The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medicine called Zepbound (tirzepatide) for two conditions: chronic weight management and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. This is the first time a drug has been approved for sleep apnea that works by treating obesity, which is often an underlying cause. For weight management, Zepbound is for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related health problem. For sleep apnea, it is for adults with obesity and moderate to severe sleep apnea, meaning they have 15 or more breathing pauses per hour during sleep.
Zepbound is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin. The starting dose is 2.5 mg, and the maintenance dose can be 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg for weight management, and 10 mg or 15 mg for sleep apnea. The maximum dose is 15 mg per week. In clinical trials, people taking Zepbound lost significant weight and had fewer sleep apnea events compared with those on a placebo.
This approval gives patients a new treatment option that addresses obesity as a root cause of sleep apnea. However, it is not a cure, and it is meant to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For sleep apnea, it may not replace devices like CPAP, but it could be an additional therapy.
If you think Zepbound might be right for you, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the benefits and risks, and decide if this medicine fits into your overall care plan. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
