Like other GLP-1 medications, Zepbound comes with the risk of potential side effects. Most people experience these side effects when their dose is increased, and they tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:

Nausea

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Constipation

Stomach pains

Upset stomach

Indigestion

Injection-site reactions

Fatigue

Belching and gas

Hair loss

Heartburn

Additionally, if you take oral birth control pills, talk to your healthcare provider before you use Zepbound. Birth control pills may not work as well while using Zepbound. Your healthcare provider may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start Zepbound and for 4 weeks after each increase in your dose of Zepbound.

More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:

Thyroid cancer: Zepbound may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. Do not use Zepbound if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Severe stomach problems

Pancreatitis

Gallbladder disease

Rapid heartbeat

Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)

Low blood sugar

Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes

Kidney disease

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation: . In rare instances, some patients undergoing anesthesia during surgical procedures have had stomach contents enter their lungs, which can cause pneumonia and other problems.

You can report quality complaints and side effects to The Lilly Answers Center (TLAC) at +1(800) 545-5979 to notify Lilly, the manufacturer of your medication. They use side effect information to monitor and sometimes report on drug safety.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zepbound. For more complete information about Zepbound, including Boxed warning, see full Important Safety Information.

Both Zepbound vials should be stored in the refrigerator at 36-46º F, but they may be kept between 46-86º F for up to 21 days, if needed. Store unopened vials in their original cartons to protect them from light.

If you store Zepbound vials at room temperature, throw away any unused portion after 21 days. Do not freeze the medication, and do not use it if it has been frozen. Be sure to throw away any opened vial after using it, even if there is medication left in the vial.

Zepbound and Wegovy are approved by the FDA for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, if appropriate.

The main difference between these medications is the active ingredient. Ozempic and Wegovy use semaglutide, while Zepbound uses tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a dual-action GLP-1 and GIP, meaning it works by activating two receptors to curb nausea and regulate your metabolism, helping you feel full faster and longer. In comparison, semaglutide only activates the GLP-1 receptor.