A Step-to-Step Guide On How To Use The Mounjaro Pen

Introduction 

The Mounjaro KwikPen (brand name for tirzepatide) is a once-weekly, multi-dose pen-style injection that can support your weight loss journey. As one of the most effective weight loss products currently available, Mounjaro offers great results. However, to maximize its benefits and minimise side effects, it’s important to know how to use the pen correctly.

How does it work?

The Mounjaro Pen mimics two natural enzymes (GPL-1 and GIP) in your body, which signal to your brain that you’re full. By curbing your appetite and reducing cravings, it helps you eat less and lose weight.

If injected correctly, and paired with healthy eating and regular physical exercise, the Mounjaro Pen can help patients lose up to 20% of their body weight.  

What You’ll Need

• Your Mounjaro Pen
• Alcohol Swabs
• Needles
• Sharps Bin
• Time (allow yourself around 15 minutes for the injection each week)

What Strength Should I Use?

Your Mounjaro journey always begins with a 2.5mg dose, and you must stay on this dose for at least four weeks before considering a dose increase. Everyone’s body reacts differently to Mounjaro, so your journey will be unique. Mounjaro does not require you to move up to the maximum strength, and does not require you to move up strengths at all if you’re happy and stable with the strength you’ve been using.

If you do decide to increase strength, you’ll need to do so gradually. Wait at least four weeks on each dose before moving to the next.

Your Mounjaro dose can be a discussion with your healthcare provider to determine which strength is the best for you. And if you forget your weekly injection, don’t worry – the Mounjaro Pen offers a five-day window to inject without disrupting your weight loss journey. Just make sure the following week to inject on your new injection day.

When Should You Inject?

Fit your Mounjaro injection into your week however works for you. You don’t need to fit it around meals, only your lifestyle. Mounjaro is always injected once a week and should only take up 15 minutes of your day.

Be sure to inject on the same day of the week, and perhaps add it to your calendar to remember. You’ll soon fall into the routine.

Step to Step

1. Prepare a Clean Surface
   • Clear your surface. Make sure that your area is free from clutter and mess.
   • Wipe down the surfaces that you’re using.
   • Make sure you have everything you’ll need in front of you.
   • Wash your hands with soapy water

2. Choose Your Injection Site
   • Common injection sites include upper thigh, abdomen, or upper arm (though you may need assistance for the upper arm).
   • Wipe your injection site with an alcohol swab.

Rotate injection sites from the last time you may have injected. For example, if you injected in the upper arm last week, make sure you’re not injecting in the same spot again to avoid bruising and injection. If you’re injecting to the abdomen to leave at least a 5cm gap between your injection site and belly button. After your first few injections you’ll find where works for you.

If you inject insulin, choose a different site for that injection.

3. Prepare the Pen
   • Remove the cap off the pen and place it aside for later.
   • Check the dose written on the pen is correct and that the pen is within it’s expiration date.
   • Inspect the liquid making sure that it’s clear and colourless to sightly yellow. If the liquid is frozen or cloudy, do not use it.
   • Wipe the inner seal using an alcohol swab.

4. Attach a New Needle
   • Tear off the tab of a new needle and securely attach it to the pen by twisting it on tightly.
   • Remove the outer needle cap and place it aside (you will need this later).
   • Remove the inner cap this can be disposed of in your general waste bin.

5. Priming the Pen
   • Slowly turn the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks and can see the extended line in the dose window. This is your prime position.
   • Hold the pen with the needle point up and gently tap the pen to send any air bubbles to the top.
   • Release some medicine into the air by pressing the dose knob until it stops. Then slowly count to 5. The dose window should now read ‘0’.

If no medicine comes out, repeat ‘Priming’ steps again. You can repeat this no more than two more times. If after three attempts this has still not worked, get in touch with your medicine provider.

6. Inject the Medication
   • Turn the dose knob until the dose window reads ‘1’.
   • Pinch your skin at the injection site.
   • Inject the needle at a 90° angle and press the dose knob until it stops. Count to five while keeping the pen in place.
   • Pull the needle out of your skin and check that the dose window reads ‘0’ to confirm you’ve received the full dose.

A drop of medicine on the tip of the needle is normal. If you see a pinprick of blood after removing the needle, lightly press the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze – do not rub.

7. Dispose of the Needle and Recap the Pen
   • Carefully replace the outer cap back onto the needle
   • Unscrew the now capped needle and dispose of it in your sharps bin. Do not throw away needles in your general waste bin and do not reuse needles.
   • Replace the pen cap. Never store the pen without it’s cap.

8. Post-Injection

• Store your Mounjaro Pen in a dry area away from direct heat (above 30°) or sunlight. Do not freeze.
• Once you’ve used all four doses, dispose of the pen in your general waste. Dispose of your pen regardless of how many doses have been used if your pen had been out of refrigeration or a cold-chain for more than 30 days.
• If your sharps bin is full, check with your GP, pharmacy, or local council for safe disposal.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Conclusion

Using the Mounjaro pen is simple once you get the hang of it. By following these steps, you can administer your injections safely and effectively. Remember, if you have any questions or face challenges, your healthcare provider is the best resource to guide you through proper usage.