Zepbound is a prescription-only medicine yet to be available in Australia. It contains the same active ingredient, similar dosage, and side effects to Mounjaro. However, Mounajro is designed for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound for weight loss.
Explore the safety, effectiveness and cost of Zepbound.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine to help people lose weight and keep it off. It is for adults with obesity or with excess weight who may have a weight-related condition. Zepbound is designed to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to ensure long-term management of weight.
It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and should not be used with any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.
Zepbound Dosage
The manufacturers of Zepbound have designed a once weekly injection in various dosage strengths, such as 2.5mg, 5mg. 7.5mg. 10mg, 12.5mg and 15 mg.
It is not clear if it will be in a pen or vial form in Australia. However, the gradually increasing dosage will be similar to other GLP-1 medications. It is designed to be administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. To be injected on the same day each week however, rotating the injection site is recommended to avoid skin irritations.
Is Zepbound available in Australia?
In Australia, Zepbound is yet to be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Hence, there is no release date until the TGA decides if it will be an effective treatment for those in Australia.
Like other GLP-1 treatments, Zepbound is also expected to experience a high influx of demand. It may also face the same storage and manufacturing hurdles due to its complexity. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, will need to gain approval and have adequate stock to meet the needs.
Zepbound cost in Australia
The cost of treatment has not been decided yet, as the medication has not yet been approved. Like other GLP-1 treatments, the manufacturing, transportation, and storage requirements are quite complex, which will likely mean the cost of Zepbound would be similar to other high-cost GLP-1.
Furthermore, while awaiting its registration, there is no information about it being on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). However, if it qualifies for the PBS, the cost may be less to the patient.
Is Zepbound Effective for weight loss?
In a clinical trial, individuals taking Zepbound and following a calorie-diet and increased exercise regimen observed positive changes. Their cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist size were all reduced. This was for all individuals, whether taking the 5mg, 10mg, or 15 mg dose.
In adults without diabetes, the average weight loss was 15-21%, depending on their dose. In adults with type 2 diabetes, it was 12-12-5% depending on their dose. For patients without the medication and only following diet/exercise, the change in body weight was 3%.
Zepbound Side Effects
Zepbound is not yet registered with the TGA, so no confirmed side effects have been reported in Australia. In the US, the common side effects have been nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, stomach pain, and feeling tired.
It can cause some serious side effects such as inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, stomach problems, and low blood sugar.
Is Zepbound Safe?
It is not yet determined whether it is safe and effective for those under the age of 18 years. Or those with pancreatitis, or when taken with other prescription medicines, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products.
In studies done on rats, medicines like Zepbound or those that work like it sometimes caused thyroid tumors, including types of thyroid cancer. Whether this will cause these tumors or not is still unknown. Individuals should tell their doctor if they develop signs and symptoms out of the ordinary. Zepbound should not be taken by people who may have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Consulting a doctor
Individuals wanting to start their weight loss journey should discuss with their doctor about Zepbound and whether it is suitable for them. Discuss the dosage and side effect profile of this medicine in comparison to other available prescription drugs. While waiting for its release, other alternatives can be considered. It is best to consult a doctor to explore your options.
