Zepbound has a
Highlights
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a single-dose pen prescribed for weight management to people who meet specific health prerequisites.
- You can get Zepbound prescribed online only after an appointment with a licensed medical provider who can conduct an assessment and tell if this treatment option is appropriate.
- Zepbound may cause some side effects and carries several risks. Be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Brand name: Zepbound
Generic name: Tirzepatide
Drug class: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Dosage forms:Subcutaneous injection pen
FDA-approved uses: Chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults
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Losing weight isn’t just about physical appearance; in many people, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and mental health disorders. While some people can successfully manage weight through lifestyle changes, others may need weight loss medications such as Zepbound (tirzepatide).
Read on to learn more about this medication, who can receive a prescription, and what you should know about Zepbound before and while taking it.
Get help for weight loss online:
What Is Zepbound?
Zepbound is available as a subcutaneous single-dose injection pen. It is an
How to Get Zepbound Prescribed Online
To get a prescription for Zepbound online, you should first have an appointment with a healthcare provider. They will assess your health status and medical history and create the most suitable weight loss plan which may or may not include Zepbound. At MEDvidi, the process includes the following steps:
- Sign up: Create an account on MEDvidi, fill out basic intake forms, and upload your required lab test results. It is possible to add lab test results later but without them, it may not be possible to define whether you need weight loss medication.
- Book an appointment: Schedule an online appointment with a qualified healthcare professional by choosing a time slot as per your convenience.
- Consultation with a healthcare provider: During a video consultation, a healthcare provider will analyze your medical profile, BMI, and your weight goals to formulate a suitable weight loss plan. If they deem it medically appropriate, you will be provided with an online prescription for weight loss medication like Zepbound.
- Fill out the prescription: If prescribed, you can pick up your medication from a pharmacy of your choice.
- Follow-up appointments: Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment and renew your prescription if required.
It is important to rely on the professional choice of the most suitable course of action for you, especially if it’s the first time your healthcare provider considers adding weight loss medication to your plan.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Who Can Get Prescribed Zepbound?
Before considering Zepbound as a treatment option, a healthcare provider ensures that an individual has already tried to lose weight through lifestyle adjustments but hasn’t achieved any desired or somewhat significant results. Also, they evaluate some other criteria to understand whether a person can qualify for Zepbound. FDA’s guidelines on this matter are the following:
- A BMI (body mass index) of 30 kg/m2 or greater
- A BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater along with any weight-related comorbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.
In this case, Zepbound or another weight loss medication can be added to a weight loss plan along with diet and exercise.
However, there are certain groups of people for whom Zepbound may not be a favorable choice. Some of the individuals in which its use is contraindicated or should practice extra caution include:
- Seriously allergic to tirzepatide or other ingredients of Zepbound.
- Have a medical history of Medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- Patients with Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- Have any severe gastrointestinal diseases.
- Taking insulin.
- Have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
- Experience depression or suicidal thoughts.
It is important to provide detailed medical history to your healthcare provider during consultation so they can make an informed decision and tell you about both the benefits and risks.
How Does Zepbound Work?
Zepbound works through various mechanisms in the body to cause reductions in body weight. It regulates blood sugar levels and appetite by mimicking the action of the body’s natural hormones Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These hormones play a significant role in helping control appetite and optimal blood glucose levels.
As a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, Zepbound binds to these receptors and stimulates them, which results in the feeling of fullness and diminished hunger. This leads to reduced food intake ultimately causing weight loss after a period of time if paired with a balanced diet and physical activity.
How Effective Is Zepbound for Weight Loss?
There is sufficient research validating the efficacy of Zepbound for weight loss in adults. As per
Note that the effectiveness depends on several factors aside from dosage, such as individual response to the medication, adherence to the treatment plan, and lifestyle changes. Also, despite its remarkable effectiveness, Zepbound is not a magic fix, it can only yield sustained weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Side Effects and Risks
Like every other mediation, Zepbound also presents with potential side effects and risks in some individuals. Some of the most commonly observed adverse effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Indigestion
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hair loss
These side effects are usually mild and go away with time as the body starts adjusting to Zepbound injections. However, there are some serious risks to watch for, and promptly inform your doctor if you experience them. These include:
- Hypersensitivity reactions, serious allergic reaction
- Acute kidney problems
- Gallbladder issues including the risk of gallstones
- Pancreatitis accompanied by severe stomach problems and abdominal pain
- Severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when on diabetes medicines
Zepbound Cost, and How to Save on It
The cost of Zepbound can vary widely depending on your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and the dosage prescribed. Without insurance, Zepbound can be quite expensive but there are a few options to save:
- Check with your insurance provider to see if Zepbound is covered under your insurance plan. Without insurance, it can be approximately from $1250 to $1404 for 4 pre-filled 2.5 mg pens, depending on the pharmacy.
- Recently,
new vials of Zepbound [6*] have been introduced which can help offer more flexible dosing options, potentially lowering overall costs for some patients. - You can check for discount programs or the Zepbound Savings Card, which can reduce costs for eligible individuals.
- Prices for Zepbound can vary between pharmacies, so check around, especially in online pharmacies to find the best price and consult with your healthcare provider.
Zepbound Alternatives
If Zepbound isn’t the best choice for your circumstance, there are various other weight loss medications that MEDvidi healthcare providers can prescribe if deemed appropriate, such as:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Similar to Zepbound, Mounjaro also contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Although it is primarily indicated for diabetes, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Wegovy, Ozempic (semaglutide): A GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows gastric emptying, increases feelings of fullness, and reduces hunger.
- Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion): It reduces food cravings by acting on the brain’s reward system.
- Phentermine: An appetite suppressant and stimulant prescribed for short-term weight loss.
- Xenical, Alli (orlistat): It helps reduce weight by blocking fat absorption in the digestive tract.
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): A combination medication that increases the feeling of fullness and suppresses the appetite.
Each medication has its own benefits and risks, so it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine which one is best suited to your health profile and needs.
Get Personalized Help at MEDvidi
Our medical team is here to thoroughly assess your health and weight goals and create a personalized weight management plan that can include lifestyle adjustments and medications. If it is deemed appropriate for you, you can get an online Zepbound prescription. Schedule an online consultation with our weight loss specialists from the comfort of your own space and start your weight loss journey today.
FAQ
Who can prescribe Zepbound?
Licensed healthcare providers such as primary care physicians, geriatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are qualified to prescribe Zepbound both in person and online. They can write a prescription only after thoroughly evaluating a patient’s medical parameters, complete medical history, current weight specifications, and weight goals to determine the need and appropriateness of Zepbound.
Is Zepbound the same as Mounjaro?
How is Zepbound different from Ozempic and Wegovy?
All three medications, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy belong to the same class of GLP-1 receptor agonists but differ in composition. Zepbound contains the active ingredient tirzepatide whereas Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide. Zepbound and Wegovy are both weight loss medications. Ozempic is a medication for diabetes management medication which is also used for weight reduction purposes off-label.
What lab work is necessary to get a Zepbound prescription?
Is Zepbound available at pharmacies?
Can you order Zepbound online?
Is Zepbound covered by insurance?
How do you take tirzepatide?
Does Zepbound need to be refrigerated?
In which states is MEDvidi’s weight loss program available?
MEDvidi’s weight loss program is available in 12 US states, including California (CA), Texas (TX), Florida (FL), New York (NY), and others. To find out if it’s available in your state, contact our support team or simply sign up.
