tirzepatide (weight loss) 15 mg/0.5 mL subcutaneous pen injector

Generic name:
Tirzepatide (weight loss) - injection

Pronunciation
(tir-ZEP-a-tide)

Brand name(s)
Zepbound

This medication can cause a certain type of thyroid tumor (thyroid C-cell tumors) in rats. It is unknown if this medication can cause similar tumors in humans. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of treatment with this medication. Do not use this medication if you have a personal/family history of a certain type of cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or a certain inherited disease (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN 2). While using this medication, tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs of thyroid tumors, including an unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, unusual/lasting hoarseness.

This medication is used with a doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight. It is used by certain overweight people, such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems. Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.

Tirzepatide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by controlling your appetite.

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using tirzepatide and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once every 7 days. The injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. This medication may be used with or without meals. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder. If needed, the day of weekly use may be changed as long as the time between two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours). Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.

See also Warning section.

Swelling/redness/itching at the injection site, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or constipation may occur. Nausea usually lessens as you continue to use tirzepatide. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Diarrhea or vomiting may cause dehydration. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration including unusual dry mouth/thirst or dizziness/lightheadedness.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
• vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision)
• mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling hands/feet)

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• signs of pancreas or gallbladder disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.

Before using tirzepatide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• a certain eye problem (diabetic retinopathy)
• a disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• gallbladder disease
• kidney problems
• mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide)
• stomach/intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis, digestion problems)

If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (see also Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication(s), exercise program, or diet.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Do not use this medication with any other product that contains tirzepatide or other medications which are similar to this medication (such as dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide).

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills, especially when you first start treatment and when the dose is increased. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use reliable backup birth control methods for 4 weeks after starting this medication and for 4 weeks after each increase in dose of tirzepatide. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control pills are not working well.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood glucose, weight) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in the original container to protect from light. This medication may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is stored at room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator and discard after 21 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.