Today, we are extremely fortunate to have access to medications that can help individuals struggling with being overweight and obese lose weight and become healthier. In November 2023, the injectable prescription drug Tirzepatide was approved by the FDA under the brand name Zepbound to be used for weight loss. Learning how to inject zepbound is easy, and when used under the supervision of a doctor like Dr. Okeefe Simmons, can result in significant weight loss.
Zepbound Basics
Zepbound is the same drug that has been used to help patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels under the brand name Mounjaro. It is administered weekly using a pre-filled injector pen and injected into a fatty area of the body under the skin.
It is currently the only injectable medication that targets both the GLP-1 and GLP receptors. This means they copy certain naturally occurring hormones and stimulate the same response. We have hormones known as glucagon-like peptide 1 and GLP that help to keep our blood sugar levels steady and control the release of insulin. These work together to keep our metabolism working efficiently and control annoying hunger pangs. When injected, the medication simulates the natural hormones and jumpstarts these responses within the body, which results in weight loss.
Patients begin taking Zepbound injections at a low dose and work their way up over the course of several months to the highest available dose while under the supervision of their doctor. The medication helps streamline their metabolism and suppress their appetite, providing substantial assistance with weight loss.
Zepbound: How To Inject
The prescription medication Zepbound is meant to be injected subcutaneously, meaning into a fatty area under the skin. Never inject Zepbound into a muscle or a vein. The recommended areas for injection are the stomach (abdomen), thigh, or back of the upper arm, and the site you choose for injection should be rotated each time to avoid skin irritation and tenderness.
Learning how to inject Zepbound is easy, but it is important to do it correctly. The steps you should follow to properly administer Zepbound include:
Step One
Select your preferred injection site within the fatty tissue and under the skin in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Step Two
Before injecting, take a minute to inspect the pen for any damage. Ensure the medicine looks clear, and double-check the expiration date. Wash your hands thoroughly. It is advisable to let your Zepbound pen sit and warm up to room temperature for a few minutes, as it can cause discomfort or pain to inject medication that is cold straight out of the refrigerator. Do not ever try to use outside sources to heat up the medication, as it could spoil the medication and render it ineffective.
Step Three
Make sure your Zepbound pen is in the locked position, and take off the gray base cap. Position the pen at your chosen injection site so the base is flat against your skin, and when you’re ready to inject, turn the lock ring to the green indicator (open position), then press and hold the purple injection button and slowly count to 10, or until you hear 2 distinct clicks. The first one indicates the start of the injection, and the second one signals that the injection is complete. You can be sure the injection is complete when you can see the gray plunger.
Step Four
Once the injection is complete, gently lift the pen off your skin. If you notice any small amount of bleeding, use a sterile cotton ball to apply gentle pressure for a minute or two.
Step Five
Dispose of used pens in an appropriate “sharps” disposal container. For safety reasons, never discard them in a household trash can.
Zepbound Injection FAQs
- What Should I Do If I See Air Bubbles In My Injection Pen?
- Small air bubbles contained within the pen are generally harmless and won’t affect the dose. You can point the pen in an upward position and gently tap on the side until it rises to the top and disappears.
- I Forgot To Take My Zepbound Pen Out Of The Fridge, And I Don’t Have Time To Let It Warm Up. Is It A Problem For Me To Inject Cold Medicine?
- It is not unsafe to use the medication while cold, and it will not change its effectiveness. However, if you don’t have time to let the pen reach room temperature before administering the injection, it may cause you temporary discomfort. You should not attempt to warm up the medication because it could reduce or eliminate its effectiveness.
- What Happens If You Leave Your Zepbound Pen Out Of The Refrigerator?
- Zepbound pens are best kept in the refrigerator; however, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days. The pen should not be returned to the refrigerator after it has been left at room temperature for 21 days and should be discarded. Also, do not expose the pen to temperatures that exceed 86°F, even for a very short time, because the medicine will spoil and the pen will need to be discarded.
- Can I Freeze My Zepbound Pen?
- No, do not freeze your pen. If your pen has been frozen, you will need to dispose of it properly and use a new pen.
- What Should I Do If I Drop My Zepbound Pen?
- If you drop your Zepbound pen on a surface that is hard, do not use it; use a new pen. These pens have parts made from glass, which can be easily damaged.
- What Should I Do If, When I Open My Pen, I See A Drop Of Liquid At The Tip?
- This is nothing to worry about, and it can be used as normal. Do not touch the tip to try to remove it.
- I Think I Heard An Extra Click While Doing My Injection; Is That Okay?
- Sometimes, you will hear a very soft click after the first loud one but before the second loud click. This is normal, but do not remove the pen from your skin until you hear the second loud click indicating that the injection has finished.
- What If I Forget To Pull Off The Gray Base Cap Before I Press The Purple Injection Button?
- If you accidentally do things in the wrong order and you unlock your pen and push the purple button before you remove the base cap, the pen is no longer good, and you must discard it and get a new pen.
Zepbound can be a wonderful option to provide additional help to individuals over the age of 18 who have struggled with weight loss. If you are interested in learning more about Zepbound and finding out if it might be a good option for you, set up an appointment with the experts at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions.
