Quick Answer: Victoza pens must be refrigerated before first use. Once opened, they can be stored at room temperature, below 30
Managing type 2 diabetes with injectable medications like Victoza, Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro, or others can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to storing and refrigerating your medicine properly. But don’t worry—with a little know-how, you can easily ensure your Victoza stays effective.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your Victoza safe and effective.
Does Victoza Have to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Victoza must be refrigerated to maintain its effectiveness. Unopened pens should be stored in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. However, once you start using a pen, it can be kept at room temperature, as long as it stays below 30°C, and for no longer than 30 days.
Proper storage not only safeguards your medication but also ensures your diabetes management plan remains uninterrupted. If you suspect your Victoza has been exposed to extreme temperatures, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
How to Store Victoza
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Victoza, provides the following storage instructions:
- Unopened pens: Store in the fridge (2°C to 8°C).
- Opened pens: Store at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days, or continue keeping them in the fridge.
- Avoid freezing: Never store Victoza near the freezer or allow it to freeze.
- Protect from sunlight: Keep pens away from direct light.
What Happens if Victoza Gets Too Warm?
Victoza contains Liraglutide, a peptide that can lose its structure and effectiveness when exposed to temperatures above 30°C. If your pen has been left in a hot car or another warm environment, it’s safest to dispose of it and start with a new one.
Brief exposure to warmer temperatures (like a few minutes) is unlikely to cause harm, but prolonged exposure will degrade the medication. When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Related article: How to Travel With Victoza: Tips and Travel Cases!
How Long Does Victoza Last in the Fridge?
Unopened Victoza pens remain effective until their expiry date if stored in the fridge. Always check the expiry date on the packaging, and never use a pen that’s past its date.
How Long Can Victoza Be out of the Fridge?
Opened Victoza pens don’t need to be refrigerated, but they must be used within 30 days when stored out of the fridge, and always kept below 30°C.
If it’s been longer than 30 days or the pen has been exposed to excessive heat, it’s time to throw it away—even if there’s still medication left.
Can You Freeze Victoza?
Absolutely not. Freezing Victoza damages its active ingredient, Liraglutide, making it ineffective and unsafe for use. Always store your pens in the fridge, away from the freezer compartment, and avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures during travel.
How to Tell if Victoza Has Gone Bad
Victoza should appear as a clear, colourless liquid. If it looks cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, discard it immediately. Additionally, if your blood sugar levels are unusually high despite using Victoza, the medication may have lost its potency.
When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider for advice.
FAQs About Victoza Storage
What Should I Do If I Forget Victoza in a Hot Car?
Unfortunately, the high temperatures inside a car on a sunny day often exceed Victoza’s safe storage limit of 30°C. If this happens, it’s best to dispose of the pen and use a new one.
What happens if you use expired or unrefrigerated Victoza?
Using expired or improperly stored Victoza can have detrimental effects on your health and diabetes management. Over time, or when not stored at the recommended temperatures, Victoza can degrade. This degradation can lead to a loss of effectiveness, meaning it may not lower blood glucose levels as expected. This poses a direct risk of uncontrolled blood sugar, which can cause diabetes-related complications.
That’s why monitoring the storage conditions of your Victoza pen, making sure it’s kept refrigerated and protected from the heat, and checking the expiration date are all essential!
How Can I Keep Victoza Cool While Travelling?
When travelling with Victoza pens, use a reliable travel cooler like those from 4AllFamily. These medical-grade coolers can maintain fridge temperatures for unopened pens and protect in-use pens from excessive heat.
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