How to Take Mounjaro: Step-by-Step Injection Guide

Understanding Mounjaro and Its Usage

Mounjaro, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a once-weekly injectable treatment used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Activating two different pathways in the body, GLP-1 and GIP, Mounjaro works by:

• Slowing stomach emptying

• Stopping the liver releasing too much sugar

• Helping release insulin when blood sugar is high.

This combination makes you feel fuller, quicker and for longer, reducing food intake leading to weight loss.

Mounjaro is proven to be effective, boasting impressive results, but how do you use the pen to get the most out of treatment? Read on to learn more.

Introducing the Mounjaro Pen

The Mounjaro KwikPen device is a multi-dose pen containing 4 fixed doses. Each dose is administered once a week, by injecting subcutaneously (under the skin).

Each pen is for one patient only and the devices should not be shared. The pen device consists of:

• A red inner seal - where the needle is attached

• A cartridge, containing the solution

• A dose window - showing the dose

• A dose knob - used to inject the dose.

How Much Mounjaro to Use

The starter dose for Mounjaro is 2.5mg once weekly for 4 weeks. The dose is increased no sooner than every 4 weeks until an optimal dose is achieved.

Some patients find they do not need to increase every month. Work alongside your healthcare provider to provide an optimum dose which offers a balance of weight loss and tolerability.

You should not change your dose unless your prescriber has advised you to do so.

Choosing When to Use Mounjaro

Mounjaro can be administered at any time of day, with or without meals, on a day that suits you best. Once you have selected a day, stick to the new day each week.

If needed, you can change the injection day, as long as it has been at least 3 days since your last dose. After selecting a new day, continue injecting once a week on the new day.

Preparing to Inject

Your Mounjaro box contains the pre-filled pen, a patient information leaflet and instructions on how to inject. Needles are not included by the manufacturer, but at Quick Meds, we provide them free with every order.

Before injecting:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Check the expiry date and confirm you have the correct strength.

3. Remove the pen cap and inspect the pen, ensuring the liquid is clear and free of particles. Do not use it if it is cloudy or frozen.

4. Wipe the red inner seal with a swab.

5. Select a new needle. Always use a new needle for each injection

6. Push the needle straight on the pen and twist to tighten.

7. Remove the outer needle cover and keep for later. This will be reused.

8. Remove and discard the inner needle cover.

9. Slowly turn the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks - this is the prime position.

10. Hold your pen with the needle pointing up and release some medicine by pushing the dose knob.

11. Count to 5 whilst holding the dose knob. Do not inject into your body.

Priming ensures the pen is working correctly and removes air from the cartridge. If you do not see medication at the needle tip, repeat steps 9-11. If you still do not see medicine, change the needle and prime again.

Following this, if priming fails, stop and contact your provider. It’s important to not use force to expel medication as this could damage the pen, rendering it unusable.

Choosing and Preparing the Injection Site

Mounjaro is injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Ensure the area you are injecting into is clean and dry.

The recommended injection sites are:

• Your abdomen - at least 2 inches away from your belly button.

• The fronts of your thighs.

• The back of your upper arms.

Rotate the injection sites each week to avoid irritation and the build-up of fatty tissue. i.e. if injecting into the abdomen, inject to the right of the belly button, then to the left the following week.

Administering the Mounjaro Injection

Once you have successfully primed the pen, the device is ready to use and you can proceed to inject a dose.

12. Turn the dose knob all the way until it stops and show a '1' in the dose window.

13. Insert the needle into your skin.

14. Inject the medicine by pushing the dose knob until it stops, then keep holding the button for an additional 5 seconds.

15. A '0' icon should show in the dose window.

16. Pull the needle out of your skin

17. Carefully replace the outer needle shield from step 7, onto the needle and use this to unscrew and remove the needle - dispose of it in a sharps container.

18. Replace the pen cap and store the pen safely until your next dose.

If you see a small amount of blood at the injection site, take some cotton wool or gauze and lightly press on the area. Avoid rubbing the skin. Always read the patient information leaflet and 'How to use’ leaflet included in the box before starting treatment.

Step 5: After the Injection - What to expect

After your first dose of Mounjaro, you may start to notice appetite changes. Some patients notice effects within the first few days, while for others it may take a few weeks.

Mild side effects are common when starting treatment and can include nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and stomach discomfort. These are often temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

If you experience severe side effects such as persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or have any concerns with how you are feeling, contact your prescriber.

Serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallstones and an allergic reaction - if these occur, stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention.

If you notice any bruising after your injection, rest assured this is common and occurs when you nick a blood vessel when injecting, causing minor bleeding under the skin. This bruise should fade away after a few days.

Missed Dose

Mounjaro should be injected once a week, every week. If you miss a dose, follow these simple steps:

• Within 4 days of your scheduled dose: Inject as soon as you remember, then continue your normal weekly schedule.

• More than 4 days late: skip the dose and use your next dose on your usual day.

If you are unsure, please contact one of our clinicians at Quick Meds.

Storage and Handling

Unused Pens

Unused Mounjaro pens must be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Keep the KwikPen in its original carton to protect it from light.

The pen should not be frozen. If it has frozen, please do not use it, the pen must now be discarded.

Used Pens

After injecting, your used pen may be stored at room temperature up to 30°C.

The pen and needles must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and away from heat sources.

Once opened, the pen must be disposed of after 30 days, even if you still have doses remaining. So long as you stick to the dose schedule, you will use up the four doses within 30 days.

Used needles should be disposed of in a sharps container immediately after use. Do not dispose of needles in household waste. You can purchase a sharps container from our website.

Your used empty pen may be disposed of in household waste after the needle has been removed.