Who is included in the weight-management indication?
Wegovy contains semaglutide. Zepbound contains tirzepatide. Section 1 of each U.S. label describes who can use that specific product to lose weight and keep it off. Both include adults with obesity and adults with overweight who also have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure. Both describe treatment alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
For an adolescent, the form matters. The Wegovy injection label includes young people ages 12 and older with obesity. The weight-management indications for Wegovy tablets and Zepbound injection cover adults. When looking up an age range, match both the brand and the form on the package.
Where do the other approved uses differ?
Wegovy injection and tablets are also approved to lower the risk of nonfatal heart attack, nonfatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. This use is for adults who already have cardiovascular disease and who have either overweight or obesity.
Zepbound has a separate indication for treating obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. The label specifies adults who have obesity and whose sleep apnea is moderate to severe.
What does the boxed thyroid warning say?
Semaglutide caused tumors in thyroid C cells in mice and rats. Tirzepatide caused these tumors in rats. Whether either medicine causes these tumors in humans is unknown. Section 4 of each label rules out use for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a specific thyroid cancer, or who has multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
Frequently asked questions
Where does Zepbound discuss birth control pills?
Section 8.3 explains that Zepbound can slow stomach emptying and make hormonal birth control pills less effective. The label calls for switching to a non-oral contraceptive or adding a barrier method for four weeks after starting Zepbound and for four weeks after each dose increase.
Which instructions apply to a Zepbound vial or pen?
Section 3 lists single-dose pens, single-dose vials, multi-dose vials, and the single-patient KwikPen. Match the full device or container name on the carton to the heading on the Instructions for Use.