Zepbound® is one of the newest weight loss medications on the market. Though widely known for its treatment of obesity, you may not know that Zepbound is also FDA-approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, our pulmonary and sleep medicine specialists, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel, are experts in sleep apnea who offer the latest treatments, including Zepbound.
In December 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA for those with obesity. It’s the first drug treatment option for sleep apnea.
The approval came after the release of studies that found that Zepbound significantly decreased apneic events better than a placebo in people with sleep apnea. The studies included groups using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to manage their sleep apnea, and groups without CPAP, finding the benefits for both.
Researchers reported that the group receiving Zepbound saw significant improvements in the severity of their sleep apnea and some even went into remission.
Zepbound helps people with sleep apnea by supporting weight loss. OSA occurs when the airway gets blocked, disrupting the inflow of oxygen. If you carry excess body weight, the pressure from the extra weight may cause the airway to collapse, resulting in OSA.
The medication works by reducing fat and excess weight around the airway, making it easier to breathe while you sleep.
Zepbound supports weight loss by slowing digestion so you feel full longer and increasing levels of satiety hormones so you don’t feel hungry, helping you eat less. You get the best results when you combine the injection with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea and obesity, then Zepbound may be an option for you. We prescribe and administer Zepbound for OSA at our office for those who meet the criteria.
Though an exciting and effective treatment, Zepbound isn’t the right treatment for everyone. Some of our patients struggle with the side effects, which may include nausea, indigestion, or constipation.
As experts in sleep medicine and sleep apnea, we work closely with you to develop a customized plan that helps you get the sleep you need, so we’re excited to offer Zepbound as an option.
If you want to learn more about how Zepbound can help you rest better, call us today or schedule a consultation online. We can talk to you about the medication and how it works, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
