Mounjaro Instructions: How to Properly Inject Mounjaro (KwikPen) 2.5–15 mg
Step-by-step instructions for using Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) for weight loss and weight management. 1 injection per week.
What is Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro® is a modern medication based on tirzepatide from Eli Lilly. It is available in convenient KwikPen® injector pens and is administered once a week subcutaneously.
The drug is approved for the treatment of obesity and overweight (even without diabetes):
- FDA (USA, 2023) — under the name Zepbound® for weight loss.
- EMA (Europe, 2024) — Mounjaro® for weight management.
Do not share with others, even if the needle is replaced
Preferably on the same day every week
Dispose after the 4th dose or after 30 days
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro® mimics the action of two intestinal hormones (GIP and GLP-1) in the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
(this effect weakens over time)
Starting Dosage Schedule
Weeks 1–4
2.5 mg
Once a week
Weeks 1–4 (min. 4 weeks)
Weeks 5+ (min. 4 weeks)
5 mg
Once a week
Weeks 5+ (min. 4 weeks)
Missed a Mounjaro Dose?
Inject as soon as possible — but only if no more than 4 days have passed
Day
Dose
|
● Must skip
UP TO 4 DAYS
Inject as soon as possible
Next injection — on your scheduled day. Do not change anything.
5+ DAYS
Skip the dose
Do not inject the missed dose. Next injection — on your regular scheduled day.
Full Instructions: How to Inject Mounjaro (Step by Step)
Preparation
Remove the cap and check the pen
Remove the protective cap from the injector pen and check the pen and the label.
Take a new needle for the injector pen
- Wipe the red inner seal with an alcohol swab
- Always use a new needle for each injection to avoid infection and clogging
- Remove the protective paper from the outer needle cap
Attach the needle to the pen
Press the needle (with the protective cap on) vertically onto the pen and twist until it is securely attached.
Remove the protective needle caps
- Remove the outer protective cap and save it — it will be used again
- Remove the inner protective cap and dispose of it
Remove air from the Mounjaro® KwikPen® injector pen
- Slowly turn the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks and a wide line appears in the dose window (air removal position)
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up
- Gently tap the cartridge holder so that air bubbles collect at the tip
- Expel some medication into the air by pressing the dose button all the way down, count slowly to 5. The symbol ⑩ should appear in the dose window.
✓ Air is removed if a small amount of medication comes out of the needle tip. If not — repeat no more than 2 times. If medication still does not appear — replace the needle and repeat (no more than once).
Choose an injection site
- You should inject yourself preferably in the thigh or abdomen (at least 5 cm away from the navel)
- Another person can inject into the back of the upper arm
- Rotate injection sites every week
Turn the dose knob
Turn the dose knob all the way until the symbol ① appears in the dose window. Symbol ① corresponds to the full dose.
Perform the Mounjaro® injection
- Insert the needle into the skin
- Inject the medication by pressing the dose button all the way down. Then hold the button and slowly count to 5. The symbol ⑧ should appear in the dose window.
- Withdraw the needle from the skin. A drop of medication at the needle tip is normal and does not affect the dose.
- If bleeding occurs — lightly press the injection site. Do not rub.
Completion and needle disposal
- Carefully put the outer protective needle cap back on
- Unscrew the needle with the cap on and dispose of it in a sharps container
- Do not store the pen with the needle attached
- Put the pen cap back on. Do not store the pen without the cap.
Tips for Possible Side Effects
Any medication can cause side effects, and Mounjaro® is no exception. The most common are nausea and diarrhea. They usually occur when adjusting the dose and are generally mild to moderate. These effects most often appear at the beginning and resolve over time in most patients.
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Tips for Better Tolerability
If you feel nauseous after the injection, consult a specialist. In the meantime, the following tips may help:
Eat in small portions
Avoid fatty foods
Drink water and make sure your body gets enough fluids
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Other Possible Side Effects
Mounjaro® practically does not carry a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used as monotherapy.
However, hypoglycemia may occur when Mounjaro® is used with medications containing sulfonylurea and/or insulin. In such cases, the dose of those medications may need to be reduced during Mounjaro® treatment.
Additional Information
Before starting Mounjaro®, consult your doctor in the following cases:
- ⚠️
You have serious problems with food digestion or food stays in the stomach longer than usual (including severe gastroparesis) - ⚠️
You have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas causing severe persistent abdominal and back pain) - ⚠️
You have eye problems (e.g., diabetic retinopathy or macular edema)
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When to seek medical attention immediately
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before using the medication. Information is current as of 2026.