Not enough strength in thumb to do the MJ injection

[CloudyYellow]

Second week that this has happened (same pen) but have struggled with other pens.

Basically I have nothing wrong with the joints of my hand. I just cannot get to the full dose without needle bending or medication leaking as have to press down on the pen button so hard to get the full dose. I use my thumb to press down on the pen button as stronger than fingers.

Anyone else had this?

I am on 5 mg so was wondering if I should do 2 injections of 30 clicks as cannot press the pen down to get 60 clicks. Assuming 5 mg from 5 mg pen is 60 clicks...

Use any finger that works. Hold the pen with your weaker hand and support it, place into the skin, use the dominant hand with whatever finger you need to to press it down.

None of my fingers have the power of my thumb. It is the last few clicks of the dose that cause a problem as cannot get the pen down far enough without bending the needle due to sheer pressure to get the amount of clicks needed for full dose.

I am using the thumb of my dominant hand as it has more power than my fingers

The other option would be to use insulin needles like people do for the extra dose but for every dose. They are so much easier to push and extracting is not difficult, lots of videos that demonstrate this. 0.6ml or 60 units for a normal dose of any pen strength. UKmedi is a good place to buy 1ml syringes, and to be sure they are sterile and for human medical use.

I use 2 hands one thumb onto of the other.

Could you not hold the pen near the base with one hand and then use the palm of your other hand to push down?

Are you keeping it in the fridge, taking it out and jabbing straight away? Because that definitely makes it a bit harder to do the jab. It also creates a slight condensing effect which makes it more difficult to get a good grip.

I keep mine in the fridge but take it out about half an hour or more before I want to use it.

The pen design is awful. Possible things you can try to reduce pressure/resistance

shorter needle (4mm if using 6mm)
thicker needle (31G or 30G instead of 32G for example - lower gauge is thicker needle)
allowing medication to warm to room temperature
make sure needle is properly screwed on
try stomach if using thigh as tissue is softer/less resistance (keep away from around belly button)
avoid stretch marks

I note you’ve not advised where you are injecting. I find it fiddly if I’m doing my arm but my stomach or thigh isn’t an issue.

Have you tried other injection sites to see if you get a better press?

Hi thanks for the replies. I injected straight out of fridge into my abdomen.

Definitely let it warm up before you inject, that really makes a difference and hold with one hand and use the other to inject.

I’m not keen on the Mounjaro pen, Previously I have used both Saxenda and Wegovy and the pens were a much better design.

The MJ pen is much easier and a LOT less painful than my Ajovy injections - why that thing has to be so bloody painful is absolutely beyond me. And I keep meaning to write to the manufacturers about it 😂

That said, the MJ is essentially just awkward.

How are you bending the needle? Where is the needle bending? Are you sure that your putting the needle on correctly?

I don’t have any problems but I’ve heard of people leaning the pen against a wall to
do it

Needle on correctly. It bends as I have to apply so much force to the button to get the full MJ dose.

Do you have joint or hand problems that are creating the issues?

You absolutely shouldn't be pressing the pen into the skin so hard that you're bending the needle as you depress the plunger.

If you have something like arthritis or describe what it is you're finding difficult, we might be able to help you find a work around for the issues?

Try your thigh, it’ll be easier than trying to bend yourself to do your tummy. Hold with one hand and use heel of your palm if needed. The Wegovy pen was much easier btw if you’re thinking of swapping

I have no joint problems at all. I am very strong. I am wondering if it is a combination of this particular pen and injection straight out of fridge.

That sounds interesting... it is the last few clicks of the pen that are too much for me.

I actually wonder if you're putting the needle on a bit wonky. That's the only time I've had any real difficulties in getting the liquid out. Remove it, chuck it and start again with a fresh needle. Are you priming each time? That's when you check whether there's an issue.

It's a long pen, so if you also have small hands it could be complicating it. Try injecting on your thigh next time.

I would contact the supplier as it sounds like a dodgy pen. None of mine have been difficult to push and always do straight from the fridge. They might swap it for you?

This is quite mystifying, I can't see how you could bend the tiny needle by pressing.

If it can't be fixed an alternate needle is the best solution I think, but I would ring your provider - it would be helpful for someone to see what you're doing and advise.

Unless this is a faulty pen I think you must be doing something wrong. You don't need to press that firmly that it would bend the needle. I do find the MJ pens more difficult than the ozempic/wegovy pens as they're more manual and the liquid goes in more slowly, but you just need a firm/steady pressure and a bit of patience. Maybe watch a couple of YouTube videos to check you're doing it correctly. Also, if you're injecting into your thigh maybe try sitting down when you do it. I find that easier than standing. Or could you ask someone else to inject it for you? I get my OH to do it if I'm injecting in my arm.

But where is it bending? Whereabouts along the needle? To bend the needle you would have to apply a lateral force surely? I can't work out how it's bending the needle or squirting out the sides unless the needle is blocked

I've never had to apply any force to the MJ syringe.

Are you definitely injecting into fat? Have you had this issue with previous pens or is this one defective?

I find straight out the fridge it's harder to press and I have nothing wrong with strength in my hands but I find it harder.. take out fridge for 10 to 15 mins then do it and put back in.. try that, think it will help