How to Fix a Jammed Mounjaro Pen

If you’re using Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for your weight loss journey, you might occasionally find your pen isn’t working quite as smoothly as you’d like. While this can feel worrying, the good news is we can walk you through how to fix a jammed Mounjaro pen, and you can fix most issues yourself.

Common Issues with Mounjaro Kwikpen

Most issues, like a stiff plunger or clicking mechanism, usually have simple solutions you can try at home. 

Before troubleshooting, make sure your hands are clean and work in a well-lit area where you can clearly see the pen. Remember that your pen is a precision medical device with an inner needle. Never try to take it apart or force it, as this could affect how well your medication works.

My Mounjaro Pen is Harder to Push Than I Expected

When you first start using Mounjaro, you’ll notice the pen doesn’t push down as easily as you might expect. Don’t worry, this resistance is intentional and shows your pen is working properly. It’s designed this way to make sure you get exactly the right amount of medication each time.

Your first injection might feel firmer or more challenging than later ones. This is completely normal, and most people find they become more comfortable after their first few doses. The pen’s mechanism stays the same, but you’ll feel more confident as you get used to it.

Remember: Each pen has the same built-in safety features, so what might feel like stiffness is actually your pen’s way of making sure you get a safe and accurate dose.

My Mounjaro Injection Still Has Medication Left in the Pen, But I Have Had All the Doses

Even if you have used your Mounjaro pen as you should and followed your treatment schedule, you may still have some medication left in the pen after the four doses. Your Mounjaro pen is specifically designed to make sure you get the full dose of medication each time you use it. 

What you might see as “leftover” medication is actually an intentionally included extra amount to allow you spare to prime your pen with. It’s important not to overprime your pen, so the goal is not to use every last drop of the medicine – it’s expected to have some left.

What’s Normal vs What’s Not After Your Final Dose

Normal:

• A small amount of clear liquid is visible after you have used all 4 doses
• The pen’s dose counter shows zero even though you have a little visible medication
• Slight variations in the amount of visible medication between pens

Not Normal:

• Large amounts of medication remaining with unused doses
• The dose counter shows the remaining doses but doesn’t deliver the medication
• Unable to complete all scheduled doses with one pen

If you cannot complete your prescribed doses with one pen, or if the amount of remaining medication seems unusually large, it’s worth discussing with your prescriber, either your GP or pharmacist.

Check You Are Properly Using Your Mounjaro Pen

Follow the instructions in your patient information leaflet to get the most comfortable and effective injection technique. Remember to:

• Always use a new compatible needle for each injection
• Select your injection site carefully, rotating between different areas as recommended by your GP or pharmacist
• Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely
• Remove the grey cap and place the clear base against your skin with firm pressure. Check that the injection button is fully exposed. Sometimes, clothing or even fingers can get in the way without you realising it.

Storage & Handling Tips

Storing your Mounjaro pen properly is important for maintaining its effectiveness:

Before First Use:

• Keep your unused pens in their original packaging in the fridge (2°C to 8°C)
• Never freeze your Mounjaro pens
• Protect from direct light
• Keep out of reach of children

After Starting Use:

• Store at room temperature for up to 21 days
• Keep track of when you started using the pen
• Never store with the needle attached
• Avoid exposure to heat or direct sunlight

When to Seek Help vs When to Troubleshoot

When you find your pen isn’t working as you expected, you might feel disappointed or worried about keeping up with your treatment schedule. If your pen is visibly damaged, leaking medication, or completely stuck despite normal pressure, speak to your prescriber about the next steps. 

Why is my Mounjaro Pen stuck or won’t click?

If you have followed all the instructions and find the pen is completely stuck, there may be an issue with the pen’s activation mechanism. There could be several causes, and you may be able to solve this yourself without needing a replacement:

• You haven’t primed the pen. Priming the pen removes air bubbles and allows the medication to flow. Do this a maximum of 2 times per injection.
• You need a new needle. To help prevent infections, use a new needle before every injection, checking that it is not damaged, bent or broken and is securely attached.
• The pen was stored incorrectly. When not in use, remove the needle and put the pen lid on to prevent air, lint, dust, food or liquid from entering the pen. If this happens, you may have to dispose of the pen.
• Your injection technique. Your grip position controls how the plunger moves, so place your thumb firmly on the injection button and position your fingers comfortably around the pen body. A proper grip provides better control and can make the plunger feel less resistant.
• Your injection speed. The most common mistake is trying to press the plunger too quickly. The pen’s mechanism is designed to work with steady, moderate pressure. Trying to inject too fast can make the plunger feel stuck and may prevent proper dose delivery.
• The injection angle. Your pen should be positioned at a 90-degree angle to your skin, with the pen needle fully inserted. An incorrect angle can cause the internal mechanism to feel stiff or stuck.

Step-By-Step Guide to Fixing a Stiff Plunger

If you’re experiencing plunger stiffness, follow these steps in order:

1. Remove the pen from your skin completely.
2. Make sure you have inserted a new needle and have primed the kwikpen correctly.
3. Centre your thumb on the injection button.
4. Place the pen at a 90-degree angle against your skin.
5. Use steady, moderate force until there is an audible click.
6. Firmly hold it in place, and after clicking, slowly count to 5 before removing the pen.

Is my Mounjaro Pen actually broken? 

If you’re worried that your Mounjaro pen is broken, you can do some simple checks on the pen to work out if it needs replacing. 

How to Check Your Pen

• The medication inside should be as clear as water, with no floating bits. If you notice anything unusual, like cloudiness or particles, do not use the pen, and speak to your supplier.
• Check the number display on your pen (the dose counter). The dose window should change smoothly when you handle the pen and show clear, easy-to-read numbers. 
• Give your pen a quick once-over for any obvious damage. Look for cracks or leaks that could affect how well your pen works.

Test if Everything Is Working

1. Hold your pen up to eye level and look at the medication window. When you tilt the pen gently, the liquid inside should move freely.
2. Try turning the dose dial (pointing the pen upward). It should feel smooth and steady, not jerky or stuck.
3. Listen for a click when you activate the pen.

When to Return Your Mounjaro Pen

Sometimes, you may need to return your pen despite proper handling and troubleshooting. Here’s when to take action:

• Visible damage to the pen
• Medication appears cloudy or contains particles
• Complete failure to deliver medication despite correct technique
• Leaking from any part of the pen

If you think a return is necessary, please get in touch with the pharmacy where you bought the Mounjaro pen first. They’ll need specific details about your pen’s issue and can guide you through the return process. 

Faulty pens must be sent back to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, for testing. As Mounjaro is a medicinal product, the return process must follow strict guidelines set by regulatory authorities and the manufacturer.

Please keep the original packaging and all the pen components, as the manufacturer will need these to process your return. Do not send the pen to your pharmacy or the manufacturer without their approval, and follow their packing instructions to meet safety regulations.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey With Click2Pharmacy

At Click2Pharmacy, we understand that your weight management journey with Mounjaro is important, and having confidence in your medication delivery device is important for your success. To learn more about Mounjaro and the services we offer, visit our online Weight Loss Clinic.

If you’ve purchased your pen from us and have an issue, contact us today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.