How To Use Mounjaro Pen: Step-by-Step Injection Guide
- Mounjaro KwikPen contains 4 fixed weekly doses of tirzepatide (2.5mg-15mg)
- Inject 0.6ml subcutaneously once weekly in abdomen, thigh or upper arm
- Always prime the pen before injection to remove air bubbles
- Store new pens refrigerated (2°C-8°C); used pens at room temperature ≤30°C
- Dispose pens after 4 doses or 30 days - even with medication remaining
Understanding Your Mounjaro KwikPen
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) which is a prescription medication for weight management is administered via the KwikPen system. Each pre-filled pen contains:
- 4 fixed doses of tirzepatide (2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg or 15mg)
- 0.6ml solution per dose (colorless to slightly yellow liquid)
- Dosing mechanism with dose window and injection button
| Pen Component | Function | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pen Cap | Protects cartridge before use | Always replace after injection |
| Red Inner Seal | Keeps medication sterile | Wipe with alcohol swab before attaching needle |
| Dose Window | Shows dose status | Must display after complete injection |
| Dose Knob | Sets and administers dose | Turn until it stops for full 0.6ml dose |
Important Safety Note: Never share your Mounjaro pen with others - even with a new needle. This can transmit bloodborne infections.
Preparation Before Injection
Supplies You'll Need
- Mounjaro KwikPen (correct dose strength)
- New KwikPen-compatible needle (not included with pen)
- Alcohol swab
- Cotton ball or gauze
- Sharps disposal container
Pre-Injection Checklist
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Check medication:
- Confirm medication name and dose strength match prescription
- Verify expiration date (EXP on pen label)
- Inspect solution: should be clear, colorless to slightly yellow without particles
- Prepare pen:
- Remove pen from refrigerator 30 minutes before injection for comfort
- Pull pen cap straight off
- Wipe red inner seal with alcohol swab
How to Inject Mounjaro: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Take Mounjaro: Preparing the Pen
- Attach needle:
- Remove paper tab from new needle's outer shield
- Push capped needle straight onto pen and twist until tight
- Remove needle shields:
- Pull off outer needle shield and set aside for later
- Pull off inner needle shield and discard
- Prime the pen:
- Turn dose knob until appears in window
- Hold pen with needle pointing up
- Tap gently to move air bubbles to top
- Press dose knob fully until it stops
- Hold for 5 seconds while counting slowly
- Check that medicine appears at needle tip
How to Inject Mounjaro: Administering the Dose
- Select injection site:
- Choose: Abdomen (5cm from navel), thigh, or upper arm
- Rotate sites weekly to prevent tissue damage
- Clean site with alcohol swab and let dry
- Set the dose:
- Turn dose knob until it stops and appears
- This delivers the full 0.6ml dose
- Inject:
- Pinch skin at injection site
- Insert needle fully at 90° angle
- Press dose knob completely down
- Hold for 5 seconds while slowly counting
- Release the dose knob
- Complete injection:
- Withdraw needle from skin
- Check dose window shows (complete dose)
- If not , reinsert and repeat injection
Recommended Injection Sites
- Abdomen: At least 5cm from navel (avoid scars/moles)
- Thigh: Front upper area (avoid inner thigh)
- Upper Arm: Back area (requires assistance)
After Injection Care
- Handle minor bleeding:
- Apply light pressure with gauze if bleeding occurs
- Do not rub injection site
- Recap needle safely:
- Carefully replace outer needle shield
- Unscrew shielded needle and place in sharps container
- Store pen properly:
- Replace pen cap
- Store at room temperature (≤30°C) away from heat
- Dispose of pen after 4 doses:
- Discard pen in household bin or sharps container after 4 injections
- Do not attempt to use leftover medication
Seek Immediate Medical Help If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain radiating to back (pancreatitis)
- Difficulty breathing or throat swelling (allergic reaction)
- Severe injection site reaction with spreading redness
Dosing Schedule for Weight Loss
- Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg once weekly (initiation phase)
- Weeks 5-8: 5mg once weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 7.5mg once weekly (if needed)
- Weeks 13-16: 10mg once weekly (if needed)
- Maintenance: 10mg, 12.5mg or 15mg once weekly
Managing Missed Doses
- <4 days late: Inject as soon as remembered, then resume normal schedule
- >4 days late: Skip missed dose, inject next dose on scheduled day
- Never double dose to make up for missed injections
- Minimum interval between doses: 3 days (72 hours)
Pro Tip: Set weekly reminders on your phone calendar to maintain consistent dosing schedule.
Storing Mounjaro Pens
| Storage Type | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Pens | 2°C-8°C (Refrigerated) | Until expiration date | Keep in original carton; do not freeze |
| In-Use Pens | ≤30°C (Room Temperature) | Up to 30 days | Keep capped; protect from heat/light |
Disposal Guidelines
- Place used needles in sharps container immediately
- Dispose pens after 4 injections or 30 days (whichever comes first)
- Never recycle pens or needles
- Ask pharmacist about local medicine disposal programs
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Pen cap stuck | Gently twist cap back/forth before pulling straight off | Store pen upright; don't overtighten cap |
| No medicine during priming | Repeat priming steps (max 2 attempts), then change needle | Store pens properly; avoid temperature extremes |
| Dose knob hard to press | Press slowly; change needle if blocked | Always use new needles; store pens correctly |
| Incomplete dose ( not shown) |
Reinsert needle and complete injection | Inject at 90° angle; hold for full 5 seconds |
| Leaking medication | Discard pen; use new one | Never store pen with needle attached |
FAQs
Can I reuse Mounjaro pens?
No, Mounjaro KwikPens are single-patient-use only and contain exactly 4 doses. After 4 injections, dispose of the pen even if medication remains. Attempting to extract extra doses may result in incorrect dosing.
What if I see air bubbles in the pen?
Small bubbles are normal. Before priming, gently tap the cartridge holder to move bubbles to the top. After proper priming, any remaining tiny bubbles won't affect your dose. Large air pockets should be addressed by repeating priming steps.
How should I rotate injection sites?
Rotate between different areas (abdomen, thighs, arms) weekly. When using the same area, choose a spot at least 2.5cm away from previous injections. Proper rotation prevents lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps under skin).
Can I travel with Mounjaro pens?
Yes, for trips under 30 days, store pens at room temperature (≤30°C). Use a cool pack for longer trips but avoid freezing. Always carry in original packaging with prescription label. Inform airport security it's a medical device.
What should I do if I accidentally inject a double dose?
Contact your doctor immediately. Overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, or hypoglycemia. Drink plenty of water and monitor for symptoms. Never intentionally take extra doses as this increases side effect risks without enhancing weight loss.
 | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
 | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 18 July 2025
Next Review: 04 February 2026
Published on: 18 July 2025
Last Updated: 19 July 2025
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