Everything You Need To Know About Mounjaro As A First-Time User

Summary

Quick Guide on How To Take Mounjaro

• First, you need to have a consultation with your UK-based provider and it’s prescription only.
• Then, you need to store the pen in the fridge (2–8 °C), at room temp after the first use (≤30 °C up to 30 days).
• Before injecting, you will then prepare the pen, wash your hands, and sanitize the injection site.
• Once done, make sure to secure a new needle and prime to avoid air.
• If you are injecting it in your abdomen/thigh, make sure it is at 90° then press and hold for 5 sec.
• You need to dispose of the needle safely, weekly rotation sites and follow your schedule the same day/time.

 

What You Will Learn

Upon reading this article, you will learn the following :

• You will learn about what Mounjaro is and how it actually works in the UK.
• You learn how to properly prepare the Mounjaro and administer the injection correctly.
• You will learn about properly managing post-injection care and storage.
• You will learn to identify and avoid common errors that affect the treatment effectiveness.
• You will learn how to feel confident injecting and navigating the treatment routine.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Mounjaro

It is a prescription-only medication that works for weight management and treating Type 2 Diabetes. Mounjaro has an active ingredient called tirzepatide that is approved by the UK MHRA in treating those two. It is delivered through a pre-filled device. For people wanting to lose weight and having a hard time seeing results by only doing exercise, they can incorporate this to achieve their goals. If you are in the UK, it is available through private weight-loss clinics and is currently being rolled out in phases across the NHS specifically for patients with the highest clinical need.

Mounjaro works by mimicking two natural hormones in the body such as GLP-1 and GIP. These two hormones are responsible for how you crave food and how you feel full after a few food intake. It reduces your food noise and constant cravings that makes your weight loss management hard for you. It functions by physically slowing down the food inside your stomach which leads to longer time of storage in your body, and making you less hungry for most of the time. Also, it helps your pancreas release insulin more effectively in response to food. It helps in stabilising your blood sugar levels too.

 

Here’s How To Prepare For Your First Injection

Before you take your first Mounjaro injection in the UK, there are certain medical processes that you need to follow in order to make sure that the treatment is safe and effective for you. Here’s a quick break down on how to get started:

Consultation

Since it is a prescription-only medication, it is not available over the counter. You need to have a prescription given by your doctor once you have gone through medical assessment. Typically, you must have a BMI of 30 or higher in order to take it. You are also qualified to take it if your BMI is 27 or higher and have a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will then check your medical condition and history during your consultation. This is to ensure that your condition is qualified to take the Mounjaro and there will be no harmful risks for you. This is also the time when you will learn more about Mounjaro and set your expectations right.

 

What to Expect Before Starting

Before starting, you should know that Mounjaro is a long-term commitment to a lifestyle shift and not just a quick fix in losing weight. It begins by starting at 2.5mg where it is often called the initiation dose. It primarily helps your body to slowly adjust to the medication and avoid any possible risks that might cause. Visible results might not be present at this time but you will slowly begin to notice lesser food noise as you take this dosage. Make sure to set a specific day and time that works well with your schedule and follow it consistently. Most people typically schedule it on Friday or weekend so they can manage if there are any side effects like nausea or tiredness that may occur after the time of injection.

 

Managing Storage & Supply

The most important rule in maintaining Mounjaro is the ‘cold chain’ before using it. Unopened pens should be stored in your refrigerator at a temperature somewhere between 2°C and 8°C. To avoid the fluctuation of its temperature every time you open it, Mounjaro is best to keep in the middle of the fridge rather than the door. Make sure not to freeze the pen as well. If it accidentally freezes, the tirzepatide will break down and you should discard the pen. As long as the Mounjaro is stored in the refrigerator and still unopened, it is safe to use until the expiration date printed on the box.

 

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

 

Step‑by‑Step Guide on How to Take the Mounjaro Injection

Gathering Your Supplies

Prepare your supplies before starting. Get your mounjaro pen, new sterile needle, alchohol wipe, and yellow sharps bin. Make sure to wash your hands first. Ideally, you should take the pen out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before using it at room temperature.

 

Checking & Preparing the Pen

Make sure to double check the label to confirm if it’s the correct medicine and has not expired. Check the clear window of the pen and make sure that the liquid is clear and colourless. If it looks cloudy or looks frozen, do not use it. Once these are all checked, pull off the grey pen cap and wipe the red inner seal with the alcohol swab.

 

Choosing and Cleaning the Injection Site

If you choose the abdomen as your injection site, make sure it is at least 5cm from the navel. Make sure to clean the area with the alcohol swab before injecting and have a regular site rotation weekly to keep your tissue healthy.

 

Attaching Needle & Priming the Pen

Make sure to use a new needle onto the pen and remove both the outer and inner needle shields. You should turn the dose knob to the prime symbol and gently press it fully until a drop of liquid appears. This is to ensure that there are no air bubbles.

 

Administering the Injection

Turn the dose knob to the number 1 and make sure to inject the needle at a 90-degree angle. Gently press the knob down completely. Hold the knob in place for 5 seconds before withdrawing the needle. This is to ensure the full dose is completely injected.

 

Post Injection Steps

You should check if the dose window now shows 0 to confirm the medicine has been fully injected. Carefully replace the outer needle cap, remove the needle, and then dispose of it immediately.

 

Most Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if I miss a weekly dose of Mounjaro?

If you missed it for 4 days or less from your scheduled day, you should take the dose immediately. If it is more than 4 days, skip the dose and just wait for the next week of your regular injection day.

• Can I use the same injection site twice in a row?

Yes, but you should rotate the specific spot of that area each week. It should be at least one finger-width to prevent skin irritation.

• Is it safe to inject in the upper arm on my own?

It is best to ask for help for someone to do it so you can be sure that you have a successful injection of Mounjaro.

• How should I store Mounjaro when travelling?

You should carry it inside your hand luggage using a travel cool bag and make sure to keep its temperature between 2°C and 8°C. If refrigeration is unavailable, it can also stay at a room temperature up to 30°C for up to 30 days.

• What side effects are common and how can I manage them?

Nausea and constipation are most of the common side effects. These side affects can be managed by eating smaller, staying highly hydrated, and by increasing food intake that has high in fibre.