Mounjaro is one of the most effective GLP-1 weight loss treatments available, which makes it a popular choice for people starting their weight loss journey. However, it’s important you take it correctly to maximise your results and prevent adverse effects. So, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through how the Mounjaro Kwikpen works and how to self-inject at home.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is a dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibitor. In simple terms, it mimics two hormones in your gut, instead of just one like other weight loss injections. It helps you lose weight by controlling your blood sugar levels, suppressing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. 

When combined with a balanced diet and increased physical activity, Mounjaro could help you lose up to 20% of your body weight. [1]

How to take Mounjaro

The Mounjaro Kwikpen is a pre-filled pen, so you don’t need to measure out your doses yourself. You take it as a once-weekly injection, and it’s a good idea to take it at the same time of day each time so it becomes part of your routine. 

So, how do you use it? Here’s our guide:

1. Check your pen

Make sure unopened pens have been refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C before use. If opened, your pen can be stored at room temperature (30°C max.) for up to 30 days. Check your pen to make sure:

• The medicine name and dose matches your prescription
• The expiry date hasn’t passed
• The medicine is clear or slightly yellow in colour

If your medication is frozen, cloudy, discoloured or it contains any particles, don’t use it. 

2. Wash your hands

You should always inject your dose with clean hands to reduce the risk of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. If someone else is helping you take your dose, make sure they wash their hands too. 

3. Choose an injection site

Mounjaro is administered as a subcutaneous injection — that means you inject it just below the skin. You can choose to inject it in the following areas:

• Stomach — at least two inches away from your belly button.
• Upper arm — you should inject into the back of your arm, so you may need someone to help you. 
• Thigh — choose a different spot each time to reduce the risk of infection and scar tissue. 

You should pick a different injection site each time you take a dose.

4. Prepare the pen

Pull the pen cap off and wipe the inner seal with an alcohol swab. Pick a new capped pen needle and remove the paper tab from the outer needle shield. Push the pen needle onto the pen and twist to tighten it. Remove the outer needle shield and place it to one side, you’ll need it later. Then, take off the inner needle shield and dispose of it. 

You need to prime your pen before use. To do this, twist the dose knob until you hear two clicks and you see a long line in the dose window. This is the prime position. Hold your pen with the needle up and gently tap the cartridge holder — this will make any air bubbles move to the top of the pen. Gently push on the dose knob to release some medicine. When it stops, slowly count to five while holding the dose knob. Your pen is now ready to use. 

5. Inject the medication 

Twist the dose knob until it stops turning and you can see the 1 icon in the dose window. Insert the needle into your skin and inject the medicine by pushing the dose knob until it stops. Continue pressing on the dose knob while slowly counting to five. Once you can see the 0 icon in the dose window, gently pull the needle out. 

If there’s a small amount of blood after injecting, apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball. 

6. Dispose of the needle

Carefully replace the outer needle shield and twist to remove the capped needle from your pen. It’s important you dispose of the used needle in a sharps container. 

Put the pen cap back on your pen and store it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. If it’s your final dose from that pen, you can dispose of it (without the needle) in your regular household bin. 

Things to avoid when taking Mounjaro

• Never reuse a needle. Used needles can carry bacteria and increase the risk of infection. They also become damaged with every use, which can cause pain and scarring when you inject. 
• Your pen has glass parts. If you drop it on a hard surface, don’t use it. 
• You can’t give yourself more than one dose at once. However, if you don’t wait the full five seconds while your needle is in the skin, you won’t receive the correct dose. If this happens, don’t inject again as you may overdose. 

You receive a patient information leaflet with each pen, which also contains detailed injection instructions. If you have any other questions or concerns about taking your Mounjaro doses, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinical team for support. 

Need help on your weight loss journey?

If you’re just starting your weight loss, you can boost your results with Mounjaro Kwikpen and other injectable medications. 

Find out what treatment is suitable for you on MedExpress.

References

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038