What to do when my pen gets jammed

Last reviewed
August 5, 2025
Reviewed by
Ting-Hoi Chan
Next review
August 3, 2026
Jump to question

Experiencing a jammed Mounjaro KwikPen can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure why it’s happening. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons your Mounjaro pen might be jammed and how to troubleshoot and resolve these issues safely and confidently.

Why is my Mounjaro KwikPen jammed?

It can be frustrating and perhaps even a little worrying when your Mounjaro KwikPen doesn’t seem to be working as expected. You might find that the injection button appears to be difficult to push, feels stuck, won’t click, or the KwikPen still appears to contain medication but won’t deliver the desired dose.

The Mounjaro Kwikpen could jam due to the following reasons:

  • The previous injection stroke was not fully completed, or the injection button was not held for the required amount of time after injection
  • The injection button was pressed without a needle attached
  • The needle was blocked, bent, reused, secured incorrectly or incompatible with the KwikPen
  • The KwikPen was stored with the needle attached
  • Foreign material (like dirt, dust, food residue, or liquid) was inside the KwikPen or on the dial grooves
  • The KwikPen was empty due to use
  • The KwikPen had been damaged during use
  • The dose knob was pushed too quickly during administration

Let’s look at some of these in more detail.

All four Mounjaro doses have already been administered

Each Mounjaro KwikPen contains four precisely pre-filled doses. Since one dose is administered once weekly, a single Mounjaro KwikPen is designed to last for four weeks.

If you have already administered four injections, the pen is deemed completed. You would not be able to administer another dose even if it appears to have excess medication left.

Excess medication remains after four doses being administered

You are not alone in wondering if you could administer the medication remaining in the KwikPen after four injections.  

It is expected to have some excess remaining; this is intentional as it allows the KwikPen to be primed correctly - removing air bubbles before administering each dose. It is, therefore, not designed to be used.

Mounjaro doses in relation to the KwikPen notch position

What to do with the leftover medication

Unfortunately, the remaining medication cannot be used for another dose. If you have completed the four once-weekly dose, you will need to move onto a new pen to continue your treatment.

Needle attachment issues that may be causing the jam

Your Mounjaro KwikPen could be jammed if:

  • A used needle is still attached
  • A new compatible needle is not fully or correctly secured
  • The needle could be twisted on without aligning properly (this is common if you try to attach it in the wrong direction, it should be screwed on in a clockwise direction)
  • Ensure the needle is straight and attached firmly onto the pen
  • Needle is not compatible with the pen
  • Rest assured that all needles provided by us with your first order are compatible with Mounjaro pens.

Faulty, jammed or blocked needle

Needles can occasionally be faulty, jammed or blocked due to manufacturing imperfections. Replacing the needle and priming the pen again often resolves the issue. Try removing the faulty needle and follow the step-by-step guide below to prime the KwikPen.

Concern that your Mounjaro KwikPen maybe faulty

If you have followed our troubleshooting guide and still experience difficulties with administering the desired dose, please contact us and we will assist you in troubleshooting and guide you on the next steps. Supplying us with a clear photo of your Mounjaro KwikPen will help us understand the issue better and assist you more efficiently.

Step-by-step guide to fixing a jammed Mounjaro KwikPen

  1. Removed the old needle
  2. Attach a new needle to your KwikPen
  3. Hold your KwikPen with the needle facing downward
  4. Dial your KwikPen back to zero. Note that it is normal to have a few drops of medication flowing out
  5. Slowly press the injection button while counting to 5 (5 second hold)
  6. Flip your KwikPen upright and gently tap it to collect air bubbles at the top
  7. Prime your KwikPen by dialling the device to two units and pressing the injection button with the needle facing upwards until a stream of medication flows from the needle. Note this may need to be repeated if the medication does not flow from the device - this can only be repeated for no more than 1 additional time
  8. The KwikPen is now ready for use

How to prevent your Mounjaro KwikPen from jamming in the future

Here are a few tips keep in mind so you can ensure your Mounjaro KwikPen continues to work smoothly:

  • Keep track of your treatment and number of doses already administered
  • Ensure your KwikPen has always been primed before each injection
  • A new needle should be used for every injection
  • Fully secure the new needle by screwing it in a clockwise direction
  • Only push the injection button if a needle is attached
  • The injection button should be pressed slowly. Count to five (5 second hold) after the injection button is fully depressed
  • Your KwikPen should never be stored with a needle attached
  • Your KwikPen should be stored in clean, dry area to prevent foreign material from affecting the device mechanism

While a jammed Mounjaro KwikPen can feel stressful, most issues have simple solutions. By following this guide and taking a few preventative steps, you can keep your treatment on track with confidence.

If you're ever unsure, please contact us via live chat, email or phone call, our team is always here to help

References

  1. https://www.lilly.com/en-CA/resources/faq/mounjaro-kwikpen/jammed
  2. https://pi.lilly.com/ca/mounjaro-ca-ifu-kp.pdf

Need to contact our dedicated weight loss Patient Care Team?

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Created & reviewed by:
Ting-Hoi Chan
|
Pharmacy Governance Manager
Last reviewed:
August 5, 2025
Next review:
August 3, 2026
Related articles
Phlo Clinic
Thinking of using our weight loss service?

Sign up to our newsletter to access our FREE
GLP-1 Nutrition guide

Plus, get expert advice on how to fuel your body, feel your best, and set yourself up for success - all delivered straight to your inbox!