Quick Answer: Trulicity pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and must not be frozen. If needed, they can be kept at room temperature below 30°C for up to 14 days.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a widely used non-insulin injection for managing type 2 diabetes, proven to help regulate blood sugar levels effectively. However, its active ingredient, Dulaglutide, is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, requiring careful storage to maintain its potency.
To ensure its effectiveness, Trulicity must be stored in a refrigerator before its first use and protected from heat once opened.
This storage guide provides essential storage advice to keep your Trulicity pens in good condition, alongside practical cooling solutions for travelling with your medication:
- Does Trulicity need to be refrigerated?
- How long can it stay outside the fridge?
- How long does it last in the refrigerator?
- What happens if Trulicity is exposed to heat?
- How can you travel safely with Trulicity pens?
Related article: Does Insulin Really Need To Be Refrigerated?
If reading isn’t your thing, simply watch the video below.
What is Trulicity?
Trulicity (Dulaglutide) is an injectable medication designed to help manage type 2 diabetes. While it is sometimes compared to insulin due to its injectable form, Trulicity is not the same as insulin. It is specifically prescribed for type 2 diabetes and is unsuitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Trulicity belongs to a group of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Other well-known drugs in this class include Mounjaro, Ozempic, Victoza, Byetta, and the newest Zepbound, currently only approved in the USA.
By slowing digestion, inhibiting glucagon release, and stimulating the body’s natural insulin production, Trulicity helps regulate blood sugar levels. Although it is not licensed for weight loss, some users experience weight loss as a secondary benefit.
Trulicity is available in the UK in single-dose injection pens, offered in doses of 0.75mg and 1.5mg. It is typically administered once a week through a subcutaneous injection.
This medication is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It requires a medical prescription and should be used as part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and close medical supervision.
Does Trulicity Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Trulicity is a temperature-sensitive medication that must be refrigerated when not in use and protected from heat during use. Its active ingredient, Dulaglutide, is a biologic drug that can quickly degrade if exposed to high temperatures or left unrefrigerated for too long.
Below, we answer key questions about how to store Trulicity properly, whether you’re at home or travelling.
Trulicity Storage Instructions
According to Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Trulicity, here are the recommended storage guidelines:
“Store your pen in the refrigerator but do NOT freeze it. If you’re travelling, Trulicity can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 14 days.”
How Long Can Trulicity Be Out of the Fridge?
Trulicity can remain out of the refrigerator for a maximum of 14 days.
According to the manufacturer, this 14-day limit "can be divided into multiple periods of room temperature exposure, as long as the total does not exceed 14 days (336 hours)."
During this time, it is essential to protect the pens from heat and keep them at a room temperature below 30°C. Exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources must be avoided, as these can cause the medication to degrade.
Prolonged exposure of Dulaglutide to higher temperatures may result in a significant loss of potency, rendering the medication ineffective.
If Trulicity has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 14 days, it should no longer be used. Its efficacy may have diminished, making it unsafe for treatment. In such cases, you must dispose of the affected pens—even if they appear unused—and obtain a new one stored correctly.
Related article: Does Victoza Need to Be Refrigerated? Storage Guidelines.
Can Trulicity Be Left Out of the Fridge Overnight?
If Trulicity is left out of the fridge overnight, it is considered to have been removed from the cold chain. While Trulicity can remain unrefrigerated for up to 14 days, its overall safety and effectiveness depend on the surrounding temperature during that period.
For instance, if the room temperature stays below 30°C overnight, the pen is likely still safe for use, as long as the cumulative time spent unrefrigerated does not exceed 14 days. However, if the temperature rises above 30°C, Trulicity may no longer be effective, and you should not use it.
It is crucial to monitor the conditions carefully to ensure that Trulicity remains effective. If you are unsure whether the pen is safe to use, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
How Long Is Trulicity Good For?
When stored correctly in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, Trulicity remains effective until its expiration date. This date is printed on the packaging and the pen itself.
If Trulicity is kept out of the fridge, it is only good for up to 14 days, provided it remains at a temperature below 30°C. After this period, the medication should no longer be used, as its effectiveness may be compromised.
Always double-check the expiration date before use. If the pen has passed its expiration date or has been improperly stored, dispose of it safely and replace it with a new one to avoid any risks to your health.
How Long Is Trulicity Good For at Room Temperature?
Trulicity can stay effective at room temperature for up to 14 days, as long as the room temperature does not exceed 30°C. Keeping the pen within this range ensures its potency remains intact during the 14-day period.
If the room temperature goes above 30°C, the medication may start to degrade. In such cases, the pen should no longer be used, even if it is within the 14-day limit, as its effectiveness may have been affected.
What Happens If Trulicity Gets Hot?
Exposure to temperatures above 30°C, even for a brief period, can compromise Trulicity’s effectiveness. If the medication gets too warm, the active ingredient, dulaglutide, may denature or break down. This degradation process makes the medication ineffective, and it should no longer be used.
To protect Trulicity from heat, always store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heaters, or other sources of high temperatures. If you suspect the pen has been exposed to heat, err on the side of caution and dispose of it.
Does Trulicity Expire?
Yes, Trulicity has two expiration dates to keep track of:
- Refrigerated expiration date: Printed on the pen or its packaging, this date applies if the pen has been stored in the fridge.
- Room temperature expiration date: Trulicity can only remain unrefrigerated for up to 14 days before it becomes ineffective.
Always use Trulicity before these expiration dates. If you’re unsure about its safety, dispose of it and use a fresh pen.
Can You Put Trulicity Back in the Refrigerator?
Yes, Trulicity can be returned to the refrigerator after being out, provided it hasn’t exceeded the 14-day room temperature limit and hasn’t been exposed to temperatures above 30°C.
To maintain the medication’s effectiveness, it’s best to minimise temperature fluctuations. If you’re uncertain whether the pen is still safe, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
What Happens If Trulicity Freezes?
Trulicity should never be frozen. Freezing can cause the molecules in the medication to break down, rendering it ineffective. Even if the pen thaws, it is no longer safe to use and must be disposed of.
To prevent freezing, store Trulicity away from the freezer section of your fridge and avoid direct contact with ice packs when using portable coolers. If travelling in cold climates, keep your pen in an inside pocket to ensure it stays warm enough to avoid freezing.
How to Travel With Trulicity Pens?
While storing Trulicity at home is relatively straightforward, travelling with it can be more challenging. Maintaining the correct temperature during your trip is crucial to ensuring the medication remains effective. Below, we’ll outline some practical tips for travelling safely with Trulicity pens.
Related article: Travelling with Diabetes: Your Checklist and All You Need to Know Before Departure!
Temperature Excursion
Whether you’re flying, camping, hiking, or simply sightseeing, it’s essential to keep Trulicity at the correct temperature. Even a short exposure to improper temperatures can compromise the medication’s potency.
Trulicity must be refrigerated or kept below 30°C when not in the fridge. It can remain at room temperature for no more than 14 days in total.
When planning a trip, consider how long you’ll be away and what storage solutions are available. Below, we address storage options for both short and long trips.
Short Travels - Less Than 14 Days
For trips lasting less than 14 days, Trulicity does not need refrigeration, provided it is kept at room temperature below 30°C. To ensure it stays safe:
- Keep the pens out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
- Do not leave the pens in a parked car, especially in hot weather.
- Store them in a shaded, cool area when travelling.
If your destination has temperatures exceeding 30°C, consider investing in a medical-grade travel cooler to protect your medication.
Related article: 12 Great Travel Snacks for Diabetics on the Go!
Longer Trips - More Than 14 Days
For trips longer than 14 days, it is essential to keep Trulicity refrigerated. Here are two ways to manage this:
- DIY Cooling Solutions: Use an insulated lunch bag with ice packs to create a makeshift cooler. Wrap the pen in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the ice. Note that this method may only work for 2–24 hours, depending on the amount of ice used and the external temperature. However, it is not always reliable, and airport security may not allow homemade coolers.
- Medical-Grade Coolers: Invest in a specialised travel cooler designed for temperature-sensitive medications. These are more reliable and often approved for use during air travel.
Trulicity Travel Cases from 4AllFamily
4AllFamily offers a range of medical-grade portable coolers, perfect for travellers needing to store medications like Trulicity, insulin, or Ozempic. These coolers ensure your medication remains at the optimal temperature, whether refrigerated or at room temperature, depending on your needs.
Some of our advanced travel coolers can maintain a refrigerated temperature for up to 72 hours. They use innovative technology such as biogel packs, built-in temperature sensors, and anti-freeze security. Many models are approved for air travel, making them suitable for air travel and long-distance journeys.
Whether you’re on a road trip, hiking adventure, or camping trip, these coolers offer a reliable solution for storing your Trulicity pens safely.
Keep your Trulicity pens safe and effective with 4AllFamily’s portable coolers!
More About Trulicity Storage & Refrigeration
Can Trulicity Be Injected Cold?
Yes, Trulicity can be injected straight from the fridge. However, injecting cold medication may cause a stinging sensation or slight discomfort during the injection. To reduce this, you can allow the pen to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.
How to Tell If Trulicity Has Gone Bad?
The active ingredient in Trulicity, dulaglutide, is a clear and colourless liquid. Before every injection, visually inspect the pen to ensure it is safe to use. Signs that Trulicity may have gone bad include cloudiness, discolouration, or the presence of particles.
If you notice any of these changes or are unsure about the medication’s quality, it’s better to be cautious. Dispose of the pen immediately and replace it with a new one.
What Happens If You Inject Expired Trulicity?
Using expired Trulicity does not pose an immediate risk of poisoning or harm, but the main concern is a loss of effectiveness. Dulaglutide may degrade over time, rendering the medication less effective or completely ineffective.
Injecting expired Trulicity can result in unstable blood sugar levels, potentially increasing the risk of serious diabetes complications in the long term. To avoid these risks, always adhere to storage guidelines and monitor expiration dates.
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