Mounjaro KwikPen – how the pre-filled injection pen works

What is Mounjaro KwikPen and how does it work?

KwikPen is a medical instrument designed to deliver precise doses of the drug tirzepatide, which activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Activation of these receptors contributes to increasing the feeling of satiety and balancing blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes and/or with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related complication (such as obstructive sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, or elevated blood sugar).

Unlike traditional single-use pens, KwikPen is a multi-dose pen containing several doses in one single unit. This means you can use the same pen for several injection occasions according to your treatment plan, instead of discarding it after each use. When all prescribed doses have been taken, the pen should be discarded, even if a small amount of medication remains.

The injection is given subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh, abdomen (at least 5 cm from the navel), or on the back of the upper arm. Before the injection, the pen should be checked for appearance and expiry date. Dosage and use of Mounjaro vary depending on the individual treatment plan, and it is important to always follow the prescription and instructions from healthcare professionals.

Dosage strengths: Mounjaro KwikPen

Mounjaro KwikPen is available in several dosage strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.

How do you prepare and take an injection with the solution in a pre-filled injection pen?

Mounjaro KwikPen is a pre-filled multi-dose pen that usually contains several doses for weekly administration. One dose is taken once per week according to the prescribed dosing schedule. The pen must always be used in accordance with the doctor's prescription. Read the instructions for use and the package leaflet carefully before using a new pen, as updated information may have been added.

Before the injection, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly. Check that the solution in the pen is clear and colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use the pen if the liquid is cloudy or contains particles.

Then attach a new, sterile needle intended for the pen. Before using the pen, it needs to be prepared through so-called "priming" according to the instructions for use. This involves spraying out a small amount of medication to ensure the pen is working correctly and that no air remains in the system.

Set the prescribed dose according to your treatment plan. Insert the needle subcutaneously with a steady motion and then press the dose button down completely. Keep the needle in the skin for at least 5–10 seconds to ensure the entire dose is administered before withdrawing the needle.

Vary the injection site from week to week. Avoid injecting in the exact same spot on repeated occasions. Do not use the same injection site for other medications, such as insulin or sulphonylureas.

How does the treatment work?

Mounjaro KwikPen contains a pre-mixed solution where tirzepatide is administered in an injection volume of 0.6 ml per dose. Tirzepatide is the active substance in the medication Mounjaro. The substance is a so-called dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.

The medication is available in several different dosage strengths ranging from 2.5 mg tirzepatide in 0.6 ml up to 15 mg tirzepatide in 0.6 ml solution.

The treatment is intended as a supplement to diet and physical activity to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes as well as for weight management in patients with obesity. This usually includes patients with a BMI ≥27 kg/m² in combination with weight-related comorbidity, or a BMI ≥30 kg/m².

Storage and shelf life

Unopened pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C until first use or until the expiry date stated on the packaging has passed.

After the pen has been taken into use, it can be stored at room temperature (maximum 30 °C) for up to 30 days.

The medication must not be frozen and should not be used if it has been frozen. It can be stored in the original packaging with the protective cap on to protect the contents from light.

Warnings and precautions with the pen from Eli Lilly

The injection pen should be discarded after all prescribed doses have been administered, even if there is remaining solution in the pen. Any residual liquid that may remain is not intended to be used as an extra dose, but constitutes a technical margin to ensure correct dosing at the regular injection occasions.

Attempting to use this residual amount can lead to incorrect dosing and should therefore be avoided. The pen should always be discarded according to current instructions after finished use.

Missed dose with KwikPen injection solution – what to do?

The recommended starting dose for Mounjaro KwikPen is usually 2.5 mg once per week for at least 4 weeks, after which the dose can be adjusted if necessary according to the doctor's prescription. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule.

If you miss a dose, it can be taken within 4 days of the planned time. If more than 4 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose taken as planned on the regular injection day.

A double dose should not be taken to compensate for a missed injection, as this can increase the risk of side effects, especially from the gastrointestinal tract, without improving the treatment effect. By following these guidelines, a steady level of tirzepatide is maintained in the body along with a stable treatment effect.

Frequently asked questions about KwikPen (FAQ)

Does the injection with KwikPen hurt?

Most people find that the injection with KwikPen is associated with little or no pain. The needle used is very thin and short, and the medication is injected subcutaneously (into the subcutaneous fat), where sensitivity is generally lower than in other tissues.

However, how the injection is experienced is individual. Some slight discomfort or a mild stinging sensation may occur in connection with the injection. It is also common for the skin to sometimes become slightly red or irritated at the injection site, which is usually temporary.

Injection solution in a pre-filled injection pen – can I take my injection in the evening?

Mounjaro can be administered at any time of the day, regardless of whether it is morning, day, or evening. The injection does not need to be taken in connection with a meal.

To maintain a steady treatment effect, it is recommended that the dose be taken on the same weekday each week. Establishing a fixed routine can facilitate adherence to the treatment.

In which doses is Mounjaro KwikPen available?

Mounjaro 5 mg, Mounjaro 7.5 mg, Mounjaro 10 mg, Mounjaro 12.5 mg, and Mounjaro 15 mg are all available as pre-filled multi-dose injection pens and contain the corresponding amount of tirzepatide in 0.6 ml solution per dose. It is important to use Mounjaro together with diet and exercise for the best effect. It is also important to follow the doctor's prescription and instructions for the dosage, which usually starts with Mounjaro 2.5 mg once a week and can be stepped up to Mounjaro 15 mg once a week based on need and tolerance.

Sources

Eli Lilly. How to use Mounjaro KwikPen
https://www.lilly.com/en-CA/resources/faq/mounjaro-kwikpen/use-kwikpen

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

European Medicines Agency (EMA). Mounjaro
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/mounjaro