What to Buy Before Your First Injection

A complete supply checklist for patients starting Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) or Wegovy (Semaglutide) — so you're ready from day one

Before You Begin

Starting a once-weekly injectable medication is a big step, and having the right supplies on hand makes the experience far more comfortable. Use this interactive checklist to tick off items as you source them — you can also print it to take to the pharmacy.

🩺 From the Arami Women's Health practice guidelines

The checklist below is drawn directly from the Arami patient information leaflets for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) — the same information provided to patients at Arami Women's Health.

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Both medications Essential supplies — needed for Mounjaro & Wegovy

• Sharps container (approved, puncture-resistant) A rigid plastic sharps bin for safe disposal of used needles and pens. This is essential — used sharps must never go in household rubbish or recycling. Sharps containers come in various sizes; a 1–2 litre bin is a good starting point. 📍 Where to buy: pharmacy counter (ask staff, it is kept behind the counter at many pharmacies). Also available online. Many councils offer free sharps collection — check your local council website.
• Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol swabs) Used to clean the injection site before each injection. Individual sterile swabs in foil wrappers are most hygienic. A box of 100 wipes is a good quantity to start with. Note: some patients choose not to use alcohol wipes once familiar with injecting — check with your doctor if unsure. 📍 Where to buy: pharmacy, supermarket (wound care aisle), or online.
• A small first aid box or zip pouch for your supplies A dedicated carry case or zip pouch keeps everything together — especially useful if you need to inject away from home (travel, work trips). Keep your pen refrigerated until 30 minutes before use. 📍 Where to buy: pharmacy, supermarket, or variety store.
• Insulated travel bag or cool pack (for travel and commuting) Both Mounjaro and Wegovy must be refrigerated at 2–8°C when not in use. When transporting your pen — to the office, on a day trip, or on holiday — a small insulated bag with an ice pack protects the medication from heat. Do not let the pen freeze. 📍 Where to buy: pharmacy (FRIO cooling wallets are highly recommended for travel), online, or luggage stores.
• Weekly injection tracking diary or app Record the date and location of each injection. This helps you remember which day to inject, rotate sites systematically, and spot any injection-site reactions. A simple notebook or a health tracking app both work well. 📍 Where to get: free apps (try Apple Health, mySymptoms, or a habit tracker), or use a notebook.

Mounjaro only Specific to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — KwikPen

• Your Mounjaro KwikPen (from your pharmacy) The Mounjaro KwikPen is a pre-filled, single-use pen. It comes with an integrated needle — you do not need to purchase separate needles for Mounjaro. Confirm with your pharmacy that the pen is the correct dose prescribed by your doctor. 📍 Dispensed at your pharmacy with your prescription. Keep refrigerated at home.
• Instructions for Use (read before your first injection) Your Mounjaro KwikPen comes with a detailed Instructions for Use leaflet. Read this carefully before your first injection. The Arami leaflet is a supplement — always follow the manufacturer's device instructions for the actual injection steps. 📍 Included in the Mounjaro box. Also available from the TGA or Lilly Australia website.
• Confirmed understanding of dose escalation schedule Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then escalates (typically to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and up to 15 mg). Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist which dose you are starting on, and when your next dose increase is due. 📍 Confirm at your Arami Women's Health appointment.

Wegovy only Specific to Wegovy (semaglutide) — injection pen

• Your Wegovy pen (from your pharmacy) Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injection pen. Confirm with your pharmacist which device version you have received and whether separate needles are required. Always use a new needle for each injection if your pen requires one. 📍 Dispensed at your pharmacy with your prescription. Keep refrigerated at home.
• Compatible pen needles (if required for your pen device) Some Wegovy pen versions require a separate needle to be attached before each injection. Your pharmacist will advise if needles are needed and which type (e.g., NovoFine or equivalent). Always use a new sterile needle for every injection — never reuse needles. 📍 Ask your pharmacist when collecting your prescription. Needles are sold separately and may need a prescription in some states.
• Instructions for Use (read before your first injection) Your Wegovy pen comes with device-specific Instructions for Use. The injection process differs depending on the pen version. Always follow the manufacturer's guide. The Arami patient leaflet is a supplement to — not a replacement for — the product instructions. 📍 Included in the Wegovy box. Also available from Novo Nordisk Australia's website.
• Confirmed understanding of dose escalation schedule Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks and escalates through 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Confirm your starting dose and escalation plan with your doctor. 📍 Confirm at your Arami Women's Health appointment.

Sharps Disposal — What to Do When Your Container Is Full

⚠️ Never put sharps in household rubbish or recycling

• When your sharps container is full, seal the lid securely before transporting.

• Check your local council website for the nearest free sharps drop-off point. Many councils offer free sharps disposal services at libraries, leisure centres, or council offices.

• Many pharmacies and some GP practices also accept sealed sharps containers for safe disposal — ask when you collect your medication.

• Do not put the sealed sharps container in your recycling bin or general waste bin under any circumstances.

• When travelling interstate or overseas, check local sharps disposal regulations before you leave.

Where to Buy Your Supplies

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Your pharmacy

Best first stop for sharps containers, alcohol wipes, needles, and the FRIO travel wallet. Ask the pharmacist — they know what you need.

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Supermarket

Alcohol wipes (first aid aisle) and travel pouches are all easily found at major supermarkets.

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Online

Sharps bins, travel cooling wallets, and bulk alcohol swabs are available from online pharmacies and retailers. Check that sharps containers meet Australian standards.

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Council / clinic

Some councils offer free sharps containers to residents. Ask your pharmacist or council health service — you may qualify for free supplies.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Buy alcohol wipes in boxes of 100+ rather than individually — the per-wipe cost drops significantly.

• A 1-litre sharps bin from the pharmacy costs around $5–10 and lasts several months for once-weekly injections.

• FRIO travel wallets (which cool by evaporation, no ice needed) can be expensive initially but last for years and are invaluable for travel.

• Check whether your health fund covers any of these supplies — some extras policies include diabetes or medication management items.

Visual Quick Reference

Injection sites quick reference

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Starting Mounjaro or Wegovy? Let's set you up for success.

Book a pre-start or follow-up appointment with our team to review your injection technique, manage side effects, and track your progress.

Related Patient Leaflets

• Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) – Full Injection Guide

• Wegovy (Semaglutide) – Full Injection Guide

• Common Side Effects & When to Seek Help

Medical Disclaimer
This checklist is provided as general patient education and does not replace the instructions supplied with your specific medication device. Always follow the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) and Instructions for Use provided with your pen, and the specific advice given by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure about any aspect of your injection technique, contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist before your next injection.