Key takeaways
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- It’s available as a single-dose prefilled pen.
- You will administer your Mounjaro injections into your abdomen or thigh. You may also have a caregiver inject the drug into the back of your upper arm.
Doctors prescribe Mounjaro to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and certain children with type 2 diabetes. It’s used along with diet and exercise for best results. In some cases, Mounjaro may be prescribed off label for weight loss. “Off-label” use refers to a drug that is prescribed for a condition other than what it has been approved for.
By knowing how and where to inject Mounjaro, you can help the medication work as intended.
When you are ready to inject Mounjaro, you may choose to inject it into your stomach or thigh. You may also have another person or a caregiver inject the drug into your upper arm. These areas contain a layer of fat, which helps your body absorb Mounjaro gradually. A healthcare professional will likely train you to administer your Mounjaro doses.
Preventing Mounjaro injection site reactions
Each time you inject a dose of Mounjaro, you should rotate your injection sites to reduce discomfort and lower the risk of skin reactions, such as irritation or itching. If you choose your stomach, you’ll want to inject the drug into a spot that is at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
Mounjaro injection resources
If you need more resources on how to inject Mounjaro into the thigh, stomach, or upper arm:
- View the manufacturer’s website, which contains an instructional video with diagrams and step-by-step picture instructions.
- Read the “Injecting Mounjaro” section of Mounjaro’s prescribing information.
These resources can help provide details on how to inject the drug into the abdomen, thigh, and arm.
Your personal preference and ease of access to the injection site will help you determine which site is the best option for you to administer your Mounjaro injection.
Your thigh and abdomen offer easy and convenient spots to self-inject your medication. Your upper arm may be more suitable for when another person injects your medication for you.
When injecting Mounjaro into your thigh, abdomen, or arm, you’ll want to do the following:
- avoid injecting the drug into skin that is irritated, sore, injured, bruised, or scarred
- make sure you rotate your Mounjaro doses to different injection sites
- after injecting Mounjaro, do not rub your skin
If you have additional questions about which location is right for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Mounjaro is a subcutaneous injection given under the skin. You can inject the drug into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. While the stomach and thigh are easily accessible spots for when you self-inject, the upper arm may work if a caregiver or another person is available to assist you. To prevent skin irritation and ensure proper absorption of the drug, you will want to rotate your injection site every week and avoid skin that is bruised, scarred, or tender.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.