Weight loss injections like Mounjaro are skyrocketing in popularity, with the U.S. reporting a massive 700% increase in GLP-1 drug use over the past four years, especially among people without diabetes (source). These medications help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and make you feel fuller for longer—making them a game-changer in the world of weight management.
But lately, a new trend has emerged: people trying to squeeze out the so-called “golden dose” from their Mounjaro pens. And experts are urging you not to.
What Exactly Is the “Golden Dose”?
Each Mounjaro pen is designed to deliver four precise doses of medication. After the final shot, a small amount of liquid is left inside. Some users call this leftover liquid the golden dose—but here’s the truth:
Some people are using Mounjaro’s ‘golden dose’ (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)
That leftover isn’t a bonus shot. It’s an intentional overfill built into the device to make sure you get your full prescribed amount each time. Trying to extract it can lead to more harm than good.
The Risks of Using the “Golden Dose”
🚫 Risk of Underdosing
If you’re trying to pull out the leftover liquid, you may not get a full dose. According to Dr. Earim Chaudry, Chief Medical Officer at Voy, this can quietly disrupt your treatment:
Using the ‘golden dose’ could lead to you underdosing (Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
“These treatments aren’t just about curbing appetite; they reset how your body responds to hunger. When doses are too low or inconsistent, progress stalls.”
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Signs you might be underdosing include:
- Slower weight loss despite sticking to your plan
- Hunger or cravings creeping back
🚫 Risk of Overdosing
Overdosing can trigger severe nausea and vomiting (Getty Stock Image)
On the flip side, you could accidentally take too much. That might sound like a shortcut, but overdosing can trigger:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and dehydration
- In rare cases, even pancreatitis (Mayo Clinic).
And since pens aren’t designed to deliver accurate doses beyond what’s prescribed, you’re essentially guessing—putting your health at risk.
🚫 Risk of Infection
Mounjaro pens are carefully designed for safety and sterility. If you’re reusing, overusing, or pulling leftover liquid from a pen past its expiry date, you could face:
It’s important you ensure your pen is sterile and that the medication’s still in date (Getty Stock Image)
- Reduced effectiveness (the drug may degrade over time)
- Local infections (redness, swelling, pus at the injection site)
- Systemic infections that can be dangerous if bacteria spreads
The Bottom Line
The so-called “golden dose” isn’t really golden—it’s a gamble. Mounjaro pens are designed to give four safe, accurate doses, nothing more. Trying to stretch the medication could leave you underdosed, overdosed, or even dealing with infections.
If you feel your dose isn’t enough or your progress has stalled, the best move is to talk to your doctor. Adjusting your prescription safely is far better than playing trial and error with your health.
For more on safe weight loss treatments, check out NHS guidance on obesity treatment.
✅ Takeaway: Stick to your prescribed dose. Skip the golden dose. Your health isn’t worth the risk.
