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Zepbound-Branded Tirzepatide Treatment Plan

Written by: 

Steve Silvestro, Clinical Content and Education @ Ro

Updated:  Nov 30, 2023

Key takeaways

We know you’re excited to start treatment. But before your first shot, take the time to read your entire treatment plan to understand the potential risks and benefits of Zepbound-branded tirzepatide (Zepbound). Please do not hesitate to contact our medical support team in your Ro account chat if you have any questions.

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

Key takeaways

We know you’re excited to start treatment. But before your first shot, take the time to read your entire treatment plan to understand the potential risks and benefits of Zepbound-branded tirzepatide (Zepbound). Please do not hesitate to contact our medical support team in your Ro account chat if you have any questions.

Quick Facts

How it works:

Zepbound is a dual-action medication that targets two hormone receptors in the body: GLP-1 (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GIP (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), which help regulate your metabolism.

It works by mimicking the function of naturally occurring hormones in your body to slow down how fast your stomach empties after you eat and act on your brain to make you less hungry. 

When combined with an appropriate diet and exercise, Zepbound is an effective treatment for weight management. 

When to take it: 

You’ll use one Zepbound pen each week. Take your Zepbound on the same day each week (for example, every Monday), with or without food.

How to take it: 

Zepbound comes in single-use injector pens. You should receive a pack of four pens, each with the same dose.

Each prefilled pen has a tiny needle at the tip. The needle is covered, so it’s okay if you don’t see it. After sterilizing a small area on your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm with an alcohol wipe, place the pen firmly on the skin and press the purple injection button at the top of the pen. Keep the pen and needle on the skin while holding the button for up to 10 seconds.

Each pen is meant to be used only once — after which it should be disposed of safely in a sharps container purchased from your local pharmacy or a heavy-duty plastic container with a screw-on lid.

You can find more detailed instructions and a video from the manufacturer below. If at any time you feel uncertain about how to use your medication, please reach out to your Ro-affiliated provider or a member of your care team.

Potential side effects: 

Like those of other GLP-1s and GIP/GLP-1s, Zepbound’s most common side effects often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects are often gastrointestinal complaints like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting (see the full list below). More severe side effects are rare but possible, so please keep reading to learn about them all.

Clinical research on Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound):

Research on the impact of tirzepatide on weight management is quite impressive. Tirzepatide was originally a medication developed for the treatment of diabetes. It’s still used for the treatment of diabetes, and it has also been shown to have weight loss effects. In a 72-week study of the use of Zepbound for weight loss, the average patient saw a 15% decrease in body weight if they took a maximum of 5 mg a week, 19.5% decrease for those who took a maximum of 10 mg a week, and 20.9% for those taking the 15-mg weekly dose.

Watch: How to inject Zepbound

You can watch a YouTube video produced by the drug manufacturer for full injection instructions.

Read: Step-by-step injection instructions

Be sure to read the instructions that come with the medication before taking your first dose. 

How to store your medication

The injection pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 36–46º F but may be kept between 46–86º F for up to 21 days. If you store the pen at room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator.

Store the pens in the original packaging to protect the pen from light. Do not freeze the pens. The pen contains glass parts, so If you drop the pen on a hard surface, do not use the pen for your injection.

When to take your dose

You’ll use one pen each week. Take your medication on the same day each week, with or without food.

Preparing the medication

1. Wash your hands before handling your medication.

2. When you use a new pen, make sure that the: 

  • pen indicates the correct medication and dose that you were prescribed

  • expiration date has not passed  

  • pen is not damaged

3. Inspect the medication. It should: 

  • look clear and colorless, with no debris or particles in it

  • Not be frozen 

Don't use the medication if any of these things are an issue. Instead, contact your pharmacy and your Ro-affiliated provider for further guidance since you may need a new pen. 

4. You can now prepare the pen if the medication looks clear, colorless, and particle-free. Make sure the pen is locked. 

  • Do not unlock the pen until you place the clear base on your skin and are ready to inject. 

5. Pull the gray base cap straight off the pen and throw it away in your household trash.

  • Do not put the gray base cap back on or touch the needle. 

Choosing your injection site

6. You can choose an injection site in either your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. 

  • You can use the same part of your body each week but don’t inject it into the exact same spot in that body part each time. Injecting into the same spot each time can lead to permanent fatty nodules under the skin that can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. A good guideline is to have your next injection site be at least 1 inch away from your last one.

Administering the injection

7. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the area on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm you’ve selected.

8. Place the clear base of the pen flat against your skin at the injection site.

9. Unlock the pen by turning the lock ring. 

10. Press and hold the purple injection button for up to 10 seconds. You will hear two clicks during this process:

  • The first click means the injection has started. 

  • The second click means the injection is done. You know the injection is complete when the gray plunger is visible. 

11. Once the injection is complete, remove the pen from your skin.

Additional Guidance 

In addition to the medication, you should pursue a healthy diet as well as physical activity.  Your Ro-affiliated provider and your coach are here to help guide you through these lifestyle changes. 

If you miss a shot

If it’s been less than 4 days (96 hours) since your last shot, take your next one as soon as possible. 

If it’s been more than 4 days (96 hours) since your last shot, do not administer the shot. Instead, wait until your next scheduled shot. 

If it’s been more than 2 weeks since your last shot, do not take your next one. Instead, contact your Ro-affiliated provider for next steps, as your dose may need to be adjusted.

If you take more than prescribed

In the instance that you should take more than the prescribed dose, contact your Ro-affiliated provider and monitor your symptoms. 

The primary side effects of taking more than prescribed are severe nausea, vomiting, and possibly low blood sugar. Should symptoms persist, worsen, or are very severe, contact your primary care practitioner and, if necessary, seek emergency medical attention.  

Inform your primary care provider of your GLP-1 prescription

Ro’s Body Program is here to help you meet your goal to lose weight, but we’re not a replacement for a primary care provider (PCP).

Your Ro-affiliated provider will manage your GLP-1 prescription and your weight management treatment. Meanwhile, your PCP is responsible for taking care of your overall health and wellness.

Having a PCP is important for everyone, but especially for people who have overweight or obesity. Having overweight or obesity can increase your risk of developing or worsening chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease. These diseases can affect your quality of life and your life expectancy. A PCP can help you prevent or detect these diseases early, and provide you with the best treatment options. They can also provide you with regular check-ups, screenings, immunizations, and referrals to specialists when needed.

It’s important to let your PCP know that you are taking a GLP-1 through Ro so that they can have a clear picture of all the medications you take and your overall health.

Inform your primary care provider of your GLP-1 prescription

If you do not have a PCP, you should find one as soon as possible. Here are some ways to find a PCP near you: 

  • Ask your insurance company for a list of PCPs in your network. 

  • Ask your friends or family for recommendations. 

  • Use online tools, such as Healthgrades or Zocdoc, to search for PCPs and read reviews from other patients. 

Full medication details

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Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Written by

Steve Silvestro, Clinical Content and Education @ Ro

Last update

Nov 30, 2023