Join Aamina, our superintendent pharmacist, as she explains some common problems when using Mounjaro pens, and how to avoid them.
Watch the video to learn how to safely attach and remove needles, as well as some tips on how to use Mounjaro safely. We have included the transcript below.
Pen and needle issues can be frustrating, but they’re often preventable. Let’s talk about jammed pens and how to fix them.
Attaching Mounjaro Needles
The needle attachment step is crucial. Here’s what you need to do – attach the needle exactly straight. Watch the inner needle pierce the bulb at the pen’s top. For Mounjaro, the bulb is red, and for Wegovy, it’s yellow.
Be careful not to hit the rim around the bulb with the inner needle. If you attach the needle incorrectly, here’s what can happen. The inner needle might not pierce the bulb. The needle will look attached, but the medication won’t be able to flow. If you press the plunger too hard in this situation, the bulb could expand and burst, ruining the pen.
It’s recommended that you rotate injection sites weekly.
How to use Mounjaro Kwikpen
- Wash your hands with soap and water to ensure cleanliness.
- Inspect the pen before use:
- Check the expiration date
- Look for any visible damage
- Verify the medication appears clear and colourless
- Attach a new needle to the pen, ensuring it’s firmly secured.
- Prime the pen:
- Turn the dose knob slowly until you hear 2 clicks
- Point the needle upward
- Press the dose knob to release any air bubbles and confirm the pen is working
- Set your dose:
- Turn the dose knob to your prescribed dosage (typically starting at 2.5 mg, increasing as directed by your healthcare provider)
- Listen for clicks to confirm the correct dose is selected
- Choose and prepare the injection site:
- Common sites: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Rotate sites to avoid irritation
- Pinch the skin gently if preferred
- Inject the medication:
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the skin
- Press down the dose knob firmly
- Count slowly to 5 while keeping the needle in place
- Withdraw and verify:
- Pull the needle straight out of the skin
- Check that the dose counter returns to 0
- Apply gentle pressure with a tissue if needed
- Secure the pen:
- Remove the needle from the pen and place in sharps bin
- Replace the pen cap
- Store the pen as directed (typically in the refrigerator)
Start your assessment
Removing Mounjaro Needles & Priming Mounjaro Pens
When removing the needle, be cautious. If you catch the bulb, you could dislodge it, making the rest of the pen unusable. In order to avoid these issues, always attach the needle straight and ensure that it pierces the bulb correctly. Don’t use excessive force on the plunger if you suspect a problem.
Handle the needle carefully when you’re removing it. Follow the correct priming procedure for your medication. Speaking of priming, for Wegovy, prime only once. Priming more than once can waste your doses. For Mounjaro, prime before every use.
How Long Mounjaro Lasts
The product is designed to last for 30 days. Using it longer isn’t recommended and may affect the effectiveness of it. Always follow your GP’s instructions about your health. If you have concerns about your dosage, please consult our team. We can adjust your treatment safely if needed.
Authorship
Authored by Aamina Rafiq
Superintendent Pharmacist - GPhC 2216332
Aamina is the Superintendent Pharmacist for Simple Online Pharmacy. She has worked in multiple community pharmacies across Scotland. She prioritises patient safety, ensuring it is at the forefront of all decisions made in the dispensary.
