How Long Can Mounjaro Be Left Out of the Refrigerator?

How Long Can Mounjaro Be Left Out of the Refrigerator?

Mounjaro is a new type 2 diabetes medication that is also approved for chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of injectable drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mounjaro requires proper storage to maintain its effectiveness and safety.

Like other injectable diabetes medications, Mounjaro must be kept refrigerated until use. But what if you need to take your Mounjaro injection with you while traveling or heading out for the day? How long can Mounjaro be left out of the refrigerator safely?

This article will cover proper storage guidelines for Mounjaro, how temperature fluctuations can affect the medication, times when its acceptable to keep Mounjaro at room temperature, and tips to keep your medication effective if you need to take it on the go.

How Should You Store Mounjaro?

According to the prescribing information and patient medication guide, Mounjaro pre-filled pens or syringes should be stored in the refrigerator between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C).

Keeping Mounjaro pens or syringes at the right temperature helps maintain drug stability and prevent degradation over time. Refrigeration also protects the integrity of the delicate protein-based active ingredient in Mounjaro called tirzepatide.

Storing in the refrigerator immediately after pickup from the pharmacy is important. Try to minimize exposure to direct light and avoid storing close to the freezer compartment where temperatures may dip below freezing.

Do not freeze Mounjaro pens or syringes. Do not use Mounjaro past the expiration date printed on the label. An expired medication may not be as effective or safe to use.

How Does Temperature Impact Mounjaro?

As a protein-based injectable drug, Mounjaro is sensitive to temperatures outside the recommended 36F to 46F range. Heres what can happen:

• Higher temperatures can speed up degradation of the drug molecules.
• Extreme heat can denature or change the shape of the protein, rendering it ineffective.
• Freezing can damage the protein structure through ice crystal formation.
• Temperature fluctuations can increase the pace of chemical reactions that break down the drug.
• Light exposure raises drug temperature and can also degrade light-sensitive proteins.

Using Mounjaro that has been stored improperly, frozen, or left in extreme heat may mean you get less of the intended dose. This could make the medication less effective for managing blood sugar or weight.

How Long Can Mounjaro Be at Room Temperature?

Ideally, Mounjaro should go right back into the refrigerator after injecting your dose. However, the medication can be kept at room temperature up to 86F (30C) for a short time.

According to Mounjaro prescribing guidelines:

• Mounjaro can remain stable for up to 28 days when stored at room temperature up to 86F (30C).
• After removal from the refrigerator, Mounjaro can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 7 days when stored below 86F (30C).

So as long as room or ambient temperature stays around or below 86F, an unopened Mounjaro pen or syringe can remain out of the refrigerator for up to 7 days before it must be discarded.

Once your Mounjaro pen is in use, you want to minimize the time spent at room temperature as much as possible. Never put a used Mounjaro pen back into the refrigerator.

Tips for Traveling With Mounjaro

With some precautions, its possible to keep your Mounjaro stable while traveling or on the go:

• Insulated bag - Keep your Mounjaro pen or syringe in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs.
• Room temp - Try to keep Mounjaro as close to room temperature as possible.
• Avoid extremes - Prevent exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures in cars, planes, etc.
• Shield light - Wrap pens in cloth or keep inside an opaque container.
• 7-day rule - Discard pens left unrefrigerated for longer than 7 days.
• Medical alert - Wear medical identification noting you need access to refrigeration.

If you are concerned about keeping your Mounjaro stable while traveling, talk to your pharmacist or doctor beforehand to make appropriate arrangements.

Can Mounjaro Be Left Out of the Refrigerator for Long Periods?

No, Mounjaro should never be left unrefrigerated for longer than the recommended guidelines:

• Do not store above 86F (30C) for more than 7 days.
• Never freeze Mounjaro pens or syringes.
• Do not use Mounjaro that has been frozen or overheated.
• Always discard pens that are expired or left out too long.

Using Mounjaro that has been kept at room temperature for too long can mean getting less of your intended dose. This will reduce the medication's glucose-lowering and weight loss effects.

A Mounjaro pen that has been accidentally frozen should also be safely discarded, even if it looks normal. The frozen drug molecules may no longer be effective at activating GLP-1 receptors.

Does Mounjaro Lose Effectiveness When Left Out?

Yes, Mounjaro can begin losing efficacy when stored improperly outside the recommended 36F to 46F (2C to 8C) refrigerated range. Here's what can happen to the medication:

• Protein degradation and structural changes
• Lower bioavailability and less absorption
• Reduced glucose-lowering activity
• Impaired weight loss effects
• Possible increase in side effects

Over time, the active GLP-1 agonist in Mounjaro breaks down when exposed to heat, light, or freezing temperatures. This means the dose you inject may contain less active medication than intended.

Using Mounjaro that is degraded

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.