If you've been prescribed tirzeaptide (Mounjaro), you might have questions about how to administer your medication (either using a vial and syringe or Kwikpen) and where to inject — most of us are new to injectables. We rounded up all the tips and information you need on where and how to inject Mounjaro.
How to Use Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): Vial and Syringe
Watch this step-by-step video so you can administer your treatment with confidence.
You can also read on for step-by-step instructions.
NOTE: Do not reuse needles and syringes. Always use a new syringe and needle for each injection to prevent infections and blocked needles. Do not share your needles or syringes with other people. You may give others a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Do not save leftover medication from the vial.
Step one: Get ready
Wash your hands with soap and water. Check the vial label to ensure it has not expired, and that you are taking the correct dose. Make sure that the medicine in the vial is colourless to slightly yellow. If it is frozen, cloudy, or has particles in it, do not use the medication and contact your pharmacist.
Pull the plastic protective cap and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
Step two: Prepare the vial
Pull the plastic protective cap off the vial, but do not remove the rubber stopper. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
Step three: Prepare the syringe
Remove the outer wrapping from the syringe and the needle.
If your syringe and needle are separate:
Line up the needle with the syringe, and keep it straight as you attach it. Place the needle on top of the syringe and turn or push it until it is tight and firmly attached. Remove the needle shield by pulling it straight off. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. Then, pull the plunger until the plunger tip reaches the 0.5 ml line.
If you have a pre-attached needle:
Remove the needle shield by pulling it straight off. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. Then, pull the plunger until the plunger tip reaches the 0.5ml line.
Step four: Insert needle into vial and withdraw dose
Push the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial, then push the plunger all the way in. Turn the vial and syringe upside down, ensuring the tip of the needle is in the medication. Slowly pull the plunger down until the plunger tip is past the 0.5ml line. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the syringe. If there are air bubbles, gently tap the syringe a few times to let any air bubbles rise to the top.
Step five: Ensure correct dose
Slowly push the plunger up until the plunger tip reaches the 0.5ml line. At this point, there should be no air in the syringe. Pull the syringe out of the rubber stopper of the vial. Then, pull the syringe straight out to avoid bending the needle.
Step six: Inject Mounjaro
Insert the needle into your skin. Push down on the plunger to inject your full dose. The plunger tip should be pushed to the bottom of the syringe. Keep the needle in your skin for at least 5 seconds before pulling the needle out.
If you see blood after you take the needle out of your skin, press the injection site with a piece of gauze or an alcohol swab. Do not rub the area. Do not recap the needle. Recapping the needle can lead to a needle stick injury. Finally, dispose of used needles and syringes safely, and dispose of the vial. Do not save leftover medication from the vial. Learn more about how to properly dispose of your medication in this blog.
How to Use Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): KwikPen
Watch this step-by-step video so you can administer your treatment using a KwikPen with confidence.
You can also read on for step-by-step instructions.
NOTE: Do not reuse needles. Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent infections and blocked needles. Do not share your needles with other people. You may give others a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
Step one: Get ready
Wash your hands with soap and water. Pull the KwikPen cap straight off. Check the pen label to ensure it has not expired, and that you are taking the correct dose. Make sure that the medicine in the pen is colourless to slightly yellow. If it is frozen, cloudy, or has particles in it, do not use the medication and contact your pharmacist.
Step two: Prepare the needle
Wipe the inner red seal with an alcohol swab. Select a new pen needle and pull off the paper tab from the outer needle shield. Always use a new pen needle for reach injection.
Step three: Attach the needle
Push the capped pen needle straight onto the KwikPen and twist the needle on until it’s tight. Pull the outer needle shield and keep it. This will be reused. Pull off the inner needle shield. Put it in your household trash.
Step four: Select your dose
Slowly turn the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks and the extended line shown in the dose window aligns with the dose indicator. This is the prime position. Hold your KwikPen with the needle pointing up. Tap the cartridge holder gently to collect air bubbles at the top.
Step five: Prime your KwikPen
To prime your KwikPen, push and hold the dose knob in until it stops, and the “0” icon is shown in the dose window. Hold the dose knob in and slowly count to 5. This will release some medicine into the air. Do not inject into your body.
Priming removes air from the cartridge and makes sure that your KwikPen is working correctly. Your KwikPen has been primed if a small amount of medicine comes out of the tip of the pen needle.
If you don’t see medicine at the tip of the needle, repeat steps 4 and 5, no more than 2 additional times. If you still don’t see medicine, change the pen needle and repeat steps 4 and 5, no more than 1 additional time. If you still do not see medicine, contact your pharmacist.
Step six: Inject Mounjaro
Choose an injection site. Turn the dose knob until it stops and the “1” icon is shown in the dose window. The “1” icon is equal to a full dose. Insert the needle into your skin. Inject the medication by pushing the dose knob in until it stops. Hold the dose knob in and slowly count to 5. The “0” icon must be shown in the dose window before removing the needle.
Step seven: Remove the needle
Pull the needle out of your skin. A drop of medicine on the needle tip is normal and will not affect your dose. Confirm the “0” icon is in the dose window — this means you have received the full dose.
If you do not see the “0” icon in the dose window, insert the needle back into your skin and finish your injection. Do not turn the dose knob back to the “1” icon. If you still do not think you received the full dose, do not start over or repeat the injection. Contact your pharmacist.
Step eight: After your injection
If you see blood after you pull the needle out of your skin, lightly press the injection site with gauze or a cotton ball. Do not rub the injection site. Carefully replace the outer needle shield.
Step nine: Dispose of the needle
Unscrew the capped needle and put the needle in a sharps container. Do not store the KwikPen with the needle attached to prevent leaking, blocking the needle, and air from entering the KwikPen. Replace the KwikPen cap — always store the pen with the pen cap attached.
Injection Sites for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): Where to Inject
Choosing the best place to inject tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is important to maximize the medication's benefit and minimize possible side effects.
Still wondering about the best place to inject Mounjaro? Keep reading for expert tips and advice from healthcare practitioners.
Where is the Best Place to Inject Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
The easiest place to inject Mounjaro is into the lower stomach area, about 1-2 inches away from the navel. This also ensures that the medication gets absorbed into your bloodstream quickly and it's an easy-to-reach spot when injecting.
Other injection sites that you can use are your upper legs (thighs), and back of your upper arms. Injecting into fatty tissue rather than muscle. This is important as it helps absorption and reduces the burning or stinging sensations sometimes felt during the injection.
Here is a list of the best injection sites for Mounjaro:
- Lower stomach area (abdomen)
- Upper legs (thighs)
- Back of your upper arms
You should leave 1-2 inches between injection sites every time you inject to avoid irritation. Ensure strict hygiene protocols by cleaning your hands and the injection site, when using any of these areas as injection spots.
Choosing an optimal injection site for Mounjaro is vital to getting the maximum benefit from this medication while avoiding unnecessary side effects like pain or skin reactions. If you need help determining where you should inject, speak with a pharmacist.
Where can I not inject Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
You shouldn't inject Tirzeaptide (Mounjaro) into some areas of the body. This medication should never be injected directly into your muscles, veins, or joints. You should also avoid injecting at sites that show signs of infection, inflammation (i.e. tender, bruised, red, or hard skin), or areas with scars or stretch marks.
Also, always rotate injection sites by spacing out injection sites by at least one to two inches, in order not to irritate the skin. The easiest spots for successful injections are typically the abdomen, but other places like your thighs and upper arms can be used too.
It's also beneficial to keep a log of your injections. Noting which site you used each time and any side effects that may occur during use can help you track your weight management journey and give you more control.
When to See a Healthcare Practitioner
If you have any questions or concerns about the best place to inject tirzepatide (Mounjaro), it's essential to consult with a pharmacist.
Your pharmacist can help you identify the most suitable injection sites for your body and help ensure that you're safely and effectively administering your medication every time.
Your pharmacy can also provide valuable information on what supplies are needed for administering injections of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and helpful tips on how to administer them properly. They can also advise on safely handling and disposing of needle tips and other used materials.
This information does not replace medical advice. Any questions you have about your treatment are best discussed directly with your healthcare practitioner.
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