Starting a new medication can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive checklist breaks down everything you need to do before, during and after your first Mounjaro injection so nothing is missed.
Before You Order
- Confirm your BMI is 30+ (or 27+ with a weight-related condition).
- Complete an online consultation or see your GP/prescriber.
- Disclose all current medications, supplements and medical conditions.
- Compare pharmacy prices using MedsLens to get the best deal.
- Check the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Before Your First Injection
- Obtain a sharps bin (free from most pharmacies or councils).
- Stock up on nausea-friendly foods: ginger tea, crackers, plain rice, electrolyte sachets.
- Clear fridge space for storing pens at 2–8°C.
- Record baseline weight, waist measurement and a progress photo.
- Choose your injection day and set a recurring reminder.
- Watch Eli Lilly’s official KwikPen instructional video (available on their UK website).
Injection Day
- Remove pen from fridge 30 minutes before injecting.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Choose an injection site: abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Follow the KwikPen instructions: unlock, place flat on skin, press and hold for 10 seconds.
- Dispose of the used pen in your sharps bin immediately.
- Note the date and injection site in your tracker.
First 48 Hours
- Eat lightly—small, bland meals are best.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water.
- Avoid greasy, spicy or heavy foods.
- Take gentle walks if you feel up to it.
- Do not worry if you feel nauseous—this is normal and usually mild at the 2.5 mg starting dose.
Ongoing Weekly Habits
- Weigh yourself once per week on the same day and time.
- Prioritise protein at every meal (aim for 1.2–1.6 g per kg of body weight daily).
- Include two to three resistance-training sessions per week to preserve muscle.
- Rotate injection sites each week.
- Attend prescriber review appointments (usually every 4–12 weeks).
When to Contact Your Prescriber
- Persistent vomiting lasting more than 48 hours.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing.
- If you miss a dose by more than 4 days.
Month-One Milestones
By the end of your first month on Mounjaro you should have completed four weekly injections at the 2.5 mg starting dose, established a consistent injection routine, and begun to notice reduced appetite. Weight loss of 1–3 kg in the first month is typical, though some people lose more. If you have experienced no side effects and minimal appetite reduction, your prescriber will likely increase your dose to 5 mg for month two.
Bookmark or print this checklist. Having everything in one place makes your first weeks on Mounjaro as smooth as possible.