On Dec. 20, Eli Lilly announced the Food and Drug Administration has approved the injectable prescription medicine Zepbound (tirzepatide) for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides the following statement for patients and clinicians.
AASM statement on Zepbound approval
The FDA approval of Zepbound for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity is a positive development for patients and clinicians, who now have another treatment option for this sleep disorder. A sleep physician and the team of sleep experts at an AASM-accredited sleep center can help patients who have sleep apnea determine if Zepbound is appropriate for them. Other treatment options for sleep apnea include positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliance therapy, surgery, and upper airway stimulation.
The AASM reminds patients that Zepbound is only effective for cases of sleep apnea that are related to obesity. Although excess body weight is the major predisposing factor for sleep apnea, many cases of sleep apnea are related to other factors such as the structure of the jaw and upper airway. While Zepbound can reduce the severity of sleep apnea, it may not cure the disease. Therefore, for some patients who have sleep apnea, combining another treatment with Zepbound may be ideal. Furthermore, weight loss from Zepbound must be maintained over time to continue experiencing a benefit for sleep apnea.
The AASM also reminds patients that Zepbound is associated with a risk of potential health complications and side effects. These health risks are described on the FDA-approved drug label for Zepbound. Patients should discuss these risks with their doctor.
Anyone who has a sleep problem can use the AASM’s sleep center directory to get help from the sleep team at an accredited sleep center.
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For additional information about obstructive sleep apnea, or to schedule an interview with an AASM spokesperson, contact media@aasm.org.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the AASM is a medical association that advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM membership includes more than 9,500 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals who help people who have sleep disorders. The AASM also accredits 2,300 sleep centers that are providing the highest quality of sleep care across the country.
