I skipped my Zepbound injection. Here’s how it went.

I skipped my weekly Zepbound injection. I didn’t want to but, due to the difficulty of getting refills right now, I knew I had to make a plan to ensure I don’t run out of this medication. (Read more about the Zepbound shortage.)

Doctors tell patients that if they’re off the medication for two to three weeks, they need to restart the regimen at 2.5mg. I’m only on 5mg but I’d prefer not to go back to 2.5mg — mainly because it will trigger an insurance coverage nightmare. I’ll need a “PLA” (like a prior authorization), to override my insurance plan’s drug quantity limits.

My hope was that I could stretch out my current supply. I crossed my fingers that the distribution crunch would ease up by the time I needed to get my next box of 5mg. My doctor is calling in my refill this week and we’ll see what happens. However, many pharmacies are telling customers that they won’t have Zepbound until sometime in May. Ugh.

Preparing to skip a GLP-1 injection

The decision to skip a dose wasn’t a light one. I thought about the pros and cons and drafted a plan to help keep on target — even without the medication for one week. Here’s what I did.

Focused on a high-protein diet

I planned in advance and shopped for the foods that are recommended for this lifestyle (lean meats, chicken and turkey, fish, fruit, beans, and vegetables). A high-protein diet is still important. That’s not a requirement for taking a GLP-1 but a general rule of thumb whenever someone is actively trying to lose weight. You need to focus on your protein intake to ensure you won’t lose muscle mass as you lose fat.

Check out this post that includes a protein intake formula. It explains the guidelines in case you haven’t yet spoken with your doctor or dietician/nutritionist about the ideal meal plan for you.

Skipped convenience items, like protein bars

Additionally, I decided I would avoid things like protein bars and other processed protein snacks (like Quest Protein Chips). My theory was that if I’m a bit hungrier than usual, it would be better to eat more fruits and vegetables than take up calories with a small snack that may leave me still wanting more food.

Water was a priority

Water intake was a consideration as well. I average drinking about 72 ounces of water per day. I temporarily bumped up my goal to 100 ounces per day. That would help keep me feeling full and provide the hydration needed to help my system if my rate of gastric emptying changed quickly.

My vitamin and OTC remedy schedule remained as-is

On a normal day, I take Metamucil, four tablespoons of Vital Proteins collagen peptides, and two magnesium citrate gummies. Once or twice a week, I also add a dose of Miralax. All of these things keep constipation at bay. I also take a B6 vitamin daily, which helps avoid nausea. I decided I wouldn’t skip any of those things during the week without Zepbound.

I prioritized exercise

Finally, I promised myself that I would exercise every day. I normally walk 50 minutes per day. I bumped up that a bit and also made sure I incorporated the strength training routines I learned via Weight Watchers Clinic (they offer some really good exercise videos on YouTube) into my schedule at least four times a week.

How it felt to skip a Zepbound injection

Honestly, it wasn’t as difficult to miss my injection as I feared it would be. Here’s what I noticed.

One addiction came back quickly

I felt pretty much the same with one big exception: my desire for Diet Coke.

I’ve talked about this before on the blog but prior to starting Zepbound, I was addicted to Diet Coke. I don’t drink coffee so Diet Coke has been my go-to beverage for a long time. Nearly every day, it felt like I physically needed a can to get going. By the end of the day, I had consumed four or five cans. Not good.

After my very first Zepbound injection, that desire for Diet Coke or any soda just disappeared… like on day one. That was such a nice positive side effect! I still had a can every now and then but found I didn’t “need” it and couldn’t finish it. I have since bought a six-pack of those mini cans and have only drank one.

But, the week I skipped my injection, the desire for Diet Coke returned. I was able to manage it but I was surprised it came back so quickly.

Side effects were still managed

Other than the interesting Diet Coke messages coming from my brain, nothing else seemed amiss. I didn’t experience any other side effects of missing a Zepbound dose. Of course, other than mild constipation, I haven’t felt any negative side effects from this GLP-1/GIP medication either.

Would I skip my GLP-1 injection again?

Yes. I’d really rather not but if I must skip a week here or there to manage the Zepbound shortage, I’ll do it. However, I may feel differently if I were at a higher dosage. Right now, I’m only on 5mg. If I were taking 15mg per week, I’d be less enthusiastic about skipping. I’d fear the yo-yo effect between a major dose and nothing.

The wrap-up

Have you skipped a GLP-1 injection due to the shortage or other reason? I’d love to hear about it. Contact me via email or post to the Shots to Shed Pounds Facebook page.