If your treatment comes as a pen, like Mounjaro or Wegovy, the first injection is one of the simplest parts of all this. The pen does the hard work for you. The dose is built in, so there's no drawing up and no measuring. It's normal to feel a bit nervous before the first one, but once you've done it you'll see it's just a few quick steps.
Your prescription tells you your dose. And if you're ever unsure, your care team is one message away.
When your pen arrives
After your doctor prescribes your treatment, it's packaged and sent to your door in cold packaging. There's nothing to mix or prepare. When it arrives, put it straight in the fridge.
Get set up
A few things before you start:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them.
- Have ready: your pen, a new pen needle, an alcohol wipe, gauze, and your sharps container.
The injection, step by step
- Take the pen out of the fridge and let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes. Letting it warm up to room temperature makes the injection much more comfortable, because cold medication can sting.
- Check the pen. Make sure it's in date and the liquid looks clear.
- Put on a new needle. Screw on a fresh needle, then pull off the cap. Use a new needle every time.
- Set your dose. Dial the pen to your dose. The pens give an exact amount, so usually you'll dial it all the way.
- Clean the spot. The easiest spot is the belly. Pick a spot a few centimetres from your belly button, and use a different one each time. Wipe it with a fresh alcohol wipe, and let it dry.
- Inject. Press the pen flat against the skin and push the button. Once the dose is going in, hold the pen in place for about 10 seconds so all of it goes in.
- Finish up. Pull the pen straight out, press the spot gently with gauze, take the needle off, and put it straight into your sharps container. Never put the cap back on.
- Store it. Put the pen back in the fridge, ready for next time.
When to message your care team
Most injections are completely fine. But get in touch through the portal if you notice:
- A reaction at the spot that's spreading, hot, or not settling. A small bump is normal.
- Bad or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. A bit of mild tummy upset early on is common as your body adjusts, but anything bad, or that won't ease off, is worth telling us.
- Signs of something more serious, like a severe allergic reaction, trouble breathing, or intense stomach pain. Get medical help first, then let us know.
- A missed or double dose. Don't try to catch up. Message us and we'll guide you.
Where to get your supplies
You'll need pen needles that fit your pen, and an approved sharps container. You can get both from Australian medical suppliers and pharmacies. Never put used needles in the household bin. Use an approved sharps container and return it the way your council or pharmacy tells you.
Key takeaways
- Your pen arrives ready to use. There's nothing to mix or draw up.
- Keep it in the fridge, and let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes before injecting.
- A fresh needle every time. Dial to your dose, and the pen handles the amount.
- Inject into belly fat, hold for about 10 seconds, then take the needle off and put it in the sharps container.
- A bit of mild nausea early on is common. Anything bad or ongoing is worth a message.
Message the care team if: there's a spreading or hot reaction at the spot, bad or ongoing nausea or stomach pain, or you've missed a dose or doubled up. Get in touch rather than guessing. And if you ever just want a hand or some reassurance, we're genuinely happy to talk you through it. The first one is the hardest part, and once it's done you'll have it sorted. You've got this.