactions
  • feeling tired
  • allergic reactions
  • belching
  • hair loss
  • heartburn

  These are not all the possible side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you, worsen, or do not go away.

• Drug or Food interactions:
  • Delayed gastric emptying may impact absorption of other medications taken along with Zepbound.
  • Use of GLP-1 medications may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives. If you are using oral hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), add a non-oral contraceptive method or a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after starting medication and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
  • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. GLP-1 agonist medications can change how some medicines work, and other medicines may affect how GLP-1 medications work too.