If your Mounjaro pen is jammed, won't turn, or isn't delivering your dose properly, you're not alone! Many users experience issues with their Mounjaro KwikPen, and while it can be frustrating, most problems have simple fixes.
This guide will walk you through common Mounjaro pen issues, how to fix them, and tips to prevent problems in the future.
Please note: This article is specifically about the Mounjaro KwikPen used in the UK. If you're based in the USA, refer to our USA article about the Mounjaro pen malfunctions and fixes, as it is a different injection device.
Related article: How to Store Mounjaro and Does it Really Need to be Refrigerated?
What is the Mounjaro KwikPen and How Does It Work?
Mounjaro is an injectable medication used for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss in the UK. It contains tirzepatide, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports weight management by mimicking the effects of gut hormones.
It comes in prefilled injection pens called the Mounjaro KwikPen. Here are some key features of the Mounjaro pen:
✅ Pre-filled, disposable pen - No need for refilling.
✅ Multi-dose injection pen - Provides four fixed doses of tirzepatide for 4 weeks of treatment. Dosage and concentration vary depending on your prescription.
✅ Requires refrigeration before first use and temperature control below 30°C once opened for up to 30 days - Important for maintaining medication stability.
To ensure effective treatment, it's essential to use the Mounjaro KwikPen correctly. Always refer to the manufacturer instructions provided with your medication and ask for your doctor or pharmacist's advice if you have any doubt about how to use your Mounjaro pen.
Common Mounjaro Pen Issues & How to Fix Them
Experiencing issues with your Mounjaro KwikPen can be frustrating, but most problems have straightforward solutions. Below, we'll cover some of the most common issues Mounjaro users face and how to troubleshoot them.
Mounjaro KwikPens are designed for easy self-injection, but like any medical device, they can sometimes malfunction or not work as intended. Some of the most common reasons a Mounjaro pen may be jammed include:
❌ A blocked or incorrectly attached needle
❌ A misaligned or jammed dose knob
❌ The pen not being primed properly
❌ Over-priming or running out of doses
❌ Storage issues affecting the pen's function
❌ Accidental pressure on the dose knob before attachment
❌ Extreme temperature exposure affecting medication flow and effectiveness.
If your pen is stuck or won't turn, don't panic. Below, we'll guide you through step-by-step solutions to get it working again (when possible!).
Is Your Mounjaro Pen Empty?
Sometimes users think their Mounjaro pen is jammed when it's actually empty. Here's how to check:
✅ Look at the dose window - If the plunger has reached the end and you can't select a new dose, the pen is empty and that's why it won't work.
After four full doses, there may still be some medication inside, but this is normal and not usable. After your 4 doses, the medicine leftovers aren't enough for a full dose. Do not use it.
Mounjaro Pen Not Turning or Twisting?
If your Mounjaro pen won't turn or twist, try the following:
✅ Give the dial a gentle tap or wiggle - Sometimes, the plunger mechanism gets a little stuck, but be gentle!
✅ Make sure the needle is attached properly - A missing or incorrectly fitted needle can prevent the Mounjaro pen from working.
✅ Check for over-priming - If you've used too much medicine while priming for your previous doses, the pen may not have enough medicine left for a full dose. Priming is very important, as it helps remove air bubbles and ensure the pen is working correctly. However, if done excessively, it wastes medication and may cause your Mounjaro pen to be empty before your 4th dose.
✅ Ensure the pen is not damaged - Physical damage to the injection device may prevent it from turning. If the pen looks broken or not as usual, it may be damaged. Do not use it.
Related article: How to Travel With Mounjaro: Tips for Cold Storage, Flying and Travelling Abroad!
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Jammed Mounjaro Pen
If your Mounjaro pen still is not working after checking all the above points, a few more easy troubleshooting steps may help.
1. Check the Needle & Attach It Properly
✅ Always use a new needle for each injection.
✅ Remove both caps (inner and outer) before trying to inject.
✅ Ensure the needle is screwed on tightly and is not bent or blocked.
✅ Double-check the needle type to ensure compatibility.
If the needle is blocked, swap it for a new one and try again.
2. Prime the Mounjaro Pen Correctly
Proper priming is crucial to ensuring the pen works properly. If your Mounjaro pen is not clicking, try these steps:
✅ Turn the dose knob until you hear two clicks and see the extended line in the dose window.
✅ Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap the cartridge gently.
✅ Push the dose knob in and count to five before releasing.
✅ Ensure there is a slight release of medication at the needle tip. If not, it there may be a blocked needle issue, or an issue with the injection device itself. First, try with a new needle.
3. Fixing a Hard-to-Push Dose Knob
If the dose knob is hard to push, it could be due to a blocked needle or an internal pressure issue. Try the following:
✅ Push the dose knob slowly rather than forcing it.
✅ Use a new needle to prevent blockages.
✅ Make sure the pen has been stored correctly (more on that below).
✅ Avoid pressing the dose knob before attaching the needle.
4. What to Do if the Pen Still Won't Work
If you've tried everything and your Mounjaro pen is still stuck, it may simply be faulty. Do not try to fix it yourself, as this could lead to incorrect medication dosage. Here's what to do next:
❌ Contact your pharmacy If the pen is defective, they may offer a replacement.
❌ Contact the manufacturer. To contact Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, from the UK and report a faulty Mounjaro pen, click here.
❌ Speak to your GP or specialist - They can advise on alternative solutions.
Related article: What to Do If Mounjaro Is Delivered Warm or When Your Pens are Accidentally Exposed to Heat?
Preventing Future Mounjaro Pen Issues
While faulty Mounjaro pens do happen, most of the issues with jammed pens come from improper handling, usage, or storage. Taking a few simple precautions can help you avoid common issues with your Mounjaro KwikPen:
✅ Always store your Mounjaro pens as recommended. Keep them refrigerated before use. Once opened, they may be stored at room temperature, but always below 30°C and must be used within 30 days max.
✅ Keep it away from extreme heat or cold - Temperature fluctuations can affect medication consistency. Never freeze Mounjaro pens and never exposed it to temperatures above 30°C.
✅ Keep the cap on when not in use.
✅ Never store Mounjaro pens with the needle attached - this can lead to blockages and wasted medication.
✅ Avoid over-priming & wasting medicine - If you find your Mounjaro pen is not empty but won't deliver a full dose, over-priming could be the culprit. Priming is an important step of your Mounjaro injections but follow the instructions carefully and avoid wasting medication.
✅ When travelling or out and about, always carry Mounjaro pens in a medical-grade travel case to protect it from heat and damages.
Related article: Does Mounjaro Expire? Everything You Need to Know About Mounjaro Expiration Dates.
Using the Mounjaro KwikPen correctly can help ensure smooth and hassle-free injections. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, most issues can be resolved quickly. However, if your pen continues to malfunction, don't hesitate to seek professional advice or request a replacement from the pharmacy or the manufacturer itself.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Have you ever had a jammed Mounjaro pen? Do you have any tips or solutions that worked for you? Share your questions, experiences, and advice in the comments below to help others in the community!
