Where and how to inject Mounjaro: the best Mounjaro injection sites

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved prescription drug for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist that works on GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors to regulate blood sugar levels (glucose) and reduce appetite.

Mounjaro comes in single-dose pre-filled pens for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Body parts with a considerable fatty layer are considered the best choices for Mounjaro injection. Make sure to administer the weekly injection properly to maximize the benefits of the drug. If you see any negative reactions, including swelling, redness, or pain that does not go away, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

We’ve shared the recommended injection sites for Mounjaro and a simple step-by-step guide on administering the injection pen properly.

Where to inject Mounjaro pen

When injecting Mounjaro, it’s important to choose a site with a fatty layer to ensure the medication absorbs readily into the bloodstream. You can administer the medication into any of the recommended sites for subcutaneous administration, and alternate sites every time to avoid injection site reactions.

• Stomach: The stomach is one of the most popular injection sites because of the fat layer and easy reach. When injecting Mounjaro into the abdomen, do not inject near your belly button, waistline, or the area around your pelvic (hip) bones. The area below your ribs and above your hip bone, at least 2 inches away from the belly button, is the best choice. The belly button has a connective tissue called fascia that cannot absorb medication.
• Upper arm: Besides the stomach, the back of the upper arm is also a popular site for injecting tirzepatide injection. Inject the pen 3 inches below the shoulder and 3 inches above the elbow, on the side or back. It is a good choice when someone else is administering the injection for you.
• Thigh: When you inject Mounjaro into the thigh, make sure to aim for the outer side of the upper thigh for easy injection and absorption.

What are the best Mounjaro injection sites?

The stomach, upper arm, and thigh are the injection sites suggested for people who want to inject Mounjaro injection for fast absorption. Studies show that absorption levels are similar in all three injection sites.

Research sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company has shown a higher ratio of Cmax in the abdomen (1.25) compared to 0.8 in the thighs. At the same time, estimates for the 90% CI geometric least square means ratios of Cmax for the upper arm versus abdomen injection sites were from 0.80 to 1.25. Patients in this study received 5 mg of tirzepatide by subcutaneous injections.

What is the best place to inject Mounjaro for weight loss?

Whether your doctor has prescribed Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes or off-label for weight loss, all three injection sites (abdomen, thigh, and upper arm) are suitable for administration. However, based on Eli Lilly’s research, the abdomen provides the highest absorption compared to the thigh and upper arm.

How to inject Mounjaro

You can inject Mounjaro effortlessly into the injection site of your choice or someone else to do it for you, especially if you’re new to it. This brief guide takes you through all the steps of Mounjaro injection to help you administer it properly.

1. Gather supplies

It is important to have all the supplies at hand when you want to inject Mounjaro. You’ll need to prepare:

• A new Mounjaro pen
• Alcohol swabs
• Gauze pad

You can take the injection out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before injecting. It’s also suggested to have a sharps disposal container nearby for disposing of the injection immediately after administration.

2. Prepare the injection site

Firstly, fold the piece of clothing (if any) covering the injection site and disinfect the area. Cleaning the site of injection helps prevent infections. Here’s how you can prepare the site of injection by cleaning it thoroughly:

• Wash and dry your hands or use a hand sanitizer.
• Use an alcohol swab to clean the location of the injection.
• Let it dry before injecting Mounjaro; do not blow on the wet area to dry it, as it can contaminate the injection site.

3. Open the injection

When you take your injection out of the refrigerator, make sure that you see the closed padlock symbol next to the purple injection button.

Check the expiry date, dose, and make sure the pen has a clear base and contains no particles. Also, ensure that the pen contains the complete dose of Mounjaro and is not damaged or opened.

Once you’re sure it’s safe to use the pen, remove the gray safety cover to open it. Discard the gray base cap and do not put it off again as it can damage the needle. It’s fine to see a drop of medication on the needle – do not touch or clean it.

4. Inject Mounjaro dose

Insert the pen into the site of injection and unlock the pen by turning the lock ring. You’ll see the open padlock symbol. You can also pinch a fold of skin next to the injection site with the free hand at this point. Press the purple button and hold the pen for 10 seconds to release all the components of the injections into the desired location.

You’ll hear two clicks. The first click indicates that the injection has started injecting the drug into the select site, and the other click indicates that the injection has finished. You’ll also see a gray plunger in the medicine window. Slowly remove the pen from your body after you hear the second click.

5. Clean the injection site

When you take the injection out of the injection site, you might see a little blood. Don’t worry, it’s common. You can use a gauze pad to gently dab the area to clean the blood and prevent further bleeding. You may also experience redness, pain, or itching at the injection site. Although many users report it, you should consult your healthcare practitioner in case of extreme stomach pain, swelling, or develop a fever after injecting Mounjaro.

6. Discard the pen

Disposing of single-dose Mounjaro injection pens properly is critical to preventing harm to kids, animals, or anyone else in the house. Throw the pen in the sharps container after administration as recommended by the manufacturer. If you do not have a sharps disposal container, use a sturdy plastic container to dispose of the pen. The container must have a puncture-resistant, leak-proof, tight-fitting lid for safety.

How to inject Mounjaro vials

The instructions are slightly different when using Mounjaro vials. Similar to the pens, gather your supplies, clean your preferred injection site, and follow these steps:

1. Prepare the vial

Remove the protective cap from the top of the Mounjaro vial and use the alcohol swab to wipe the rubber stopper. Don’t use the same alcohol swab that you used to clean your skin on the injection site. It’s recommended to keep the vial on a flat and sturdy surface before proceeding to the next step.

2. Prepare the syringe

Remove the needle shield from the syringe. Hold the syringe with its needle pointing upwards. Use one of your hands to pul the plunger down until the plunger tip is at 0.5 mL.

Turn over the syringe and push the needle into the vial’s rubber stopper. Push the 0.5 mL of air into the vial.

3. Prepare to inject

After pushing the air into the vial, turn the vial and syringe upside down. Use one of your hands to hold the vial. Using your other hand, slowly pull the plunger of the syringe down until the tip of the plunger is past the syringe’s 0.5 mL line.

Tap the syringe gently to help any remaining air bubbles rise to the top of the vial, and slowly push the plunger until it’s tip reaches the 0.5 mL line. Turn over the vial and syringe, and remove the syringe from the vial.

4. Inject Mounjaro dose

Insert the needle into your preferred injection site and push down the plunger to inject the dose. Keep the needle in your skin for at least 5 seconds to help you receive your full dose.

5. Discard the vial and syringe

Make sure that 5 seconds have passed and then pull out the needle from your skin. Throw away the syringe in a sharps container. Don’t recap the needle to avoid injury. The empty vial can also be thrown away in your regular trash.

Use a new needle for each dose to reduce the chances of infection and irritating the skin.

Tips on injecting Mounjaro for best results

You can easily inject Mounjaro into your body by following the steps mentioned above. A few additional considerations will help you avoid reactions and ensure smooth administration. Use the following tips to ensure you get the maximum benefits of each dose.

• Do not inject the Mounjaro pen into wounded or cut skin. Select a healthy part of the skin for administration.
• Make sure to keep the injection pen’s needle inserted into the skin for at least 10 seconds to let all of the medication enter the body. If using the vial with the separate syringes, it’s at least 5 seconds.
• Do not unlock the pen until you’re ready to administer the injection.
• Discard the injection pens carefully after use.
• Change the location of the injection every time to prevent injection site reactions like irritation and swelling.
• Avoid administering another injectable medication (e.g. insulin) at the same location as Mounjaro.
• Make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients to prevent allergic reactions.
• If you’re using Mounjaro vials, use a new syringe with each dose.

How to store Mounjaro

Eli Lilly recommends storing the subcutaneous injections in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Although you can store Mounjaro at room temperature for up to 21 days, make sure to check the expiry date before injecting and do not keep the injections unrefrigerated if the temperature is higher than 86°F (30°C).

Keep the Mounjaro single-dose injections in the original packaging to protect them from light and heat from the sun. Keep the injections away from the cooling component in the refrigerator and do not put the pens in the freezer.

Disposal of the used pen

Dispose of the used Mounjaro pen into an FDA-cleared sharps container you can find at a medical equipment supplier or pharmacy. If you do not have a sharps container available, use a upright and stable container made with heavy-duty plastic. It must be puncture-resistant and leak-proof to prevent any harm to kids and pets in the house.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to inject Mounjaro in the stomach or leg?

The stomach (abdomen) is one of the suggested sites. It’s not recommended to administer the injection in the lower leg. If you find that it’s more convenient to insert the pen in the lower torso, opt for the outer thigh instead of the calf or inner thigh.

Is it better to inject Mounjaro in the stomach or thigh?

Although you can inject Mounajro in all three preferred injection sites by rotating the location every time, research shows that drugs administered through the abdomen are absorbed more readily than other sites. A study howed that the estimates for the 90% CI geometric least square means ratios of Cmax for the upper arm versus abdomen injection sites were from 0.80 to 1.25. Moreover, administering a subcutaneous injection in the thigh may result in more pain than in the abdomen. However, you can select the site of injection according to your preference.

How do I know if I injected Mounjaro correctly?

Follow the Mounjaro administration step-by-step guide to inject Mounjaro correctly. However, in case you’re unsure if you have injected Mounjaro correctly, look out for the following signs:

• You must see an unlocked padlock sign on the injection after you open it.
• You should hear two ‘click’ sounds when administrating the injection.
• A gray plunger in the pen indicates that the whole dose has been injected.

What is the best time of the day to inject Mounjaro?

You can inject Mounjaro any time of day, according to your convenience. Once you select the administration time, inject the medication at the same time every week. You can also change the timing or day of injection, but you must take the next dose of Mounjaro at least two days after the previous dose. Use a manual chart or an app to track your weekly injections. Setting weekly alarms can also be helpful.

What are the possible injection site reactions?

When taking Mounjaro, you might experience injection site reactions like discomfort, pain, itching, swelling, and redness. You might also see a drop of blood at the location of administration and there’s no need to worry about it. 3.2% of participants in a clinical trial reported injection site reactions, but they are not common side effects of Mounjaro.

If the signs of the reaction do not subside within three days, consult with your healthcare professional. They might change the dose or prescribe you a drug to relieve the pain and swelling.

Can I inject Mounjaro through clothing?

You can inject Mounjaro through clothing, but it is not recommended. Removing the clothing from the intended site of injection will allow you to insert the injection properly. Injecting through the clothing may also introduce external pathogens that can cause infection.

Should I let Mounjaro warm up to room temperature before injecting?

It is not necessary, but leaving Mounjaro outside 30 minutes before injecting allows it to reach room temperature. Colder injections can sting more compared to room-temperature medication. Don’t use warm water or a microwave to bring the injection to room temperature.

What happens if I see air bubbles in my pen?

According to Eli Lilly and Company, air bubbles are common and do not affect the efficacy or safety of the injection. Do not tap the pen to remove air bubbles and administer the injection per instructions.

Do I need to hold the injection button down until I am done injecting?

Hold the injection down when you insert the needle into your skin. Keep it in place for 10 seconds at least, so that all of the medication is transferred into your body. You do not need to keep the button pressed; wait for two loud clicks before removing the injection pen.

What happens if I hear 2 clicks during my injection?

Hearing two clicks when injecting Mounjaro is normal. The first click indicates that the injection has started and the second click assures that the medication has been transferred into your body.

How can I be sure that the injection worked?

When you take the injection out of the refrigerator, make sure that the injection pen is not frozen. When administering, carefully listen to ensure the pen clicked twice (once after you clicked the button and the second time after around 10 seconds). Check the gray plunger after administration.

What happens if there is a drop of blood or liquid on my skin after injecting?

You might observe a drop of blood or liquid on the skin after injecting a subcutaneous injection like Mounjaro. It happens if the pen needle punctures a tiny blood vessel or the drug leaks out of the injection. You don’t need to be concerned and you can dab the area with cotton to stop bleeding. It’s not suggested to rub the injection site.

How to save on Mounjaro

Purchasing Mounjaro can be expensive, especially without insurance coverage. You can save on Mounjaro by getting a Savings Card and paying as little as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription if you’re eligible.

You can also get compounded tirzepatide (the same active ingredient as Mounjaro) at a fraction of the price through the NiceRx Weight Loss Program.

Bottom line

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GLP-1 and GIP dual receptor agonist containing the same active ingredient as Zepbound, a weight loss drug made by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Mounjaro is prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus and used off-label for weight loss, like Ozempic (semaglutide).

Mounjaro comes in pre-filled single-dose injection pens that are administered subcutaneously every week. The abdomen, outer thigh, and back of your upper arm are the best sites for injecting Mounjaro. There’s no “best place” to inject Mounjaro and your body will absorb similar levels of Mounjaro regardless of which of the three injection sites you choose to inject into.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to inject Mounjaro.