Tips for new users

Robert Moore

6/21/20254 min read

Tips for when first using MJ

You’ve just received your pen, you’ll probably be excited and apprehensive, possibly even scared, that is quite normal and we are all in the same boat. These tips may help the process but must be taken in line with medical advice, this is not written by a medical professional but by someone who has been through the process and made mistakes. PS the injection DOES NOT HURT!

Tips prior to using the Kwikpen

  1. Instructions - Firstly, ensure you read and understand all the instructions that arrive with the pen. If you have any questions, your registered online pharmacy should help. I also suggest seeing if your pharmacy has any instructional videos, watching the process to take the injection is very helpful.

  2. When to start – There is no need to rush, if you have a very busy week coming up wait if you can before taking the injection (where possible).

  3. What date or time will I take my dose – Think about the day that best suits you. Whilst you can change your mind for future jabs, it’ll be easier to set a day now. Things to think about; side effects are generally stronger a few days after the injection. Towards the end of the week, suppression may weaken, think about what days suit you best. Many of us inject at night but this may disturb your sleep, you may find an afternoon or morning suits you better. Some things will be trial and error

  4. Pre-empting side effects – It may be helpful to purchase a few survival items prior to your injection, things like painkillers, antacids, anti-sickness, anti-constipation remedies etc… There is no need to go mad, you may not experience any side effects but it is helpful to be able to reach out for something, should you feel unwell.

  5. Medical professional – if you can speak to a medical professional prior to taking the injection, that would be highly recommended, also ask for MJ to be added to your record.

Tips for taking the injection for the first time

I will not breakdown the full injection process, that is in your instructions but these tips may help. I made a mess of my first injection and held the pen badly and injected into an area that wasn’t fatty enough, resulting in a small bleed and bruising. It still worked but worried me unnecessarily.

  1. Injection room - Take the injection in a calm, well lit room. It is important to check for any obvious veins and see clearly what you are doing. Take glasses if you need them.

  2. Hygiene is key – Ensure the area is clean and your hands are washed. Clean your chosen injection site with an alcohol swab, you should also wipe over the tip of the pen before applying the injection needle.

  3. Holding the pen when injecting – Always prime the pen. When injecting hold the pen firmly and use your thumb to push down the injection slowly and consistently. You may notice the plunger judders slightly, this is normal. When you take out the injection a ball of liquid may be visible, this is normal. Try holding the pen without the needle to practice.

Tips immediately after injection

  1. Clear up – Wipe over the injection site again with the alcohol swab, unscrew the needle and pop in the sharps bin. It may be wise to wipe over the pen again but you may need a new swab. Replace the cap and pop the pen straight back in the fridge. Wash your hands.

  2. Food for next few hours – Avoid anything too heavy, fatty or rich. You’ll feel better if you eat light until the MJ starts working. If it doesn’t work straightaway eat mindfully as you don’t want to stuff yourself and then feel ill.

  3. Hyperaware – You’ve heard so much about this MJ you are likely to feel hyperaware of any changes etc… Just remember that the experience is unique for everyone and before you know it, it will be the new normal.

Tips for following days

  1. Hydration – Ensure you drink loads of fluids as you may become dehydrated.

  2. Food noise suppression – Some of us get suppression straight away, others it can take a few weeks or even longer. Sadly, there are also some it doesn’t work for. Stick with it and contact your provider if you have any issues. (See what to expect for suppression below)

  3. Food – We are all different but generally, large portions, high fat, spicy foods, high sugar can give you problems. I’d recommend eating plainly and carefully for a few days and test the water.

  4. Side effects – Just like suppression these will be unique. In my case I had good suppression and could stay on 2.5mg for 8 weeks but the downside was some side effects, we are all different. Having a few over the counter meds from the pharmacy can help but do read the instructions and check compatibility. Some get no side effects or only when increasing their dose. In many cases they get better in a few days. If however, you get a serious reaction (read your instruction leaflet) you must seek medical advice.

What does suppression actually feel like (my experience)

There are two elements to appetite suppression that are noticeable, however your experience of them may vary. I personally tend to get more food noise suppression than fullness –

  • Appetite suppression – known as food noise, the drive to eat

  • Slower gastric emptying – your inability to eat large amounts and feel full quicker

Appetite suppression – This is often known as ‘food noise’ and is basically that voice in your head telling you to eat. It is like a 5 year old in your head, constantly asking for food. It can last all day and be relentless. MJ turns this down, sometimes almost off. It is like putting the voice in another room. It allows you, ‘the adult’, to make the decisions. It gives you the space to think and you simply do not feel hungry all the time. Please note; occasionally urges will come through but they should be rarer. You may also get some moderate hunger but this varies, we do after all have to eat. Not having urges constantly can be extremely liberating.

Slower gastric emptying – Basically your digestion slows right down. This means that halfway through a meal you can feel full. You may need to eat more slowly. It is like a chemical gastric band. Together, both can help you lose weight as you won’t eat as much.

Disclaimer - The author of this document is not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. The ideas in this document are purely from my own lived experience and research. The wording herein is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice.