Zepbound Dosage Chart
Wondering what your zepbound dosage should be? 2.5mg for the first week, with 2.5mg increments going up after every 4 week period. Beware of serious and common side-effects, and when you should *NOT* take Zepbound.
Taking Zepbound and wondering what your dosage should be? We'll summarize below:
Dosage over time
Zepbound dosage is meant to be increased over time.
This means that you start with a certain kind of pen (with a certain dosage), and change the kind of pen you use (and the dosage) over time.
In general, start with 2.5mg dosage for 4 weeks, and increase your dosage 2.5mg after every 4 week period.
WARNING: Do not take 2 doses of Zepbound within 3 days of each other
One important guideline that Eli Lilly has laid out for taking Zepbound is to avoid taking 2 doses within 72 hours of each other.
Changing Dosages
If you miss or want to change your dosage, it's possible but remember to wait 3 days (72 hours) between dosages.
This is important for something as simple as changing the day of the week on which you take your dose.
Missed Dosages
If you miss a dosage of Zepbound, take it as soon as possible, hopefully within 4 days (96 hours).
If you cannot make the 4 day window (you must have more than 3 days before your next does), skip the missed dose.
Serious Side Effects
There are many serious side effects that are important to be careful of with Zepbound.
Straight from Eli Lilly's website, we've listed the most important ones:
Severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Zepbound. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
Kidney problems (kidney failure). Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who use Zepbound. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Zepbound and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Zepbound and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, or very rapid heartbeat.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Zepbound with medicines that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, hunger, weakness or feeling jittery.
Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Zepbound.
Depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to changes in your mood, behaviors, feelings or thoughts. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
Common Side Effects
While everyone is different, there most common side effects for Zepbound are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Indigestion
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Belching
- Hair loss
- Heartburn
You should see a doctor or medical professional if you experience these side effects or if they worsen.
Check the official Eli Lillly website
You (and should) go straight to the official Zepbound website for dosage information:
We'll summarize it for you here, and include information from other sources, but Eli Lilly is an authoritative source.
