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Mounjaro is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. Just like every injectable medication, proper storage is essential to maintain its effectiveness and ensure patient safety.
Incorrect storage, such as keeping it in too warm or too cold conditions, can degrade the active ingredients and reduce its ability to work as intended. With Mounjaro’s growing popularity, many users are unsure about how to store it correctly, especially when travelling or handling multiple doses
Discover more about the do’s and don’ts of refrigeration, room temperature limits, and best practices for keeping your Mounjaro safe and effective in this guide.
Why Proper Storage of Mounjaro Matters
Mounjaro is a temperature-sensitive injectable medication, which means how you store it directly affects its effectiveness and reliability. If it is exposed to temperatures outside the recommended range, the active ingredient, which is tirzepatide, can degrade, making the medication less effective or even unsafe.
This is why both the FDA and the manufacturer provide clear storage guidelines to avoid any issues. Understanding tirzepatide storage is especially important for those who travel, manage multiple doses, or live in warmer climates. Proper handling helps ensure you get the full benefit of your medication.
Does Mounjaro Need to Be Refrigerated?
Before First Use:
Yes, Mounjaro should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. However, if the medication has been frozen, it should be discarded immediately, even if it appears unaffected.
After Opening:
Once removed from the refrigerator, Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C / 86°F) for up to 21 to 30 days, according to the most recent official guidelines. Always check the product packaging or speak with your pharmacist to confirm the specific timeframe. After this period, discard the pen, even if it hasn’t been used.
What Happens If You Accidentally Leave Mounjaro Out?
If you accidentally leave your Mounjaro pen out at room temperature for a few hours, it is generally still safe to use, provided the temperature has stayed below 86°F (30°C). Short periods at room temperature typically won’t affect the medication’s effectiveness.
However, if the pen has been left out for more than a day, whether it remains safe depends largely on the surrounding temperature and environmental conditions. Exposure to heat or fluctuating temperatures for a long time can degrade the active ingredient, potentially reducing the medication’s efficacy.
In these situations, it’s important to consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using the medication. They can help determine if your Mounjaro pen is still good or if you need a replacement. To prevent this issue, try to keep your Mounjaro stored within the recommended temperature range, and consider using a small insulated bag or cooler pack when you’re on the go.
Can You Travel with Mounjaro?
Yes, you can travel with Mounjaro, but it’s important to keep these precautions in mind:
- Use insulated travel bags or cool packs to keep Mounjaro within the recommended temperature range, especially when flying or in hot climates.
- Always carry Mounjaro in your hand luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures in checked bags and to have it accessible at all times.
- Bring along a copy of the storage instructions and temperature guidelines.
- Carry a doctor’s note or prescription, especially for international travel, to help with airport security and customs checks.
- Avoid exposing the medication to direct sunlight or heat during your travels.
Where to Store Mounjaro in the Fridge
When storing Mounjaro in the refrigerator, it’s best to keep it in the main body rather than the door, as the temperature in the door tends to fluctuate more. Avoid placing the medication near the freezer compartment or any spots close to the freezer to prevent accidental freezing, which can damage the medication. Always store Mounjaro in its original box to protect it from light exposure, which can also affect its stability. Additionally, if you have children at home, try to keep the medication in a childproof or secure location within the fridge to ensure safety.
Disposal of Improperly Stored Pens
If you’re unsure whether your Mounjaro pen has been stored properly, such as being exposed to temperatures above 30°C, it’s safe to discard it rather than risk using a potentially degraded dose.
Using medication that has been compromised can reduce its effectiveness and may impact your treatment. To dispose of used or expired pens safely, you can place them in a designated sharps container.
Here are some important factors to remember to properly dispose pens:
- Discard pens if storage conditions are uncertain or above 30°C (86°F).
- Avoid using medications that may be degraded to ensure treatment effectiveness.
- Use a designated sharps container for disposal of used or expired pens.
- Follow local pharmacy or healthcare provider guidance for safe disposal.
- In the UK, return used pens and sharps to your pharmacy as per NHS advice.
FAQs
Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Mounjaro should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light.
How to keep Mounjaro cold when travelling?
Use an insulated medical travel cooler with ice packs or gel packs to keep the medication between 36°F and 46°F. Avoid direct contact between the pens and ice packs to prevent freezing.
Can I freeze Mounjaro to make it last longer?
No, do not freeze Mounjaro. Freezing can damage the medication and make it unsafe or ineffective to use. If it has been frozen, it should be discarded.
What’s the max temperature Mounjaro can tolerate?
Mounjaro can be left unrefrigerated for up to 21 days at a temperature not exceeding 86°F.
Can I keep it in my purse or bag all day?
Only if the temperature remains below 86°F and it doesn’t stay out of the fridge for more than 21 days in total.
Can I put it back in the fridge if it’s been out?
Yes, as long as it hasn’t been exposed to temperatures over 86°F and is within the 21-day unrefrigerated limit. Do not refrigerate it again if it was previously frozen.
What if I accidentally injected a warm dose?
Using a dose that has been stored at room temperature (below 86°F) for less than 21 days is generally safe. If you're unsure how long it was exposed or if it was too warm, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
- Mounjaro is temperature sensitive, so proper storage is essential to maintain its effectiveness and ensure patient safety.
- Do not freeze Mounjaro, if frozen, discard immediately.
- After opening, Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C / 86°F) for 21 to 30 days.
- Store pens away from direct sunlight and heat, and avoid temperature fluctuations.
- Short accidental exposure to room temperature (a few hours) is usually safe, but exposure for more than a day depends on the temperature. Consult a pharmacist if unsure.
- When travelling with Mounjaro, use insulated travel bags or cool packs.
- Carry storage instructions and a doctor’s note if travelling internationally.
- Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight.
- Discard pens if storage conditions are uncertain or have been exposed to temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
- Safely dispose of used or expired pens in designated sharps containers, following local or NHS (UK) disposal guidance.
Disclaimer: At Weightless, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date health information that is carefully reviewed by medical professionals. However, the content on this blog is intended for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. Information here should not be used to make decisions about your personal care without professional guidance.
Sources:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutical-quality-resources/expiration-dates-questions-and-answers
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15481.pdf
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines
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