Zepbound® Injection for Weight Management and OSA

Zepbound® is a once-weekly tirzepatide injection for chronic weight management in adults. It is also FDA-approved to improve obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. This page explains how it works, who it is for, dosing, safety, and how to access Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. We verify your prescription with your clinic, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

What Zepbound® Is and How It Works

Zepbound® contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It helps reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, and improve metabolic signaling. The result is lower calorie intake and improved weight-related measures. In adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, it can reduce apnea severity when used with lifestyle measures.

Zepbound is given as a subcutaneous injection once weekly. It is not insulin. It is used for chronic weight management along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Learn more about its sleep apnea indication in Zepbound For Sleep.

Who Zepbound® Is For

Zepbound is indicated for adults with obesity, or for adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes. It may also be prescribed to adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea to reduce apnea severity.

Do not use tirzepatide if there is a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Avoid use during pregnancy. People with a prior serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide should not use it. Use caution with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal disease, or kidney impairment. Discuss risks if there is diabetic retinopathy, as rapid glucose improvements may require closer monitoring.

Dosage and Usage

Zepbound is injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, once weekly, any time of day, with or without meals. If needed, rotate sites with each dose.

• Start: 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (initiation dose, not intended for long-term maintenance).
• Increase: Step up by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks to 5 mg, then 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg as tolerated.
• Maintenance: 5 mg to 15 mg once weekly. The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg once weekly.

The schedule above reflects commonly published label guidance. If dosing questions arise, follow the official prescribing information and your prescriber’s instructions. For a deeper look at titration and practical tips, see Zepbound Dosage Guide. For practical site selection tips, see Zepbound Injection Sites.

Strengths and Forms

Zepbound is supplied as single-dose, prefilled pens in these commonly available strengths:

• 2.5 mg/0.5 mL
• 5 mg/0.5 mL
• 7.5 mg/0.5 mL
• 10 mg/0.5 mL
• 12.5 mg/0.5 mL
• 15 mg/0.5 mL

Availability may vary by strength. The pen is designed for once-weekly self-injection after training from a healthcare professional.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a weekly dose is missed, take it as soon as possible within 4 days after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Keep at least 72 hours between doses. Try to pick a consistent weekly dosing day.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened pens refrigerated in the original carton to protect from light. Typical labeled storage is 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. If a pen has been frozen, do not use it. When needed, unopened pens can be kept at room temperature, generally up to 30°C (86°F), for up to 21 days. Do not return a pen to the refrigerator after it has been at room temperature. Check the solution before use and do not use if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

For travel, keep your medicine within the recommended temperature range. Use an insulated bag or cold pack if needed. Keep pens out of direct sunlight and do not expose them to high heat. CanadianInsulin uses prompt cold-chain shipping when required to maintain product quality.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Let a refrigerated pen sit at room temperature for a brief period before injection, following the device instructions. Do not heat the pen with a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight. Clean the skin with an alcohol swab before injection. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided with the pen and from your clinician. Use a new needle for each injection if your pen requires needle attachment.

After use, place the needle and pen in an FDA-cleared sharps container. If a sharps container is not available, use a heavy-duty plastic container with a tight, puncture-resistant lid. Follow local or state guidelines for disposal. Keep used supplies away from children and pets.

Benefits

Label-supported benefits include reduced appetite and improved dietary control, which support weight reduction when combined with lifestyle changes. Zepbound’s once-weekly schedule simplifies use. In adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, treatment can reduce apnea severity when part of a comprehensive plan. Many people find weekly pens more convenient than daily injections.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Decreased appetite
• Injection site reactions
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Serious risks include possible thyroid C-cell tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues from dehydration, and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Seek medical care for severe, persistent abdominal pain, signs of allergic reaction, or symptoms of pancreatitis. Hypoglycemia may occur when tirzepatide is used with insulin or a sulfonylurea; clinicians often consider lowering the dose of those agents.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of some oral medicines. Extra caution may be needed for medicines with a narrow therapeutic index. Oral contraceptives can be less effective during initiation and dose increases; prescribers may recommend a non-oral or backup method for 4 weeks after each change. Alcohol may worsen gastrointestinal effects and dehydration.

Because many patients using Zepbound also manage blood glucose, related therapies are often reviewed. For broader context on glucose care, explore Type 2 Diabetes.

What to Expect Over Time

Most patients start at 2.5 mg and step up every 4 weeks as tolerated. Gastrointestinal symptoms are most common during initiation and dose increases, then often lessen. Weight tends to change gradually over months with continued treatment and lifestyle support. In adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, apnea severity may improve over time when treatment is continued. To compare approaches used for weight loss medicines, see Wegovy Vs Zepbound.

Compare With Alternatives

Two FDA-approved weight management options are often considered:

• Wegovy® (semaglutide): a GLP-1 agonist taken once weekly for chronic weight management.
• Saxenda® 6 Mg Ml (liraglutide): a GLP-1 agonist taken once daily for weight management.

Therapy selection depends on clinical history, tolerability, cost, access, and prescriber guidance.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can offer meaningful savings on tirzepatide injection. US delivery from Canada helps patients access therapy at a lower cash price. Compare Zepbound price options, check available strengths, and review total cost at checkout before placing an order. Browse related options under Weight Loss Medication Products.

To start, submit your prescription and select your dose and quantity. We confirm the prescription with your clinic, then a licensed Canadian pharmacy dispenses your Zepbound pens. You can choose prompt shipping to the US and track your package from your account.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and demand. If a preferred strength is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative strength or a different approved weight management medicine. Pharmacies cannot substitute without prescriber direction.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with obesity, or adults with overweight plus a weight-related condition, who can follow a weekly injection schedule and clinic follow-up. Zepbound is not for people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN 2, or during pregnancy. Those with pancreatitis risk, gallbladder disease, or severe GI disease need careful evaluation.

• Ask about multi-month supplies if appropriate to reduce per-shipment costs.
• Align clinic follow-up with refill timing to avoid gaps in therapy.
• Set a refill reminder in your account so you do not run out.
• Choose a consistent weekly dosing day to support adherence.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is Zepbound appropriate for my diagnosis and health goals?
• What starting dose and step-up plan do you recommend?
• How should I manage side effects during dose increases?
• Will any of my other medicines need adjustments?
• What lab or weight checks do you want and how often?
• How long should we continue therapy before reassessing?
• Are there reasons I should not use tirzepatide?

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly: Zepbound

US FDA: Drugs

Health Canada: Drug Product Database

Storage, Shipping, and Ordering

Ready to proceed with US delivery from Canada? You can place your order, upload your prescription, and choose prompt shipping at checkout. This page is informational and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional.