How to Inject Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) UK: Step-by-Step Pen Guide

Mounjaro is delivered using the KwikPen — a pre-filled, disposable auto-injector pen manufactured by Eli Lilly. Unlike some injectable medications that require reconstitution or manual syringe filling, the KwikPen is designed to be simple and intuitive. The medication (tirzepatide solution) is pre-loaded; you simply attach a needle, prime if necessary, select your dose, and inject.

What's in the Mounjaro Pack: Each KwikPen pack supplied in the UK contains: - A single pre-filled KwikPen containing your prescribed dose (2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, or 15mg) - A patient information leaflet (PIL) — read this carefully before first use - Needles are NOT included with the pen — you will need to obtain these separately from your pharmacist or prescriber. Standard pen needles (4mm or 5mm, 32G or 31G) are appropriate for most users.

Key Parts of the KwikPen: - Needle cap area (top): where you attach the needle - Dose window: a clear window showing the medication - Injection button (base): the orange button you press to inject - Unlock mechanism: a safety feature that prevents accidental injection

Each Pen Contains One Dose: The Mounjaro KwikPen is single-use — each pen delivers one weekly injection. After use, it should be disposed of safely (see the sharps disposal section below).

*Always follow the patient information leaflet supplied with your Mounjaro pen. If you have any questions, ask your GP, pharmacist, or prescribing clinician.*

Correct storage of your Mounjaro pens is essential for ensuring the medication remains effective. Tirzepatide is a peptide-based drug and can degrade if exposed to excessive heat, freezing temperatures, or direct light.

Before First Use (Unopened Pens): - Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C — typically in the main fridge compartment, not the door (temperature fluctuates there) and not near the freezer section - Do not freeze — frozen Mounjaro pens must be discarded - Keep in the original packaging to protect from light - Pens stored correctly in the fridge can be used until their expiry date printed on the label

After Removing from the Fridge (In-Use Pens): Once removed from refrigerated storage, a Mounjaro pen can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 30 days. This is useful if: - You're travelling and cannot guarantee cold storage - You prefer to inject at room temperature (which can be more comfortable) - Clinic or workplace storage doesn't include a fridge

Practical Storage Tips: - Allow your pen to come to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before injecting — injecting cold medication can increase discomfort and injection site reactions - If travelling abroad, use an insulin cooling case (available from pharmacies) to maintain correct temperature in hot climates - Never leave pens in a car, particularly in summer — dashboard temperatures can exceed 60°C - Check the expiry date and the appearance of the solution before each use. The liquid should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use if you see particles or cloudiness.

*If you are unsure whether your Mounjaro has been stored correctly, ask your pharmacist before using it.*

Proper preparation takes just a few minutes and makes a significant difference to the comfort and effectiveness of your injection.

Before You Begin — Checklist: - [ ] Pen is at room temperature (removed from fridge at least 30 minutes ago) - [ ] Expiry date checked — pen is in date - [ ] Pen needle obtained (4mm or 5mm, 32G or 31G recommended) - [ ] Clean, flat surface prepared - [ ] Hands washed thoroughly with soap and water - [ ] Chosen injection site cleaned with an alcohol swab (let it dry fully before injecting) - [ ] Sharps bin within reach

Attaching the Needle: 1. Remove the pen cap and inspect the medication in the dose window 2. Take a new, unopened pen needle 3. Peel back the outer needle cap 4. Push the needle onto the pen tip and turn clockwise until it feels firmly attached (typically 3–4 turns) 5. Pull off the outer needle cap (keep it — you'll use it to remove the needle safely after) 6. Pull off the inner needle cap and discard it

Prime the Pen (First Use Only — Not Required): The Mounjaro KwikPen does not require a priming step in the same way as some older insulin pens. However, you should confirm a small drop of liquid appears at the needle tip before injecting. If not visible, contact your pharmacist.

Choosing Your Dose: Your Mounjaro pen contains exactly one pre-set dose as dispensed. There is no dose selection dial — the pen delivers the full dose when the button is pressed.

*If in doubt about any preparation step, watch the official Mounjaro UK patient instructional video or ask your pharmacist.*

Choosing the right injection site and rotating locations consistently are two of the most important factors for successful long-term self-injection. Poor site selection or repeated injection into the same area can cause lipohypertrophy — a build-up of scar tissue under the skin that impairs medication absorption.

Approved Injection Sites for Mounjaro: The KwikPen can be used in three areas:

1. Abdomen (stomach area): - Inject into the fatty tissue at least 5cm away from the navel (belly button) - Avoid the area directly around the navel and any scar tissue - This is the most commonly used site and generally the most accessible for self-injection

2. Front of the thigh: - Upper or middle portion of the thigh (not the inner thigh) - Use the outer, fleshy part — avoid the area near the knee - Good alternative if abdominal tissue is thin

3. Upper arm (outer area): - The back-outer portion of the upper arm - This site is harder to self-inject; often used when a partner or carer is assisting

The Rotation Principle: Rotate your injection site systematically: - Between different anatomical areas each week (e.g. abdomen one week, thigh the next) - Within an area, always inject at least 1–2cm away from your last injection spot - A systematic approach (e.g. moving clockwise around the abdomen) ensures each area gets adequate rest

Avoid: - Injecting into bruised, scarred, or hardened tissue - Areas with varicose veins or skin conditions - The exact same spot twice in a row

*Consistent site rotation reduces discomfort, improves absorption consistency, and protects your skin long-term.*

With your preparation complete, site selected, and needle attached, you're ready to inject. The Mounjaro KwikPen is designed for simplicity — most people find it straightforward after the first couple of injections.

Step-by-Step:

Step 1 — Position the pen: Hold the pen so the needle faces the injection site. You can inject at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular to the skin) for most body areas. If you are very slim with little subcutaneous fat, consider gently pinching a fold of skin before inserting the needle.

Step 2 — Unlock the pen: Twist or slide the safety mechanism (varies slightly by pen generation — refer to your PIL). The orange injection button should now be accessible.

Step 3 — Press the pen firmly against the skin: Press the needle end flat against the cleaned skin with firm, even pressure. The pen should be stable before you press the button.

Step 4 — Press and hold the injection button: Press the orange button firmly and hold it down for a full 10 seconds. This ensures the full dose is delivered — releasing too early means you may not receive your complete dose. You will typically hear or feel a click when the injection begins.

Step 5 — Remove the pen: After holding for 10 seconds, remove the pen from the skin at the same angle you inserted it. A small drop of blood at the site is normal and nothing to worry about.

Step 6 — Do not rub the site: Do not rub the injection area after removing the needle — this can cause unnecessary bruising and tissue irritation.

If You're Not Sure the Full Dose Delivered: If you're uncertain (e.g. you released early), do not inject again. Contact your prescriber for guidance — do not double dose.

*If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or an unusual skin reaction at the injection site, consult your pharmacist or GP.*

Correct disposal of used Mounjaro pens and needles is a legal requirement and a matter of public safety. Needles must never be placed in household waste or recycling bins — they pose a serious injury and infection risk to waste collection workers.

Using a Sharps Bin: A yellow sharps bin (sharps container) is the correct disposal method for used needles and pens in the UK. These are rigid, puncture-resistant containers specifically designed for safe sharp disposal.

How to Remove the Needle Safely: 1. Replace the outer needle cap over the needle using just one hand (or use the needle removal device if supplied) 2. Unscrew the capped needle from the pen 3. Drop the capped needle directly into the sharps bin (never re-cap with two hands to avoid needle-stick injuries) 4. Drop the used pen body into the sharps bin as well

Obtaining a Sharps Bin: - Your GP surgery can prescribe a sharps bin on an FP10 prescription — ask your prescriber when they prescribe your Mounjaro - NHS pharmacies in many areas provide sharps bins free of charge for patients on prescribed injectable medication - Community pharmacies often sell them if not available free of charge

When the Sharps Bin Is Full: Do not overfill a sharps bin — fill only to the marked line (typically two-thirds full). When full: - Contact your local council — most UK councils operate a clinical waste collection service for sharps bins. This is usually free and arranged by phone or online. - Alternatively, some pharmacies accept full sharps bins for safe disposal - Do not place a full sharps bin in household recycling or general waste

*For guidance on sharps disposal in your specific area, contact your local authority or ask your GP surgery. Correct disposal protects waste collection workers, the public, and the environment.*