Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is a once-weekly prescription injection that helps you feel full sooner and eat less, making steady weight loss easier to achieve and maintain. At Cosmetica Med Spa in Boca Raton, it's offered through our medically supervised weight loss membership.
Zepbound, Mounjaro and tirzepatide: what's the difference?
They're the same active ingredient. Tirzepatide is the medication, made by Eli Lilly and sold under two brand names for two different FDA approvals.
| Zepbound | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide |
| FDA approved for | Chronic weight management, and obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity | Type 2 diabetes |
| Weekly doses | 2.5 mg to 15 mg | 2.5 mg to 15 mg |
How tirzepatide works
Tirzepatide copies two gut hormones your body already makes, GLP-1 and GIP. Together they tell your brain you're full, slow how fast your stomach empties, and help your body handle blood sugar after meals. For most people, that means smaller portions feel like enough and cravings ease.
Your dose, step by step
| Weekly dose | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Weeks 1 to 4 | A starter dose so your body can adjust |
| 5 mg | From week 5 | The first dose for weight loss |
| 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg | Each step at least 4 weeks apart | Raised only if you need it and you're tolerating the current dose |
| 15 mg | Highest dose | Not everyone needs to go this high |
You don't have to reach the highest dose. Your provider decides each step at your check-in, and staying on a dose longer is normal when it's working.
Pen or vial
Zepbound comes as a single-dose prefilled pen from a pharmacy, or as single-dose vials sold directly by Lilly for self-pay patients. The vial is drawn up with a syringe; the pen has the needle built in. Lilly's self-pay price depends on the dose and form, so check LillyDirect for the current numbers. At your first visit, we'll show you how to use whichever you choose.
Giving your injection
- Pick one day a week and keep it. Any time of day works, with or without food.
- Inject under the skin of your stomach (at least 2 inches from your navel), thigh, or the back of your upper arm if someone helps you.
- Use a different spot each week.
- If you miss a dose and it's within 4 days (96 hours), take it as soon as you remember. If it's been longer, skip it and take the next one on your usual day.
Keeping it cool in Florida heat
Store Zepbound in the refrigerator, and don't freeze it. If you need to, a pen or vial can stay unrefrigerated for up to 21 days as long as it stays at or below 86°F. In South Florida, that means never leaving it in a parked car, a beach bag or a mailbox in the sun. Travelling? Pack it in a small insulated case.
Side effects and what to do
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Nausea, fullness, diarrhea, constipation, burping | Common, especially after a dose increase. Eat smaller meals, slow down, and drink water. Tell us if it doesn't ease |
| Ongoing vomiting, or you can't keep fluids down | Call us. Dehydration can affect your kidneys |
| Severe stomach pain that won't go away, pain in your upper right belly, or yellowing skin or eyes | Seek care right away |
| A lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness | Call us promptly |
| Swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing | Call 911 |
Two things people don't expect
Birth control pills. Tirzepatide can make birth control pills less reliable. The FDA label advises switching to a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method, for 4 weeks after you start and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
Surgery and procedures. Because tirzepatide slows your stomach, tell your surgeon, anesthesiologist or endoscopy team you're taking it, well before any procedure that involves sedation.
Medications and conditions to mention
Tell us if you take insulin or a sulfonylurea for diabetes, since the dose may need to come down to avoid low blood sugar. Also mention any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems or diabetic eye disease. Tirzepatide isn't used during pregnancy, and it isn't prescribed if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have MEN 2.
Getting tirzepatide in Boca Raton
We prescribe tirzepatide through our medical weight loss program: a $100 monthly membership that covers your visits, dose changes and check-ins, with Zepbound paid to Lilly at its own price. Our office is at 4400 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 150, open every day from 8am to 8pm. For a full cost breakdown, see our tirzepatide cost guide, and to compare medications, read semaglutide vs. tirzepatide.
Low testosterone is common in men carrying extra weight. If you have symptoms like low energy or a lower sex drive, we can check your levels with blood work; see TRT in Boca Raton.
When can you work out, drink alcohol or wear makeup? Our aftercare guide covers exactly what to do and avoid.
See the aftercare guide →Frequently asked questions
Is Zepbound the same as tirzepatide?
Yes. Zepbound is Eli Lilly's brand of tirzepatide for weight management. Mounjaro is the same medication, approved for type 2 diabetes.
How much is tirzepatide in Boca Raton?
At Cosmetica Med Spa, our medical weight loss membership is $100 a month. Zepbound itself is paid to Eli Lilly at its self-pay price, which depends on your dose and whether you use pens or vials.
What dose of tirzepatide do you start on?
Everyone starts at 2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks. After that, the dose can go up in 2.5 mg steps, at least 4 weeks apart, to a maximum of 15 mg.
What if I miss a tirzepatide injection?
If it's within 4 days of your usual day, take it when you remember. If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take your next dose on schedule.
Can Zepbound be left out of the fridge?
Yes, for up to 21 days at 86°F or below. Never leave it in a hot car.
Does tirzepatide affect birth control?
It can make birth control pills less effective. Use a non-oral method or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
Where do I inject tirzepatide?
Your stomach, thigh or upper arm, under the skin. Rotate to a different spot each week.
Is your tirzepatide compounded?
No. We prescribe brand-name Zepbound made by Eli Lilly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrei Gherghina, DO, board-certified dermatologist.
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