Jammed Mounjaro Pens: Causes and Troubleshooting Guidance
Mounjaro KwikPens are designed to be reliable and easy to use, but occasionally users may find that the pen appears jammed or will not dispense medication. In most cases, this is not a fault with the pen itself. The majority of reported issues are linked to how the needle has been attached.
Understanding the common causes and following the correct troubleshooting steps can usually resolve the problem quickly and safely.
Common causes of a jammed pen
A pen may feel stuck or fail to dispense if:
- The needle has been attached at an angle rather than straight.
- The needle is bent or damaged.
- The needle has not been fully secured.
- The pen has not been primed correctly before injection.
For safety reasons, never try to force the dose button or dismantle the pen.
Step-by-step troubleshooting guidance
Please follow the steps below in the exact order shown. Skipping steps or changing the order may prevent the issue from resolving.
- If a needle is attached, remove it and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Before attaching a new needle, inspect it carefully and make sure neither end is bent or damaged.
- Attach a new needle by placing it straight onto the pen without any angle. Gently twist it on using about one and a half full turns until it feels secure. If the needle does not attach easily, stop and try again. Do not force it.
- Set the pen dose selector to 0.
- Turn the dose selector to the prime or flow check position, usually indicated by two clicks or the prime symbol.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards and release medication into the air. Continue until a small drop or a short stream of liquid appears at the needle tip. Do not inject during this step.
- If no medicine appears, repeat all of the steps from the beginning, including removing the needle and attaching a new one.
If the pen is still not working
If the pen continues to feel jammed or no medication appears after repeating the steps above, do not attempt to use it further. Please contact your pharmacy or healthcare provider for advice before your next dose.
Watch the official Lilly video
Eli Lilly provides a clear video demonstration covering jammed pens and correct needle attachment. You can watch the official guidance here:
https://www.lilly.com/en-CA/resources/faq/mounjaro-kwikpen/jammed
Using the correct needle attachment technique and priming the pen properly before each injection significantly reduces the likelihood of pen issues and helps ensure your dose is delivered safely and effectively.
