Mounjaro and Wegovy - Which needle to choose?
Choosing the right needle for weight management medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy is crucial for effective and comfortable administration. So we've set up a guide to talk about the choices available, and help you select the appropriate needle for your injections.
First let's look at some terminology.
Needle Gauge
The gauge of a needle refers to its thickness. For weight management medications:
- Choose a higher gauge number for a thinner needle, which generally causes less discomfort.
- Gauges between 29G and 32G are typically suitable for weight-management medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Needle Length
The length of the needle determines how deep it penetrates:
- For subcutaneous injections, which are used for Mounjaro and Wegovy, shorter needles are preferred.
- Shorter needles reduce the risk of injecting into muscle tissue.
- Needles between 4 mm and 6 mm are generally adequate for most adults, but there are needles as long as 12mm available.
Considerations for Choosing
When selecting a needle, keep in mind: Body Composition: Individuals with more subcutaneous fat may require slightly longer needles (8 mm to 12 mm) to ensure proper delivery. Injection Site: Common sites for these medications include the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. The abdomen typically allows for slightly faster absorption due to richer bloodflow, with the upper arm being the second fastest. You are advised to rotate the injection site within the chosen injection area, 1.5 - 2 inches from the previous injection point. Comfort: Thinner, shorter needles generally cause less discomfort and are easier to use. They also reduce the risk of injecting into muscle tissue.
Mounjaro and Wegovy specifics
Always follow the specific guidelines provided with your medication. Mounjaro and Wegovy typically come in pre-filled pens. Wegovy pens also come with attached needles, while Mounjaro does not. But don't worry - medino ships all orders for Mounjaro with a separate pack of needles and wipes, to ensure our customers are ready to get started when their product arrives. However, there is no choice in terms of what needles you will get. We will send you finepoint ultra 4mm/32g needles with your purchase. Both with Mounjaro and Wegovy you can select and buy a different needle if you think another length or gauge would be better suited for you.
Important Notes on Needles
Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent contamination and ensure proper dosing. Never share needles or pens with anyone else to avoid infection risks. You can consult our pharmacist or your GP for personalised recommendations based on your specific needs, body type and medical history.
For anyone scared of needles
Some people do find the thought of self-injecting a bit scary. The good news is that most people find these injections to be relatively painless. Here are some testimonials from people starting out their weightloss journey:
"This is my 1st injection. I have to say it was much harder to give myself the injection than I thought it would be. I'm not afraid of needles, but for some reason, doing it myself was difficult. But, after my internal battle, I finally did it and it was painless and super easy. Not even a drop of blood."
"I am a bit needle-phobic, but the injections are sort of like a rubber band snap on the skin. It is extremely easy to use."
"Let the journey begin! Already got past one of the biggest hurdles, namely doing the injections myself. The needle is super small, and didn't leave any marks or blood! Super fast, and recommend it to the 'needle-adverse' folks."
In conclusion
Finally, remember that while choosing the right needle is important, you may not need to select a separate needle. Always follow the instructions provided with your medication, and consult a our pharmacist or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about administration.
Why not browse and read more about our selection of needles at medino.
Good luck on your weight-loss journey!
