Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a drug that affects both glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Although Mounjaro has a higher affinity for the GIP pathway, both are vital to its overall treatment benefit for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. The once-weekly injection Mounjaro is used to treat and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, also comes in the brand name Zepbound, which is FDA-approved for weight loss.
The goal of this article is to ensure you feel comfortable and confident administering Mounjaro injections safely and effectively. Whether you’re just starting treatment or need a refresher, this guide will provide instructions on how often to inject, where to inject, and how to store Mounjaro pens properly.
How to Use Mounjaro: Step-by-Step Injection Instructions
Mounjaro is available as single-use pens, meaning it is meant to deliver one dose and is discarded properly after use. Each Mounjaro box contains four individual pens (4 doses) and is intended to last approximately one month. The medication is injected once weekly on the same day each week. When starting Mounjaro, be sure to select a day of the week that is most convenient for you, but also a day that you will remember to take the injection. The injection can be used at any time of the day and with or without food. Many patients find it easiest to take it first thing in the morning or at night before bed.
The Mounjaro injection instructions, according to the Manufacturer Eli Lilly, recommend injecting the pen subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or the back of your upper arm.
Follow these steps for proper Mounjaro administration instructions:
- Select an injection site
- Use an alcohol swab to clean off the injection site
- Pull the grey cap off at the base of the pen (on the opposite of the locking mechanism)
- Place the base on your skin flat at the injection site
- Unlock the pen by twisting the top end from the locked position to the unlocked position
- Press the button firmly and hold for at least 10 seconds or until you hear the first click. After a few seconds, you will hear a second click. This means that the dose was injected and is complete.
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What to Expect When Starting Mounjaro
When starting Mounjaro injections, it is common for patients to experience side effects, particularly gastrointestinal effects. These gastrointestinal side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite. To minimize these side effects, it is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid high-fat foods, and stay hydrated. Side effects most often occur when starting the medication and after each dose increase but generally subside after a few weeks. If side effects do not go away on their own or are severe, consult your doctor to determine if the benefits of Mounjaro outweigh the side effects.
Clinical Benefits and Timeline
Patients may begin to notice changes in their blood sugars and appetite after just one dose of Mounjaro, but significant reductions in A1c and weight may take weeks. In the Surpass-2 study, patients experienced A1c reductions between 2% and 2.3% for Mounjaro doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg after approximately 9 months. Those same patients also lost between 17 and 25 lbs of their body weight over that same time period.
Based on current data, Mounjaro provides more significant weight loss reductions than other medications used for weight loss, such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and orlistat. Mounjaro is also slightly more effective at reducing A1c compared to other diabetes medications.
Understanding Your Mounjaro Dose
Mounjaro is available in six doses, ranging from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg once weekly. Patients are initiated on the 2.5 mg dose and after 1 month, if tolerated, can increase the dose to 5 mg.
Each Mounjaro pen contains one dose. You can order your Mounjaro pens in a 4-week supply directly online. It is important not to reuse pens as they are single-use and should be discarded appropriately after it is used.
Each Mounjaro dose is differentiated by a colored banner in the middle of the pen with the specific dose of the pen:
- 2.5 mg = grey
- 5 mg = purple
- 7.5 mg = green
- 10 mg = pink
- 12.5 mg = blue
- 15 mg = orange
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
It’s common to forget a dose now and then, especially with medications that are only taken once a week. If you accidentally miss your scheduled Mounjaro injection, here’s what to do:
If it has been fewer than 4 days (96 hours) since your scheduled dose:
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- Then, continue with your next dose on your regular scheduled day.
Example: If your normal injection day is Monday and you remember on Thursday, go ahead and take the missed dose on Thursday. Your next dose will still be on Monday.
If it has been more than 4 days (96 hours):
- Skip the missed dose.
- Wait and take your next dose on your regular injection day.
- Do not take two doses at once or within a few days of each other to “catch up.”
This helps reduce your risk of side effects like nausea or low blood sugar, especially if you’re on other diabetes medications.
Final Tips and Warnings
When using the Mounjaro injection, it is recommended to rotate injection sites by at least 2 inches to prevent skin irritation. Do not use the Mounjaro pens if the solution is cloudy or if the pen is expired. Dispose of Mounjaro pens properly in a sharps container. If you do not have a sharps container, you may use an empty coffee grounds container. Always follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The once-weekly injection Mounjaro is a convenient option to help control your type 2 diabetes and may result in significant weight loss. Be sure to store Mounjaro properly to maintain its efficacy and safety. As always, you are encouraged to speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about Mounjaro injections.
Frequently Asked Questions
