How to inject Mounjaro: Complete step-by-step guide

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an effective weight loss medication that you inject once weekly. If you've just received your first prescription, you might be wondering how to use your Mounjaro pen correctly. This guide will walk you through every step of the injection process safely and confidently.

What you'll need

Before you begin, gather these items:

• Your Mounjaro pen

• An alcohol wipe

• A sharps disposal container

• Cotton wool or gauze (optional)

Safety checks before injecting

Always perform these safety checks before using your Mounjaro pen:

Check the label: Confirm it says Mounjaro, shows the correct dose, and hasn't expired.

Inspect the liquid: Look through the window on your pen. The liquid should be clear and colourless or slightly yellow. Don't use the pen if the liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles.

Bring to room temperature: Take your pen out of the fridge 30 minutes before injecting. Injecting at room temperature is more comfortable than injecting cold medication.

Never use a frozen pen: If your Mounjaro pen has been frozen, you must dispose of it safely and use a new one.

Where to inject Mounjaro

Mounjaro can be injected into two areas of your body:

1. Your stomach (abdomen), avoiding a 5cm area around your belly button

2. The front of your thighs

Rotating injection sites

It's important to rotate where you inject each week. This prevents skin irritation and helps the medication work effectively.

Choose a spot at least 5cm away from where you injected last time. You might find it helpful to keep a simple record of your injection sites.

Step-by-step: How to inject Mounjaro

1. Prepare yourself and your injection site

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Clean your chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe

• Let the area dry completely (about 30 seconds)

2. Unlock and prepare your pen

• Turn the lock ring on your pen until you feel it click – this unlocks the pen

• Pull the base cap straight off

• You'll see a clear base where the needle is hidden inside

• Don't touch the clear base

3. Position the pen

• Place the clear base flat against your skin at your chosen injection site

• Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle (straight up and down)

• You'll see a purple indicator appear in the window when the pen touches your skin – this means you're ready to inject

4. Deliver your dose

• Press and hold the purple injection button firmly

• You'll hear a first click. This is the injection starting

• Keep holding the button down

• You'll hear a second click and feel the pen vibrate. This means the injection is complete

• You'll now see a grey plunger visible in the window, confirming your full dose has been delivered

5. Remove the pen and check the site

• Remove the pen straight out from your skin

• You might see a small amount of liquid or blood at the injection site. This is normal

• If needed, gently press with cotton wool, but don't rub the area

How to dispose of your Mounjaro pen

Proper disposal is crucial for safety:

• Place the used pen immediately into your sharps disposal container

• Never throw it in your household bin or recycling

• Each Mounjaro pen contains only one dose and cannot be reused

If you need a sharps container, your pharmacy can provide one, or contact your Everwell medical team.

How to store Mounjaro pens

Unused pens: Store in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Keep them in the original packaging to protect from light.

Never freeze: If a pen has been frozen, it must be thrown away.

After use: Once used, pens should be disposed of immediately. If needed, you can keep a used pen at room temperature for up to 21 days, but immediate disposal is best practice.

Quick reference checklist

• ✓ Inject on the same day each week

• ✓ Take pen out of fridge 30 minutes before injecting

• ✓ Unlock the pen before removing the base cap

• ✓ Wait for the second click and vibration before removing

• ✓ Rotate your injection sites each week

• ✓ Dispose of pens safely in a sharps container

• ✓ Store unused pens in the fridge

Common questions about injecting Mounjaro

How often do I inject Mounjaro? Once weekly, on the same day each week.

Does the Mounjaro injection hurt? Most people find the injection relatively painless. Using room temperature medication and rotating injection sites helps minimise discomfort.

What if I miss a dose? Contact your Everwell medical team for guidance on missed doses.

Can I inject through clothing? No, always inject into clean, bare skin.

Getting support

If you have any questions or concerns about injecting Mounjaro, contact your Everwell medical team at clinic@joineverwell.ie. We're here to support you throughout your weight loss journey.

Your Mounjaro prescription is just one part of your comprehensive Everwell programme. Combined with lifestyle coaching and ongoing medical support, it gives you the best chance of achieving sustainable weight loss.

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor and the patient information leaflet included with your medication.