What is Mounjaro injection?
Mounjaro, is a popular once-weekly weight loss injection. It has garnered significant attention for its potential to aid in weight loss.
Scientific research has shown that the highest Mounjaro maintenance dose of 15mg per week can help people lose up to 22.5% of their initial body weight.
Mounjaro Injection Sites
Before you inject Mounjaro, you need to choose an injection site. You can inject Mounjaro into your lower stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), upper arm, or front upper thigh. All of these areas are suitable for injections and there’s no best place for an injection site when using Mounjaro.
It’s okay to use the same body part each time, but vary the exact location to avoid irritation. For instance, you can inject into your upper left thigh one week and your upper right thigh the next.
Avoid injecting:
- In areas with stretch marks, scars, or tender, hard, bruised, or discoloured skin.
- In areas that are difficult to pinch for a soft injection. If this happens, try a firmer area like your upper thigh or stand up while injecting into your lower abdomen.
Before your first injection, consult your healthcare professional. They can demonstrate the proper technique and help you choose the most comfortable injection sites.
How to inject Mounjaro step-by-step?
Before injecting:
- Check that the pen is intact, the expiration date hasn’t passed, and the liquid is clear and colourless. If there are any issues, contact the pharmacy or the clinic where the medication was purchased from.
- Follow the instructions leaflet provided with your Mounjaro pen to ensure a full dose.
Injection steps:
- Clean the area: Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to clean the injection site, then let it dry.
- Prepare the pen: Remove the cap and press the needle cover firmly against your skin.
- Inject: Apply steady pressure until you hear two clicks (indicating the injection has started and is ongoing). Continue pressing for 5-10 seconds.
- Remove the pen: Gently lift the pen away from your skin.
- Apply pressure: If there’s bleeding, press a cotton ball or gauze pad lightly on the site.
Important:
If you pull the pen away too early or don’t press firmly enough, you might not get the full dose.
Look for signs of liquid leaking or pooling on your skin.
When is the best time to inject Mounjaro?
- Inject Mounjaro once a week on the same day. Choose a day that works for you and use a calendar or medication app to stay on track.
- The time of day doesn’t matter. Just be consistent with the day of the week.
- You don’t need to plan your meals around Mounjaro injections.
How to store Mounjaro?
- Refrigeration: Keep Mounjaro pens in the fridge (2-8°C) before first use.
- Room temperature: After first use, pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 6 weeks.
- Light and moisture protection: Keep pens in their original packaging and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat.
- Needle storage: Never store the pen with the needle attached.
- Travel: For short trips (up to 14 days), Mounjaro can be stored at room temperature.
- Disposal: Dispose of empty or expired pens safely according to local guidelines.
Key Takeaway
Remember: If you have any concerns or questions about Mounjaro injection sites, consult with your healthcare professional. They can provide personalised guidance based on your individual needs.
By following the instructions and using the right technique, you can confidently administer Mounjaro injections and maximise the benefits of this medication.
References
Burger, L. (2024) Britain sees launch of Lilly’s weight-loss drug Mounjaro, Reuters.com. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/britain-sees-launch-lillys-weight-loss-drug-mounjaro-2024-02-14/
Eli Lilly and Company Limited (2024) Mounjaro, INN-tirzepatide, Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/usermanual.15481.pdf.
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2024) Four-dose Mounjaro “KwikPen” approved by MHRA for diabetes and weight management, Gov.uk. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-dose-mounjaro-kwikpen-approved-by-mhra-for-diabetes-and-weight-management
Jastreboff, A. M. et al. (2022) “Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity,” The New England journal of medicine, 387(3), pp. 205–216. doi: 10.1056/nejmoa2206038.
