
Saxenda is among the most popular weight-loss medications. Its active ingredient is liraglutide and is an FDA-approved prescription medicine for weight management that comes in a pre-filled pen for daily self-injection. Does Saxenda Need To Be Refrigerated? You need to store Saxenda just right for it to show full effect and induce noticeable results.
In this blog, we will explore specific Saxenda storage guidelines such as refrigeration requirements, shelf-life at room temperature and travel precautions.
Does Saxenda Have to Be Refrigerated?
To ensure a long shelf life, Saxenda refrigeration is crucial. By doing so, the drug is kept away from heat and direct sunlight. When exposed to heat or elevated temperatures, its chemical composition is altered. This can potentially reduce Saxenda’s potency and even induce adverse effects.
Saxenda Storage Guidelines
Here are the drug storage guidelines you need to adhere to for Saxenda to achieve the desired results when administered.
Unopened Saxenda
- Always keep unopened Saxenda pens in the refrigerator. They should be kept in the temperature range from 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC) for the best use. This limits their exposure to room temperature and heat and prevents them from expiring earlier.
- Also, it is advised not to store them in the refrigerator door as the temperature fluctuations might cause more harm than good.
- Keeping the medication in its original packaging protects it from heat and light.
Opened Saxenda
Once you’ve begun administering the Saxenda pen, you can store it in:
- Refrigerator – You can continue storing the pen in the refrigerator in the temperature range of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Room temperature: Alternatively, you can also store it at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Whether you choose refrigeration or room temperature storage for an opened Saxenda pen, using it within 30 days is essential. Administering Saxenda beyond this timeframe compromises the medication’s efficacy.
How Long Does Saxenda Last Out of the Fridge?
If you think that your unopened Saxenda pens have been exposed to room temperature up to 30°C, you need to use it within 30 days.
More importantly, storing opened Saxenda pens at above 30-degree temperatures will render them unusable and you need to discard them.
If the medication inside the pen appears cloudy, it is unsafe.
How to store open Saxenda in the fridge?
You should store Saxenda pens in the refrigerator with caps on, away from the cooling element so they don’t freeze.
Remember never to administer a frozen Saxenda pen even after it defrosts. It needs to be disposed of immediately. For more information refer Saxenda drug info sheet.
What happens if you use Expired Saxenda?
Saxenda contains two expiry dates.
- The one mentioned on the packaging is to be followed when it is unopened and refrigerated
- and the other one is on the pen 30 days after its first use.
Discard the expired Saxenda following local disposal guidelines. Use an FDA-approved sharps container or any durable plastic container with a secure lid to discard used needles. Do not throw them in the household trash.
Consequences of Using Expired Saxenda
There are several potential risks of administering improperly stored or expired Saxenda. You may encounter the following complications:
- Loss of Effectiveness – When not stored as per the recommended guidelines or used after the expiry date, Saxenda pens become less potent and, thus, are ineffective in treating type 2 diabetes or inducing weight loss.
- Aggravated Side Effects – Expired medication causes the composition of a drug to change. The medication becomes unstable or breaks down into harmful compounds, which leads to its inefficacy for the intended purposes, i.e. weight loss and blood glucose regulation, and intensifies its side effects.
Travel Storage Guidelines with Saxenda
These precautions will ensure Saxena is stored well and remains effective.
- Refrigerate unopened pens between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep in an insulated travel case for extra protection.
- Also, make sure that the pens do not come in contact with ice and freeze.
- You can refrigerate opened pens or keep them at room temperature.
- Prevent contact with direct sunlight, excessive heat, and cold air currents.
- Pack Saxenda in your carry-on to avoid extreme temperatures in checked baggage when traveling by air or train.
- If traveling by car, store Saxenda in its main body for balanced temperature control.
- Also, do not leave it in an empty car for extended periods to avoid overheating.
Final Words From Pandameds.Com
Keep your Saxenda pens effective and safe for use by following the above-mentioned storage guidelines. Since improper storage can compromise the medication’s potency so, ensure strict adherence to get the most out of Saxenda use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding any further queries about Saxenda storage or its usage.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.