Zepbound – the next generation of weight loss medicine

Sarah

Licensed doctor

Zepbound - the next generation weight medicine

Zepbound is a new drug for weight loss that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Studies have shown up to 22.5% weight loss. The drug is given as an injection and is approved in the United States. In Sweden, you can instead buy Mounjaro on prescription, which contains the same active substance (tirzepatid).

Key points

• Zepbound contains tirzepatide, which activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
• Produced by Eli Lilly as a further development of Mounjaro
• Approved for obesity treatment in the US since November 2023
• Studies show up to 22.5% weight loss when treated with tirzepatide
• The drug may be approved in the EU
• Mounjaro, which has the same content, can be prescribed in Sweden

What is Zepbound?

Zepbound is a weight-loss medication from Eli Lilly with the active substance tirzepatide, which acts via two hormonal pathways: GLP-1 and GIP. It is a further development of Mounjaro, which was mainly developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Instead, Zepbound is specifically approved for the treatment of obesity in the United States and received its FDA approval in November 2023. It is not yet available as a medicine under the name Zepbound in Sweden, but Mounjaro, which has the same content, can be prescribed by doctors.

How does Zepbound work?

Zepbound works through the active substance tirzepatide, which mimics two of the body's hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. These affect the body's metabolism in several ways:

• Reduces appetite by affecting the hunger center in the brain
• Delays gastric emptying, which gives a longer feeling of satiety
• Supports insulin production and lowers blood sugar

Thanks to dual receptor activation (GLP-1 and GIP), Zepbound is more effective than other GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy.

Zepbound is taken as a weekly injection into the subcutaneous fat with a pre-filled pen. The dose is gradually increased to reduce the risk of side effects.

How much weight can you lose with Zepbound?

The effect of tirzepatid (the active substance in Zepbound) has shown a very good effect on weight loss in clinical studies:

• Up to 22.5% weight loss with the highest dose.
• Clear effects already after 6–10 weeks, especially when the treatment is combined with good eating and exercise habits.

Source: NEJM (The New England Journal of Medicine)

Who can get Zepbound?

Zepbound is a prescription medicine intended for people with obesity. In Sweden, Zepbound is sold under the brand name Mounjaro, which contains the same active substance and works for the same patient groups. You can get help with prescriptions and guidance from us at Recetas Medicas. Start by filling out our health form here.

Zepbound is intended for:

• Adults with obesity (BMI over 30)
• Overweight adults (BMI 27–30) who have at least one weight-related disease, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, sleep apnea

Zepbound should not be used by:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People with serious diseases of the liver or pancreas
• People with a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
• People with known hypersensitivity to tirzepatide

Tirzepatid Weight Loss – With Recetas Medicas

At Recetas Medicas, you can quickly and easily get help with prescriptions for Mounjaro, which contains the same active substance as Zepbound (tirzepatid). You fill in a health form and a doctor makes a medical assessment.

Zepbound vs Mounjaro & other GLP-1 drugs

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro belong to the group of GLP-1/GIP-based drugs for weight loss. They contain the active substance tirzepatide and work by combining two hormone pathways: GLP-1 and GIP. These work together to reduce appetite, delay gastric emptying and improve blood sugar control.

Zepbound and Mounjaro – same substance, different names

Zepbound and Mounjaro contain exactly the same substance (tirzepatid), but are launched under different names depending on the area of ​​use and market:

• Zepbound is approved in the United States (since November 2023) specifically for the treatment of obesity and overweight.

Zepbound is approved in the United States (since November 2023) specifically for the treatment of obesity and overweight.

• Mounjaro is now also approved for obesity treatment, including in Sweden, but was first developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro is now also approved for obesity treatment, including in Sweden, but was first developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Comparison in effect and use

Zepbound, Mounjaro and Wegovy are used in the treatment of obesity, but they differ in mechanism of action and weight results.

• Zepbound (tirzepatid): Up to 22.5% weight loss in clinical studies. Acts via both GLP-1 and GIP.

Zepbound (tirzepatid): Up to 22.5% weight loss in clinical studies. Acts via both GLP-1 and GIP.

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Same substance and doses as Zepbound. Provides similar weight loss but can also be used in type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Same substance and doses as Zepbound. Provides similar weight loss but can also be used in type 2 diabetes.

• Wegovy (semaglutide): GLP-1 analog that gives up to about 15-17% weight loss. Missing the GIP component.

Wegovy (semaglutide): GLP-1 analog that gives up to about 15-17% weight loss. Missing the GIP component.

What is the advantage of Zepbound and Mounjaro?

Tirzepatid (Zepbound/Mounjaro) may have a stronger effect compared to GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy. This is because the GIP component:

• Enhances satiety signaling together with GLP-1
• May mitigate some side effects, such as nausea
• Shows a particularly good effect in insulin resistance

Availability and approval status in Sweden

Zepbound is not yet approved in Sweden, but the active substance tirzepatid is approved for the treatment of obesity under the drug name Mounjaro. This means that patients in Sweden can already receive treatment with tirzepatid today.

Zepbound Sweden - what applies?

Zepbound is approved in the US by the FDA since November 2023 for the treatment of obesity and overweight. In the EU, Zepbound is not yet approved by the European Medicines Agency EMA.

When will Zepbound come to Sweden?

It is still unclear exactly when Zepbound will arrive in Sweden, but the drug is currently being reviewed by the EU. It could also become available via parallel import. Until then, Mounjaro is an alternative, with the same substance and similar effect.

How can you get treatment with tirzepatid today?

Mounjaro is approved in Sweden for the treatment of obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27 and <30) with comorbidities. The medicine can be prescribed by a doctor after a medical assessment has been carried out.

Price and subsidy:

Treatment with zepound varies in price depending on the dose. The treatment is not included in the subsidy at the moment.

The future of Zepbound in Sweden

The rapid effect and the high weight loss mean that many experts see Zepbound as a breakthrough in medical weight reduction. Zepbound has the potential to become an important part of future weight management:

• Zepbound can change the treatment of obesity from surgery to medical support
• Subsidy may become relevant if the effects are confirmed in European registry studies

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Zepbound

When will Zepbound come to Sweden? There is no exact date, but Zepbound is under investigation in the EU.

Is Zepbound better than Wegovy? Studies show that tirzepatide drugs like Zepbound produce greater weight loss than semaglutide drugs like Wegovy. It may also have fewer side effects thanks to the GIP effect.

How to take Zepbound? As an injection into the subcutaneous fat once a week, with a pre-filled pen. The dose is gradually increased.

Can Zepbound be printed online? In Sweden, you can get tirzepatid prescribed under the brand name Mounjaro.

How much does Zepbound cost? The price of Zepound is not yet fully known.

Effective help with medicine for weight loss

Do you think medical weight loss might be an option for you? Fill out our health form and you will receive a medical assessment. We always give you personal and secure advice.