How Long Can Unopened and In-Use Mounjaro be Stored When Refrigerated?

How Long Can You Store Mounjaro in the Fridge?

Mounjaro is a new injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Mounjaro was approved by the FDA in 2022.

Like other injectable diabetes medications, proper storage of Mounjaro is important for maintaining its effectiveness. Mounjaro must be kept refrigerated to ensure the medication remains stable and potent. But how long does it last in the fridge after first use?

How is Mounjaro Supplied?

Mounjaro is supplied in single-dose pens and single-dose prefilled syringes. Each pen or syringe contains 1.5 mL of medication solution. Mounjaro injection pens and syringes should be stored in the refrigerator between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C) in their original carton. Do not freeze Mounjaro.

Can Mounjaro be Stored at Room Temperature?

Before first use, Mounjaro pens or syringes can be stored at room temperature up to 86F (30C) for up to 30 days. However, once Mounjaro has been opened and first used, it should no longer be left out at room temperature.

After first puncturing the rubber stopper of the prefilled pen or syringe, Mounjaro must be discarded after 14 days, even if refrigerated and unused. Do not store opened, in-use Mounjaro pens or syringes at room temperature.

How Long Does Mounjaro Last After Opening?

Each Mounjaro pen or syringe should be discarded 14 days after first use, even if refrigerated. So after injecting the first dose, make note of the date. Then properly discard the pen or syringe after 14 days, even if some medication remains.

Do not use Mounjaro past the 14 day in-use time period. The medication may not be as effective in controlling blood sugar if used past 14 days after opening.

Tips for Properly Storing Mounjaro

Follow these storage tips to get the full 14 day use out of your Mounjaro pens or syringes:

• Store unopened Mounjaro pens and syringes in the refrigerator between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C).
• Keep unopened Mounjaro in the original sealed carton until first use.
• Do not freeze Mounjaro.
• Mounjaro prefilled pens and syringes can be kept at room temperature up to 30C (86F) for 30 days before first use.
• After first use, store opened Mounjaro pens and syringes in the refrigerator between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C).
• Throw away any used Mounjaro pen or syringe after 14 days, even if refrigerated.
• Do not reuse Mounjaro pens or syringes.

Can Mounjaro be Frozen?

No, do not freeze Mounjaro. Freezing can damage the medication. Mounjaro should only be stored in the refrigerator between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C).

If Mounjaro has been frozen, it should be discarded. Do not inject Mounjaro that has been frozen, as it may be ineffective or unsafe.

Proper Disposal of Used Mounjaro Pens and Syringes

It is important to properly dispose of used Mounjaro pens and syringes after 14 days of first use:

• Do not simply throw used pens and syringes in the household trash.
• Place used pens and needles in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use.
• Once full, sharps containers should be disposed of according to community guidelines.
• Some pharmacies or healthcare providers may offer sharps containers or take-back programs.
• Check with a pharmacist if you have questions about proper sharps disposal.

Properly disposing of used diabetes sharps reduces the risk of accidental needlestick injuries and community sharps pollution.

Can Mounjaro be Transferred to Another Container?

No, Mounjaro prefilled pens and syringes are intended for one time use only. Do not transfer the medication to a syringe or other container.

Additionally, Mounjaro pens and syringes should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing increases the risk of infection.

Signs Mounjaro May be Expired or Bad

Do not use Mounjaro past the 14 day in-use period or expiration date printed on the carton and pen or syringe. However, also look out for these signs that Mounjaro may be expired or bad:

• Discoloration, clumping, or particles in the medication solution
• Leaking pen or syringe
• Expired date printed on the carton, pen, or syringe
• Medication left out of the refrigerator for longer than advised
• Damaged or cracked pens or syringes
• Frozen medication

If Mounjaro shows any signs it may be expired or damaged, safely discard it and use a new pen or syringe. Using bad medication may mean missed doses or poor diabetes control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Mounjaro should be stored in the refrigerator between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C) until first use. After first use, opened Mounjaro pens or syringes must be refrigerated and discarded after 14 days.

Can you keep Mounjaro pens or syringes at room temperature?

Mounjaro pens and syringes can be kept at room temperature up to 30C (86F) for up to 30 days before first use only. After opening Mounjaro, pens and syringes must be refrigerated.

How long is Mounjaro good for after opening?

After first use, Mounjaro pens and syringes must be discarded after 14 days, even if refrigerated. Do not use opened Mounjaro past 14 days.

Can you freeze Mounjaro medication?

No, do not freeze Mounjaro. Freezing can damage the medication. Discard any frozen Mounjaro pens or syringes.

Can you transfer Mounjaro medication to a different container?

No, do not transfer Mounjaro to another container like a syringe. Mounjaro prefilled pens and syringes are for one time use only.

The Takeaway

Properly storing injectable medications like Mounjaro is essential for maintaining drug potency and effectiveness. Be sure to keep unopened Mounjaro refrigerated until first use, then refrigerate opened pens and syringes and discard after 14 days.

Check expiration dates, inspect solution appearance, and never freeze or reuse Mounjaro pens and syringes. With careful attention to storage and disposal instructions, Mounjaro can help manage blood sugars for the full 14 day use period per pen or syringe.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.