Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?

Updated on Aug 18, 2024 • 3 min read

Key Takeaways

  • The best place to store your Mounjaro is in your refrigerator. Avoid storing it next to any cooling elements and also avoid storing it in your fridge's door.
  • Mounjaro can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C), up to a maximum of 21 days. After this point it will become less effective for you.
  • Never freeze Mounjaro. If the medication freezes, it can break down and become less effective for you.
  • You're allowed to bring Mounjaro during air travel, but make sure to pack it in your carry on luggage. Be prepared to show your prescription box when you go through security.

Storing your Mounjaro correctly helps ensure you get the most value out of each dose. Most of the time, you should keep your Mounjaro in the fridge, but there are times when you can keep it at room temperature. This article will explain how to store Mounjaro, what to do when traveling with it, and what happens if it’s not stored correctly. Correctly storing your Mounjaro is easy once you know what to look for - here are our best tips:

1. Properly storing your Mounjaro

The best place to store Mounjaro is in your fridge

Mounjaro should ideally be kept in your refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This range helps maintain the medication's effectiveness and ensures you get the most value out of each dose.

Try to keep it away from extremely cold areas in your fridge, such as near cooling elements or the ice maker. Also avoid storing Mounjaro in your fridge's door, which is often warmer than the rest of your fridge.

Mounjaro can be left at room temperature for up to 21 days

Your Mounjaro single dose pen or vial can be kept at room temperature, up to 86°F (30°C), for a maximum of 21 days. After that, it should be discarded.

Protect it from light exposure

Mounjaro should be stored in its original packaging to protect it from light exposure. This helps prevent any potential degradation of the medication due to light.

Avoid freezing

It's important to avoid freezing Mounjaro. If the medication freezes, it can break down and become less effective. Always check to ensure your Mounjaro pen has not been frozen before use.

Don't store it in your bathroom or your car

Don’t leave Mounjaro in your car, where temperature swings may affect the quality of the medicine. Also, avoid keeping your medicine in the bathroom where steam from the shower can make the room hot. Finally, try to avoid leaving your Mounjaro in any sunny rooms which may get very warm throughout the day.

2. Traveling with Mounjaro

Traveling with Mounjaro requires some planning to ensure it remains effective for you. The basic rule of thumb is: don't let it get too hot or too cold. This isn't always easy while you're travelling, so here are our best travel tips:

  • Use an insulated container and cooling packs: An insulated container in combination with cooling packs will help keep your Mounjaro at a safe temperature. Avoid placing Mounjaro directly on the ice packs, as this could lead to freezing. You can use fabric items like a small hand towel to help insulate your Mounjaro against direct cold.
  • Air travel: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you're allowed to bring liquids greater then 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) as long as they are medically necessary. When packing, make sure you bring your prescription box which has the pharmacy label on it. Your name on the label should match your name on your passport. Keep your Mounjaro in your carry-on luggage to protect it from the extreme temperatures in the cargo hold.
  • Road trips: Store Mounjaro in the main interior of the vehicle, not the trunk, and take it with you if you make long stops.

3. What happens if Mounjaro is not refrigerated?

Effectiveness

If Mounjaro is not kept in the fridge, it can still be safe to use for a limited time. After 21 days, the medication may start to break down and lose its effectiveness.

Signs of degradation

Properly stored Mounjaro should be clear (free of particles) and odorless. It should look like a colourless to slightly yellow solution.

When Mounjaro is not stored properly, there will often be visual signs it has degraded. If you notice any of these changes, do not use the medication:

  • Change in color, consistency, or clarity of the liquid.
  • Unusual odor
  • Visible particles in the solution

The bottom line

In summary, Mounjaro, a medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, needs to be stored properly to remain effective. Ideally, it should be kept in the refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F. However, if necessary, it can be stored at room temperature, up to 86°F, for a maximum of 21 days.

Always keep Mounjaro in its original packaging to protect it from light, and never freeze it. Proper storage is crucial to ensure the medication remains safe and effective for you. If you have any questions about storing Mounjaro, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently asked questions

Can Mounjaro be frozen?

No, Mounjaro should never be frozen. Freezing can damage the medication, making it unsafe and ineffective. If Mounjaro has been frozen, it must be thrown away. Remember to use a sturdy and puncture proof sharps container.

Does Mounjaro need to warm up before I can use it?

No, you can use Mounjaro straight from the fridge. Some people dislike injecting cold medicine because they find it uncomfortable. If you experience this too, you can take your pen out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before your dose.

How long can Mounjaro be stored at room temperature?

Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature, up to 86°F (30°C), for a maximum of 21 days. After that, it should be discarded.

Can I put Mounjaro back in the fridge after it’s been at room temperature?

Yes, you can put Mounjaro back in the fridge if it has been at room temperature for less than 21 days. However, it still must be used within the original 21-day period.

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