Most of us by now will at least have heard about the Mounjaro 'Golden Dose' debate. The questions are: Do you? Should you? Can you?

What is the 'Mounjaro Golden Dose'? The Mounjaro "Golden Dose" refers to the leftover liquid in a Mounjaro KwikPen after the four prescribed weekly doses have been administered.

I'm going to start with the official medical advice, which states: "Once a pen has been opened, it expires after 30 days. There is a risk that you have been injecting expired medication." So, even if you have a syringe or needle and could draw up the medication that often remains in your pen, you will never be advised that this is okay. This is why I'd always advise anyone considering this: don't do it, just because it's safer.

That said, we are human, and especially with huge price rises coming, many more of us look at the remaining medication in our pens and decide that we're not going to waste it. While it's not illegal or anything, no self-respecting medical person is ever going to say this is okay.

Mounjaro pens have been cleverly designed – in my view – to make sure we can't do this, even if there is a full dose left. I have on two occasions managed to force the clicker to allow that extra dose, but it's very hard, and usually doesn't work. Personally, I’ve never used another syringe to draw up remaining medication – but with the price rises, many more of us are considering doing just that.

I know many reports say not to do it as you won't know what dose you're getting, but if you use your brain, surely you just read the prescription and draw up exactly the same dose we're being given? Right? Also, it should be considered that many, many injectable medications only have a 28/30 day life once opened – so this advice is nothing new. One thing we do know is that if your Mounjaro is NOT CLEAR – DO NOT USE IT. However old it is.

Have you used a 'golden dose', or are you considering it? Yes or no, I'd love to hear others' opinion! Just thinking about people in the US having to make this decision with life-saving drugs like insulin – I know what I'd do if forced into that decision.

Last, to be clear: Medical advice is that you should NOT do this. Please stay safe.