How to use the Mounjaro KwikPen for weight loss

If you've been trying to lose weight for a while, but aren't seeing the significant reductions to your body weight that you'd like, you may be in a place where you want to consider trying weight loss injections.

But how does it all work? How much weight loss can you expect? What are the risks? And what do you do if you run into issues, like missed doses, or a faulty Mounjaro Kwikpen?

Starting a weight loss medication like Mounjaro for the first time can feel overwhelming, but thankfully, it doesn't have to. The Mounjaro Kwikpen is one of the weight loss medication options that has been revolutionising the way people lose weight.

When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, people have seen significant reductions in body weight that begin just a few weeks into taking Mounjaro.

If you're considering taking Mounjaro for weight loss, or any other weight loss medication, there are a few things to know before your starting dose. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know.

How does the Mounjaro KwikPen work?

Also used to treat type 2 diabetes, the Mounjaro KwikPen is an injectable weight loss medication that helps to control blood sugar levels [3].

Like other weight loss medications, Mounjaro is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1), and it also activates GIP receptors (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) [4].

When it comes to weight loss, Mounjaro slows gastric emptying — aka how fast food moves through your stomach — which helps prevent blood sugar spikes after meals [5].

It also increases insulin release, as Mounjaro helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar levels are high, which helps lower blood sugar levels [2].

Finally, Mounjaro also reduces the amount of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) released by the liver. When combined, these 3 functions of Mounjaro, and other weight loss medications, can lead to significant weight loss results.

That's how the active ingredients work to aid weight loss efforts. But, how does the actual Mounjaro Kwikpen work? The Mounjaro Kwikpen is a pre-filled pen that's designed for easy self-injection. Each pen contains 4 doses, which you'll inject once a week.

Usually, your doctor will advise you to begin your weight loss medication journey with 4 doses of 2.5 mg, injected once a week for 4 weeks. Depending on your results, your doctor may advise you to increase your dose after each pen, until you reach the maximum dose of 15 mg per week.

While some people may see significant weight loss results on lower doses, others may require higher doses to see the weight loss they desire.

Everyone is different, but your prescribing doctor will work with you to find an appropriate maintenance dose of Mounjaro that will work for you and your weight loss journey.

When using the Mounjaro Kwikpen — or any other weight loss injections, for that matter — your first steps are simple: wash your hands and choose a site to inject the medication into.

The Mounjaro Kwikpen is designed to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin), typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm [3].

Next, remove the cap of the Mounjaro Kwikpen and screw on one of the single-use needles provided in the medication box. Turn the dose knob to your prescribed dose, and remove the outer needle shield.

With your Mounjaro Kwikpen prepped, insert the needle gently into your skin and press the dose button to release the medication. You'll hear two clicks — one for when your dose begins, and another when it finishes.

After you hear the second click, hold the pen in place for another 5-10 seconds to ensure that the full dose has been injected. Put the outer needle shield back on, unscrew the needle, and dispose of it in a sharps container, as these needles are single dose only.

Finally, it's important to remember that taking Mounjaro is just one part of your broader weight management plan and that how much weight you lose will also be dependent on your calorie intake and physical activity.

How many doses does a Mounjaro Kwikpen contain?

Regardless of which dosage you're on, your pre-filled Mounjaro Kwikpen will contain 4 doses per pen.

Each pre-filled Mounjaro Kwikpen contains the exact amount needed for 4, once weekly injections. Once you have used all 4 doses, you should discard the pen, as it is not refillable or reusable [3].

Each medication box will come with 1 Mounjaro Kwikpen and 4 single-use needles. Discard used needles after injecting your weekly dose.

How to choose your injection site

When choosing your site for the Mounjaro KwikPen, there are a few things to consider for safety, comfort, and effectiveness. Because this weight loss medication is injected subcutaneously (under the skin), most people opt for either the abdomen (stomach area), upper thigh, or upper arm.

Basically, you want to choose an area with some fatty tissue, as this will minimise discomfort and also ensure effective treatment [3].

Always make sure that both your hands and the injection site are clean before administering your Mounjaro pen. Then, gently pinch the skin to ensure the medication is injected into the fatty tissue, not the muscle.

Things to consider when selecting injection sites:

• Avoid injecting your Mounjaro pen into any bruises, scars, moles, or irritated skin, as these spots may not absorb the medication properly.
• Rotate your injection sites with each dose, as this will help you avoid any injection site reactions or lumps. For example, if you inject into the left side of your stomach one week, inject into your right side when it's time for your next dose.
• If it helps, keep a note of your injection sites each week to ensure proper rotation.
• If injecting in the stomach area, choose a spot that's at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
• If injecting in the upper thigh, aim for a spot that's about halfway between the knee and the hip.
• If injecting into the upper arm, the outer portion is the best option. However, this area can be harder to inject into by yourself, so you may want to get someone to help administer the dose or opt for a different spot.
• Use the KwikPen according to the instructions, and hold it firmly against the skin until the complete dose is delivered.

How to inject Mounjaro

Whether you're on the starting dose, the maximum dose, or anywhere in between, injecting your pre-filled Mounjaro pen should be a simple and straightforward process.

Of course, it's important to follow the steps carefully to ensure proper administration and to maximise efficacy and weight loss results. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Kwikpen

First up, gather your necessary supplies — your pre-filled Mounjaro pen, a new, single-dose needle, an alcohol swab, and a sharps container for disposal. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and check your Mounjaro pen to ensure it hasn't expired [1].

Your Mounjaro treatment should be clear and colourless — do not inject Mounjaro if it appears cloudy or discoloured in any way.

Choose where you'll inject, and clean the area with an alcohol swab. Remove the cap from your Mounjaro kwikpen and attach the new, single-dose needle. Turn the knob of the dose window to your prescribed dosage.

Injecting the Kwikpen

Pinch a small section of skin and insert the needle of the Mounjaro pen, holding it against the skin at a 90-degree angle. Press the dose button to inject Mounjaro, and hold the pen against your skin for 5-10 seconds.

You'll hear two clicks: one to signal that the medication is being injected, and a second to signal the end of the dose. Wait a few seconds after the second click, and then remove the pen from your skin.

Post-injection care

Put the outer needle shield back on, unscrew the needle, and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Do not reuse the needle.

If you notice any bleeding, gently press the area with a cotton swab or gauze, but avoid rubbing. Monitor for allergic reactions, and consult your healthcare provider if necessary.

Troubleshooting common KwikPen issues

While the Mounjaro pen is designed to make taking Mounjaro as easy as possible, there are a few issues that may arise, and how to troubleshoot them.

The pen doesn't activate

Possible issue: The pen doesn't activate when you press the dose button, due to an improper setup or a malfunction.

Troubleshooting:

• Ensure you have removed both the outer and inner needle caps, if applicable.
• Make sure the dose knob is turned to the prescribed dose.
• Check that the medication hasn't expired and the pen hasn't been damaged.
• If the pen still doesn't activate, consider contacting your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.‍

There are air bubbles in the pen

Possible issue: Air bubbles can interfere with the delivery of the medication.

Troubleshooting:

• Gently tap the pen to move air bubbles to the top [1].
• Prime the pen by turning the dose knob to the maximum dose and pressing the injection button until a drop of medication appears at the needle tip. This may help expel air bubbles.
• If air bubbles persist, consult your healthcare provider.

You feel pain or discomfort during injection

Possible issue: Pain can occur if the injection technique is not optimal or if the site isn't appropriate.

Troubleshooting:

• Make sure to use a new needle for each injection.
• Rotate sites regularly to avoid irritation.
• Inject slowly and hold the pen firmly at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
• Pinch the skin to ensure you are injecting into fatty tissue, not muscle.

The medication leaks from the injection site

Possible issue: Some medication may leak out after injection.

Troubleshooting:

• Hold the pen against the skin for 5-10 seconds after injecting to ensure the full dose is absorbed.
• Apply gentle pressure to the site with a cotton swab after injection.
• If leakage occurs frequently, consider reviewing your injection technique with a healthcare provider.

The pen is frozen or damaged

Possible issue: If the pen has been exposed to extreme temperatures, it may not work.

Troubleshooting:

• Store Mounjaro in the fridge, but avoid freezing [1].
• If the pen is frozen or damaged, don't use it. Contact your healthcare provider for a replacement.

You miss a dose

Possible issue: You might forget to take Mounjaro according to your weekly dosage schedule.

Troubleshooting:

• If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember, unless your dosage schedule indicates that there are less than 3 days until your next scheduled dose [1].
• If it's close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dose schedule.
• Never double the dose to make up for a missed one. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.

If you encounter any issues not covered here, or if you have concerns about your medication, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for assistance.

Weight maintenance can be tricky, but with Juniper, it doesn't have to be.

If you're interested in taking Mounjaro or different weight loss medications, like Wegovy, but don't know where to start, Juniper's Weight Reset Programme might be just what you're looking for.

Our programme was designed by UK clinicians and dietitians and uses groundbreaking weight loss medications like Mounjaro to help people lose weight and feel great.

But it's not just that these weight loss medications are an effective treatment — we won't just give you your starting dose and leave you to it! Rather, at Juniper, we're all about setting you up for long-term success from your first dose to your maintenance dose and beyond.

Our Weight Reset Programme combines everything you need for long-term weight management — weight loss medication, a reduced-calorie diet, regular exercise, and more.

We set you up with personal, one-on-one support from a health coach who will offer advice and keep you accountable every step of the way.

If you're ready for weight management to be a struggle of the past, check your eligibility today.

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