Mounjaro Weight Loss Injection

Mounjaro Weight Loss Pen Dosage & Directions of Use

How to Use a Mounjaro KwikPen 

Mounjaro comes in a pre-filled pen that is designed to deliver the medication under your skin (subcutaneously). The pen comes with a complete guide on how to use it. It is important to read and understand it before using the pen. To take your weekly dose of Mounjaro, follow these steps: 

• Remove the KwikPen from the packaging, and check the expiration date
• Next, make sure that the site of the skin on your stomach, upper arm, or thigh is clean and dry
• Remove the cap from the pen and wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab
• Choose a new needle. This helps prevent infections and any blocked needles
• Push the capped needle straight into the pen and twist it until it is tight
• Pull off the outer needle shield (cap) and keep it. You will reuse it later 
• Hold the pen with firm pressure against the skin at a 90-degree angle. Then press the button to retract the needle
• Once the needle is inserted into your skin, hold the pen still for 5 seconds, then release the button to retract (remove) the needle
• Throw away the used pen, and put the needle in a sharps container or follow your doctor's instructions for safe disposal

Mounjaro needs to be taken weekly. It is important to take it at the same time every week. Avoid injecting the medication into the same spot (site) every time to prevent skin irritation. 

Mounjaro Dosages 

Multiple doses of Mounjaro are available, as treatment typically begins at a low dose and slowly increases over a few months. This process is called dose titration. How your doses increase depends on how your weight loss journey is progressing and how well you are tolerating the treatment. 

The starting dose for all new patients is 2.5mg of Mounjaro. Patient dosages typically follow: 

It is important to remember that everyone's weight loss journey is different. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects you experience, how well you are tolerating the dosage strength and any concerns about your weight loss that you may have.

Mounjaro Ingredients 

The active ingredient:

• Tirzepatide 

Inactive ingredients in each injection are: 

• Sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, water for injections, Benzyl alcohol, phenol, glycerol, sodium chloride, concentrated hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)

Mounjaro Side Effects

Like all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. 

Common Side Effects of Mounjaro Weight Loss Pen 

Common side effects of Mounjaro may affect up to 1 in 10 people. They include: 

• Low blood sugar 
• Flatulence (gas) 
• Allergic reaction 
• Dizziness 
• Decreased appetite (feeling less hungry) 
• Feeling tired 
• Fast pulse (common in diabetes type 2 patients and not weight loss patients) 
• Increases levels of pancreatic enzymes (uncommon in weight loss patients)
• Burping
• Indigestion 
• Stomach pain 
• Reflux or heartburn 
• Hair loss in patients being treated for weight loss

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about persistent, common side effects. Depending on where you are in your weight loss journey, your dose strength may need to be decreased. 

Less Common Side Effects of Mounjaro Weight Loss Pen 

Uncommon side effects may affect up to 1 in 100 people, they include: 

• Increased Calcitonin levels in the blood 
• Gallstones 
• Low blood sugar levels 
• Injection site pain 
• Cholecystitis (infection of the gallbladder)
• Kidney problems and kidney failure 
• Depression 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience nausea and vomiting, severe pain in the upper part of the abdomen that can radiate to the back, and fever and a fast heartbeat. These symptoms can be a sign of pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening condition. 

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice uncommon side effects. To see a full list of all possible symptoms, refer to the Mounjaro Patient Information Leaflet.

Mounjaro Warnings 

Before using Mounjaro, talk to your doctor and pharmacist: 

• If you have ever had pancreatitis
• If you have any problems with your eyes (macular oedema or diabetic retinopathy)
• If you have serious problems with food digestion or with food staying in your stomach longer than normal (including severe gastroparesis)
• If you are using a sulphonylurea or insulin for diabetes

When starting Mounjaro for the first time, ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any other questions or concerns you have. 

Mounjaro and Oral Contraceptives

If you are a women taking oral contraceptives, and you are overweight or have obesity, it is recommended to consider switching to a non-oral contraceptive method or using a barrier method (e.g., condom) for 4 weeks after you start using Mounjaro, and for 4 weeks after each time the dose is increased.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Injection Patient Information Leaflet

For more information about Mounjaro, please take a look at the information leaflet below. It is important you read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before using Mounjaro.

• Mounjaro™ Weight Loss Injection