Key points
- Inject Zepbound once weekly under the skin in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm
- Rotate injection sites each week to prevent skin reactions and tissue damage
- Store pens in the refrigerator until use, then follow the 8-step injection process
- Watch for common side effects like nausea, and contact your doctor if symptoms persist
Zepbound comes in a pre-filled pen designed for easy home use. Whether you've never self-injected before or just want to confirm you're doing it right, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is an FDA-approved prescription medication for weight loss in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions.
It can also be used to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
How does it work?
Gia Eapen, MD, says, “Tirzepatide, the main ingredient in Zepbound, mimics the power of 2 natural hormones, GIP and GLP-1. The result is prolonged fullness, decreased appetite, and slower digestion.”
Treatment involves weekly under-the-skin injections that begin at a low dose and increase gradually.
Overall, success with Zepbound requires commitment to a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise.
How to inject Zepbound
There are three injection sites to choose from. All sites deliver equal results.
"You can inject Zepbound in your abdomen (at least two inches from your belly button), the front of your thighs, or the back of your upper arms," says Eapen, MD. "The abdomen offers easy access and ample fatty tissue, making it popular for self-injection. The back of the upper arm may require assistance since it can be hard to reach."
Choose your site based on your convenience.
Important: Avoid bruised, tender, red, or scarred areas. Always inject into fatty tissue, not muscle, for proper absorption and minimal discomfort.
Rotate injection sites
Once you've chosen your preferred injection area, you'll need to rotate the exact spot each week.
“Why rotate? It prevents lipodystrophy, where fatty tissue breaks down or builds up, creating lumps or indentations,” explains Eapen, MD.
💡Tips: Think of your injection area as a grid. While you can stick to one body region (like your abdomen), move to a different spot within that area each week. Keep a simple log or alternate between left and right sides. Consistency within one area works fine as long as you change the exact location weekly.
Step-by-step injection guide for Zepbound
Follow these 8 steps for safe administration using the pre-filled Zepbound pen.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
You'll need your Zepbound pen, an alcohol swab, a cotton ball or gauze pad, an FDA-approved sharps container, and access to a sink. The sharps container is for the disposal of used needles and syringes.
Step 2: Check your medication
Verify the correct dose and expiration date.
Confirm that:
- The gray cap is on, and the pen is not damaged
- The solution inside should appear clear (transparent) or have a slight yellow tint, with no floating particles or cloudiness
- The solution should not be frozen
- Discard if anything appears wrong
Step 3: Wash your hands
Scrub thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Prepare the injection site
Clean your chosen area with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely. Don't fan or blow on it.
Step 5: Pull off the cap
Pull the gray base cap off and throw it away. Do not put the cap back on. Keep the pen locked until you place it on your skin.
Step 6: Position and unlock
Press the clear base flat on your skin. Turn the lock ring to show the open padlock symbol to unlock the pen.
Step 7: Inject
Press down on the purple button at the top of the pen. Hold it for up to 10 seconds until you hear the second click. First click = injection started. Second click = injection complete. The gray plunger will be visible when done.
Step 8: Remove and dispose
Remove the pen from your skin by pulling it straight out. If the site bleeds, hold gauze against it gently until bleeding stops. Never rub the area. Place your used pen in the sharps container right away. With practice, the entire process takes under a minute.
How to store Zepbound properly
Proper storage is just as important as proper injection technique.
Keep these points in mind:
- Keep unopened pens refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F in their original carton for light protection. This maintains effectiveness until the expiration date
- Without refrigeration, store at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 21 days
- Once removed from the fridge, don't put it back
- Discard after 21 days at room temperature
- Never freeze Zepbound. Throw away frozen pens, even if they thaw, because the medication may be compromised
Zepbound side effects
Knowing the Zepbound side effects can help you manage them better.
The most common side effects are digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. These symptoms typically improve as your body adjusts to the medication and are most noticeable when starting or increasing doses.
Other effects include fatigue, injection site reactions, dizziness, and temporary hair loss.
Serious side effects are rare but demand immediate attention: severe stomach pain, pancreatitis signs, gallbladder symptoms, or allergic reactions.
Zepbound has an FDA black box warning about potential thyroid tumor risk based on animal studies, though the risk in humans is still unknown.
Contact your healthcare provider if side effects persist, worsen, or concern you. They can adjust treatment or suggest strategies to manage side effects.
Final thoughts
With proper storage, correct technique, and regular site rotation, your weekly Zepbound injections should become straightforward. Report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How to properly inject Zepbound?
Check your pen's expiration and condition, then wash your hands. Clean the injection site with alcohol and let it dry. Remove the gray cap, place the base on your skin, unlock by twisting the ring, press and hold the purple button for 10 seconds (listening for two clicks), then dispose in a sharps container.
Where to inject Zepbound for best results?
Choose from three equally effective sites: abdomen, front thighs, or back upper arms (requires assistance). Selection depends solely on personal comfort and convenience, not effectiveness.
When is the best time to inject Zepbound?
Inject on the same day each week at whatever time works for you. You can take it with or without food. Pick a time that fits your routine and stick with it.
Does Zepbound expire?
Yes. Check the expiration date on both the carton and pen. When stored properly in the refrigerator (36°F-46°F), pens stay good until this date. Throw away any pen that's expired, looks cloudy or discolored, or has ever been frozen.
