The US Food and Drug Administration FDA has recently approved Zepbound (Tirzepatide) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.
This approval was announced on 20th December 2024. It marks a significant achievement in the management and control of OSA. Millions of people in America are affected by this sleep apnea. This disease has created breathing problems and sleep interruptions.
The drug Zepbound is paired with a low-calorie diet and more exercise, as reported by the FDA.
This FDA decision was based on two important clinical trials. This involved 469 adults with type 2 diabetes.
The participants marked an average weight loss of about 20% and also reported having 25 fewer breathing interruptions per hour. This treatment was carried on for a year.
As per the reports, 50% of the participants treated with Zepbound no longer get OSA after the treatment.
Significance of the Approval
Dr. Sally Seymour, director of the Division of Pulmonology, Allergic and Critical Care at the FDA, placed more stress on the approval needs of major advancements. She further stated that patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea need new treatment options beyond traditional therapies.
OSA primarily occurs when the airway becomes blocked and creates breathing problems during sleep, according to FDA reports
Untreated Sleep Apnea Causes Significant Health Risk, Says Experts
Untreated Sleep Apnea mostly affects cardiovascular health. Experts emphasized that untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can lead to various serious health complications including heart disease.
The study shows about 30 Million Americans suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Untreated OSA leads to an increase in the risk of heart disease along with coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. The repeated disruption in sleeping patterns can lead to a disturbance in blood oxygen levels.
Studies show that, on average, individuals with severe OSA face a serious health hazard ratio of 4.4 to 6.2.
Sleep Apnea is linked with metabolic health and is characterized by a cluster of conditions like high Blood Pressure, high cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, which ultimately leads to type 2 diabetes.
Untreated Sleep Apnea for long can lead to serious complications beyond cardiovascular issues like liver problems and arrhythmias.
There are neurological impacts associated with Sleep Apnea. Lack of concentration and fatigue can create problems during driving and lead to accidents.
Research indicates Women need more sleep than men
As per the studies it has been found that women need more sleep than men. The sleeping difference between men and women, on average, is about 10 to 20 minutes per night.
Although this difference in duration seems negligible, it can impact overall health.
Why do women need more sleep?
Hormonal fluctuations, daily responsibility, and sleep quality differences are a few reasons why women need sleep more than men. It is found that women are 40% more likely to get insomnia than men.
So, women are more prone to get Sleep Apnea and even suffer more.
It has been found that Zepbound has worked significantly on the patients as per the 52-week study. Participants have successfully achieved remission or resolution of the symptoms.
The Zepbound used on Sleep Apnea patients have been found to lose weight.
Although the drug has no severe side effects, it can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, allergies, fatigue, reaction in the injected area, burping, constipation, and certain gastroesophageal diseases.
Do your family members suffer from medullary thyroid cancer?
If yes then you must avoid using Zepbound. It has been found that Zepbound has caused thyroid C cell tumors when tried in rats. Although it is not clear yet whether it caused these tumors in humans or not it’s better to avoid the use.
Zepbound is designed to aid in Weight loss
As per the experts, Zepbound helps in weight loss by suppressing the appetite. It has an average weight loss of 18 to 20 % in patients. This reduction in weight plays a major role in curing OSA. Obesity is a risk factor for Sleep Apnea.
Patients have found 25 fewer breathing interruptions along with complete remission from OSA after 52 weeks of the Zepbound injection trial.
Both diets and drugs go hand in hand
Zepbound is a great start to get rid of Sleep Apnea. But it’s very important to maintain a healthy diet for people suffering from Sleep Apnea.
The patients who have no issues in using Zepbound (Tirzepatide) have the opportunity to lose weight, decrease the impact of sleep apnea, and improve overall well-being.
It is still needed to change your diet and incorporate health issues into your daily routine.
According to Eli Lilly, Sleep Apnea can be critical for your health and could also require getting coverage for medication.
Effective management of OSA can reduce the risk of major health issues and improve overall health.
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