Important Safety Information for Zepbound® (tirzepatide) injection

Last updated October 18, 2024

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

  • In rats, Zepbound® (tirzepatide) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Zepbound® (tirzepatide) will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
  • Do not use Zepbound® (tirzepatide) if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What is the FDA-approved use of Zepbound® (tirzepatide)?

Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:

  • 30 kg/m^2 or greater (obesity) or
  • 27 kg/m^2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease).

Limitations of Use:

  • Zepbound® (tirzepatide) should not be used in combination with other tirzepatide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist.
  • The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight management have not been established.
  • Zepbound® (tirzepatide) has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Who should not use Zepbound® (tirzepatide)?

Do not use Zepbound® (tirzepatide) if:

  • You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You have a known allergic reaction to Zepbound® (tirzepatide).

How should I take Zepbound® (tirzepatide)?

You can take Zepbound® with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your OrderlyMeds provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.

You should not change your dosing regimven or stop taking Zepbound® (tirzepatide) as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.

What should I tell my OrderlyMeds provider before using Zepbound® (tirzepatide)?

  • Zepbound® (tirzepatide) has certain drug interactions.It’s important to tell your OrderlyMeds provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.

Some medications to watch out for include:

  • Medications for diabetes:Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
  • Other oral medications: Zepbound® (tirzepatide) causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
    • Hormonal birth control:If you are using an oral hormonal contraceptive (birth control), Zepbound® (tirzepatide) may decrease its efficacy, especially after the first dose. Switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or use a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after starting Zepbound® (tirzepatide) and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation, until you reach a maintenance dose.
  • Other GLP-1 medications, including WeGovy® (semaglutide), Ozempic® (semaglutide), Saxenda® (liraglutide), Zepbound® (tirzepatide), Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), Victoza® (liraglutide), Byetta® (exenatide), or Bydureon® (exenatide).
  • Other products for weight loss:Including dietary supplements
  • It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider.In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:
    • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
    • Thyroid cancer
    • Gastrointestinal disease
    • Pancreatitis
    • Kidney disease
    • Diabetic retinopathy
    • Depression
    • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
    • If you are pregnant: Zepbound® (tirzepatide) should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Zepbound® (tirzepatide) during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
    • If you are a female reproductive potential:Zepbound® (tirzepatide) may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives. Switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after starting medication and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation until you reach a maintenance dose.
    • If you are breastfeeding: It is not known if Zepbound® (tirzepatide) passes into breast milk. Talk to your provider first about the benefits and risks of using Zepbound® (tirzepatide) while breastfeeding.
  • Pregnancy registry:There will be a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Zepbound® (tirzepatide) during pregnancy. Pregnant patients exposed to Zepbound® (tirzepatide) and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Zepbound® (tirzepatide)?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

These serious side effects are rare, but can occur with Zepbound® (tirzepatide). You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In rats, Zepbound® (tirzepatide) caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Zepbound® (tirzepatide) causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is contraindicated in patients with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
  • Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, and can sometimes be severe. It hasn’t been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease and isn’t recommended in these patients. The majority of nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea events occurred during a dose increase and decreased over time.
  • Acute Kidney Injury: Gastrointestinal side effects of Zepbound® (tirzepatide) like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems if dehydration is severe. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease: Zepbound® (tirzepatide), other GLP-1 receptor agonists, and weight loss are associated with an increased chance of acute gallbladder disease. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
  • Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
  • Allergic Reactions: Stop using Zepbound® (tirzepatide) right away if you experience 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, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
  • Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Zepbound® (tirzepatide) lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with a History of Diabetic Retinopathy: Rapid improvement of glucose control has been associated with temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health 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.
  • Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection.

What are the most common side effects of Zepbound® (tirzepatide)?

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Injection site reactions
  • Feeling tired
  • Allergic reactions
  • Belching
  • Hair loss
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.

Disclaimer: Ozempic®, WeGovy®,  Saxenda® and Victoza® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly. Byetta® and Bydureon® are registered trademarks of Amylin Pharmaceuticals. OrderlyMeds has no affiliation with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly or Amylin Pharmaceuticals. The compounded products available as part of OrderlyMeds’ Weight Loss Program are not made by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly or Amylin Pharmaceuticals or any company affiliated with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly or Amylin Pharmaceuticals.