Administering your Mounjaro KwikPen properly helps ensure both safety and effectiveness. Remember to always follow the Instructions for Use included in your pen package and any advice from your healthcare provider.
Step 1: Check & Prepare the Pen
Storage: Keep unused pens refrigerated at 2 °C to 8 °C. Do not freeze. Once first used, the pen may be stored at room temperature (up to 30 °C) for up to 30 days.
Inspection:
Remove the pen cap and confirm the medication name and strength match your prescription.
Check the expiry date, and ensure the pen is undamaged, not cloudy, discoloured, frosted, or containing particles.
Step 2: Wash Your Hands
Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water—or use alcohol-based sanitiser—to reduce the risk of infection.
Step 3: Choose & Clean Your Injection Site
Select one of these subcutaneous sites:
Abdomen, at least 5 cm away from the belly button
Front or outer thigh
Back of the upper arm (only if someone else will administer)
Rotate sites each week to avoid skin irritation or lumps. Clean the area with an alcohol swab, let it air-dry completely.
Step 4: Attach the Needle & Prime the Pen
Prepare the pen:
Wipe the red inner seal with a swab.
Attach a new, single-use needle by pushing it on and twisting until secure.
Remove the outer needle shield and set it aside (you’ll replace it later). Then, remove and discard the inner needle shield.
Prime the pen:
Turn the dose knob until you hear two clicks and see the extended line (prime position) in the dose window.
Hold the pen needle-up; gently tap the cartridge so any air bubbles rise.
Press the dose knob until it stops, releasing a little medicine into the air—and count slowly to five. Confirm the “0” icon appears in the dose window. This ensures air is cleared.
If no medicine appears, repeat up to twice more. If still no medicine, replace the needle and try again.
Step 5: Select and Inject Your Dose
Twist the dose knob to display “1” in the dose window—this indicates the full 0.6 ml dose.
Insert the needle into your cleaned injection site at a 90-degree angle.
Push the dose knob fully in, holding it for a slow count to 5 seconds. Keep holding until the dose window shows “0”—that confirms the full dose has been administered.
Remove the needle from your skin. If “0” is not showing, reinsert the needle and hold until it appears—do not dial the dose again.
Step 6: Finishing Up & Disposal
If there is any minor bleed at the site, lightly apply pressure with a cotton ball or gauze—do not rub.
Carefully re-attach the outer needle shield to cover the needle.
Unscrew the needle and dispose of it immediately into a sharps container—never put needles into household rubbish.
Replace the pen cap. If the pen still contains medication and has been used for fewer than four doses, it may be kept at room temperature (up to 30 °C) for up to 30 days.
After all four doses are used, the empty pen (without needle) may be disposed of in household waste or returned to a pharmacy—depending on local guidance.
Step 7: Storage & Final Reminders
Unused pens: store in fridge (2–8 °C), away from freezing.
Used pens: store at room temperature (up to 30 °C) for up to 30 days.
Never share your pen, even if the needle has been changed.
Patients with vision impairments should not self-administer without a trained person’s assistance.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Pen not working or blocked | Prime again up to twice; if air still remains, change the needle. |
| Injection site lumps or irritation | Rotate injection sites weekly. |
| Missing a dose | Contact your healthcare provider for advice. Consider using a reminder app. |
Final Thoughts
While you’ll become more confident over time, please reach out if you:
Are unsure about any step,
Notice unusual side effects,
Experience symptoms like severe abdominal pain or nausea that could signal rare complications such as pancreatitis.
At Tracey Bell Dental & Aesthetic Clinic, patient safety and confidence are our top priorities. We’re here to support you every step of the way—physically and emotionally—on your journey to better health.
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