How to take Mounjaro injection?

Key takeaways:

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know:

• How to prepare your dose?
• How to choose the right injection site?
• Where not to inject Mounjaro?
• How to store and dispose of Mounjaro?

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro has tirzepatide as its main ingredient. The compound acts similarly to GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormones in the body. These hormones work together to control your blood sugar levels and appetite. Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that helps overweight and obese patients lose weight.

It may initially seem complex, but it will be easier once you understand the steps. And that's exactly what we'll walk you through next.

What is the Mounjaro injection pen?

The Mounjaro injection pen is designed to deliver a set dose of tirzepatide. It is also known as the Mounjaro KwikPen. It is pre-filled, disposable pen that is used to inject the medication under the skin (subcutaneous).

You can easily use it on your own or have a caregiver use it to inject the medication. This pen is used once a week.

Here is a picture of a standard Mounjaro injection pen, so you can easily identify the parts:

Parts of the Mounjaro KwikPen:

Pen cap:

• It protects the pen when not in use.
• It must be removed before preparing the injection.

Dose window:

• It shows the dose number (1 = full dose, 0 = dose delivered).
• It shows the dose and helps you check if the injection is complete.

Dose knob:

• It is used to dial the dose and push the medication out.
• It should be turned until the correct symbol (like 1 or 0) is seen.

Cartridge holder:

• It holds the medication cartridge inside the pen.

Needle

• You must attach a new needle before each injection.
• It consists of:
  • Outer needle shield (removed after attachment and is reused for disposal).
  • Inner needle shield (removed and discarded before injection).
  • Red inner seal.
  • It is located under the pen cap.

Extended line / Prime position:

• It appears in the dose window during priming to help remove air from the pen.

How to prepare for the injection?

Things you must do before injecting yourself

Here is a quick checklist for you so everything is in place before you inject yourself:

• Place the pen on a flat surface and remove the cap in a straight direction.
• Wash your hands properly with water and soap. This lowers the chances of any infection.
• Make sure the label on the pen mentions the right medicine and dose.
• Double-check the expiry date.
• The solution in the pen should be clear to slightly yellow in colour.
• Before you proceed with the injection, you must get a sharps disposal container to safely discard the used injection pen, needle, and alcohol/cotton swabs.

How to take Mounjaro?

Let’s go step by step:

Preparing the Mounjaro KwikPen injection

Step 1:

Remove the pen cap.

Step 2:

Use a clean swab to wipe the red inner seal of the pen.

Step 3:

Select a new needle.

Always use a fresh needle for every injection. This lowers the risk of infection or blockages.

Peel off the paper tab from the outer needle shield.

Step 4:

Push the needle (with cap on) straight onto the pen.

Twist it firmly until tight.

Step 5:

Take off the outer needle shield and save it for later.

Remove the inner needle shield and throw it in the household bin.

Priming the pen

Step 6:

Turn the dose knob slowly until you hear two clicks. See that the line in the dose window aligns with the prime marker.

You can adjust by turning the knob slightly in either direction.

Step 7:

Point the needle up.

Now gently tap the cartridge holder so the air bubbles rise to the top.

Step 8:

Press the dose knob all the way in.

Hold it down and count to 5 slowly.

You should see a “0” in the dose window.

A small drop of medicine should appear at the needle tip. This means your pen is ready.

If no medicine comes out:

• Repeat steps 6–8 (up to 2 more times).
• Still not working? Replace the needle and do steps 6–8 once again.
• If it still doesn’t work, contact our customer support team.

Choosing your injection site

Step 9:

Choose a spot with enough soft tissue for the injection. Mounjaro is injected in the subcutaneous (fatty) tissue.

The best sites for this injection are:

• In the front part of the thighs (upper legs).
• Abdomen (the stomach region, but not too close to the belly button). In this case, keep a distance of 5cm (2 inches) from the navel.
• Back of the upper arms (if someone can assist with the injection).

Important:

• Clean your skin with an alcohol swab and let it dry. Always remember to change the injection site. You can choose the same area, but inject at a different spot.
• If you also use insulin, don’t inject Mounjaro at the same site.

Injecting with the KwikPen

Step 10:

Turn the dose knob until it stops.

You’ll see a “1” in the dose window. It equals a 0.6 mL dose.

This confirms that the pen is ready to deliver the full dose.

Step 11:

Insert the needle into your skin.

Push the dose knob all the way in and hold it.

Count slowly to 5 while keeping the knob pressed.

Make sure the “0” appears in the dose window before you remove the needle.

Step 12:

Pull the needle out of your skin.

It’s okay to see a small medicine drop at the tip. It won’t affect your dose.

Now check if the “0” is showing in the window.

• If yes, your dose is complete.
• If not, reinsert the needle and press the knob again to finish the dose.
  Do not redial the dose.
• If you are still unsure if the dose was complete, don’t inject again.
  Reach out to our customer support team for help.

After the injection

Step 13:

A small amount of blood is often seen at the point of needle entry. This is normal. If this happens, do this:

• Gently press the area with a clean cotton swab.
• Try not to rub the spot.

Step 14:

Place the outer needle shield you kept aside earlier back onto the needle.

Step 15:

Unscrew the capped needle.

Put it in a sharps disposal container (more on that later).

Never store your pen with the needle attached. This can cause leaks or clogs, or let air inside. (Storage instructions are mentioned later).

Step 16:

Put the pen cap back on.

Always store your pen with the cap attached.

Having trouble with your Mounjaro pen? Try this:

In case the pen cap is stuck:

• Gently twist it back and forth, and then pull it straight off.

If the dose knob is hard to press:

• Try pressing it more slowly.
• If that doesn’t help, your needle might be blocked. Replace it with a new one and prime the pen again.
• If anything has spilled inside the pen (like food, dust, or liquid), don't use it. Dispose of it safely and use a new pen.

What to do after injecting yourself?

• Sometimes the injection area may appear bruised with mild redness or a bump. This usually fades away in a few hours or a couple of days.
• If you feel any pain, cold compresses, ice-packs, or over-the-counter medications (antihistamine creams and painkiller tablets) can help relieve soreness in the area.

Where not to inject Mounjaro?

Now that we understand how and where to inject Mounjaro, it is equally important to know which sites to avoid. This helps us avoid causing any further harm to the skin or delicate structures in that area.

• Skin that is scaly, bruised, swollen, inflamed, burned, or hardened.
• Skin that is injured because of a previous injection.
• Areas where varicose veins are prominent.
• Lumpy or bony areas.
• Areas below the waistline.
• In the same injection site used for other medicines.

How to store Mounjaro?

Medicines like Mounjaro are sensitive to heat, light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. To ensure they have a better shelf life, you can follow these tips:

• Keep the unopened pen in the fridge anywhere between 2°C to 8°C.
• You can store Mounjaro at room temperature (below 30°C), but only for up to 21 days.
• Never freeze the pen. If it's frozen, avoid using it.
• Use the original box to store the injection pen to protect it from light.
• And of course, ensure your pen and needles are out of sight and reach of children and pets.

How to safely dispose of Mounjaro?

When you are done with the injection, follow these steps to dispose of Mounjaro safely:

• Always remember, do not throw your used pen or needles in the household trash.
• Remove the needle after using the pen and place it immediately in a sharps disposal container.
• Do not reuse needles or store the pen with the needle attached.
• The KwikPen can be disposed of in the household trash or a sharps disposal container.
• The sharps container must be sturdy, leak-proof, and puncture-resistant. Label it properly to avoid any confusion.
• Once your sharps container is nearly full (up to 3/4th level), it's time to dispose of your sharps.
• Discard the KwikPen after 4 doses or 30 days from first use. Even if there’s medicine left.
• Avoid recycling used sharps disposal container.
• Different places may have different rules for disposing of used pens and needles. Check your local guidelines for how to do so safely.

Ensuring a safe experience

Whether this is your first injection or your tenth, you're doing this to take charge of your health, which deserves credit.

Using the Mounjaro injection pen may seem daunting at first, but it becomes easier with practice.

The important things are to follow safe practices, maintain hygiene, and be receptive to your body if something feels off.

If anything feels unclear, you can always contact our customer service team for guidance or demo.