If you're on a journey to lose weight with Mounjaro®, understanding the best practices for injecting the medication is crucial. This article will walk you through the benefits of Mounjaro®, the optimal injection sites for administering Mounjaro®, and how to choose the right injection site for you. Plus, learn how Mochi Health can support your weight loss journey.

Understanding Mounjaro®

Mounjaro®, which uses the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a medication approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes, though also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss as studies have shown it to be highly effective for both. (1) Mounjaro® works by activating glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, which help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. (1,2) Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro® can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program. (1,3)

What is the Best Place to Inject Mounjaro®?

The best place to inject Mounjaro® largely depends on your comfort and convenience. However, there are three main areas recommended for subcutaneous (under the skin) injections: the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. (4) Each site has its own benefits and considerations.

Where Can You Inject Mounjaro®?

When administering a subcutaneous injection (a shot of medicine, in this case Mounjaro®), the goal is to administer the medication to the fatty tissue directly under the skin. 

Mounjaro® can be injected into three main sites:

1. Abdomen: This is a popular injection site because of its large surface area and ease of access. When injecting in the abdomen, choose a spot at least two inches away from the belly button to avoid sensitive areas.

2. Thigh: The front of the thigh is another excellent site for injections, providing ample subcutaneous fat for effective absorption. Avoid the inner thigh to avoid sensitive areas. 

3. Upper Arm: The back of the upper arm is suitable for those who prefer a less visible injection site. However, you might need assistance from another person to administer the injection correctly. (4)

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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Be aware that it’s normal to experience some minor bleeding, soreness, mild bruising, or redness where you gave yourself the injection. (4) However, if you experience severe pain, bruising, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site, call your medical provider immediately.

How to Find the Best Injection Site for You

Choosing the “best” injection site will change on a weekly basis. The best tip is to rotate your injection sites weekly to prevent repeated trauma to the same tissue. If you prefer injecting into the abdomen, simply space your injections out about a centimeter or so each time to avoid irritating the same area. Or you can administer it into the abdomen one week and the thigh the following week and so on. 

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When to Contact a Medical Professional

It's essential to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

1. Persistent Pain or Discomfort: If you have ongoing pain or discomfort at the injection site, seek medical advice.

2. Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, or pus at the injection site, especially if accompanied by a fever, could indicate an infection and should be addressed promptly.

3. Severe Side Effects: While mild side effects like nausea or diarrhea are common, severe reactions like difficulty breathing is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. 

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How Mochi Supports a Healthy Weight Loss Journey

Navigating weight loss with Mounjaro® can be challenging, but Mochi Health is here to help. Our team of healthcare professionals offers personalized guidance for monitoring your progress and adjusting your treatment plan as needed. With Mochi Health, you can ensure you're on the right track towards achieving your weight loss goals while managing any side effects effectively.

Conclusion

Injecting Mounjaro® correctly is a key component of your weight loss journey. By understanding the best injection sites and following best practices, you can maximize the benefits of this powerful medication. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you're injecting Mounjaro® safely and effectively, and consider leveraging the support of Mochi Health for a successful and healthy weight loss experience.

This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

Sources

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Willard, F. S., Douros, J. D., Gabe, M. B., Showalter, A. D., Wainscott, D. B., Suter, T. M., Capozzi, M. E., van der Velden, W. J., Stutsman, C., Cardona, G. R., Urva, S., Emmerson, P. J., Holst, J. J., D'Alessio, D. A., Coghlan, M. P., Rosenkilde, M. M., Campbell, J. E., & Sloop, K. W. (2020). Tirzepatide is an imbalanced and biased dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. JCI insight, 5(17), e140532. https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc7526454

3. Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Intern Med. Published online July 08, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2525 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2821080‍

4. Food and Drug Administrator. (n.d.-b). Mounjaro®TM (tirzepatide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Access Data FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf