Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a weight-loss injection that's been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2017. Like Wegovy (approved in 2023) and Mounjaro (approved in 2024 for weight-loss), it helps reduce body weight when used with diet and exercise.
While Saxenda is one of the most prescribed weight-loss treatment in the UK, there's a lot of confusion among users about how to store it, leading to potential issues with its effectiveness.
Correct storage of Saxenda pens is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of the medication. Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is a delicate biological compound that's highly sensitive to temperature. Without proper storage, it can deteriorate quite quickly.
So, let's dive into the essentials.
- Does Saxenda need to be refrigerated?
- How long can it stay out?
- What happens if you se Saxenda after 30 days?
- And what are the best practices and mistakes to avoid when storing Saxenda at home?
If reading isn’t your thing, check out the handy video below!
What is Saxenda?
The active ingredient in Saxenda is Liraglutide (also marketed as Victoza for type 2 diabetes). This medication primarily works by reducing appetite.
Liraglutide is a type of drug known as a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. GLP-1 is released by your gut after you eat and plays an important role in increasing insulin secretion, slowing down digestion, and making you feel fuller for longer.
By imitating this hormone, Saxenda helps to reduce hunger and control how much you eat, which can ultimately lead to weight loss.
Bear in mind, Saxenda is a prescription-only medication. It must be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always discuss any potential side effects with your doctor.
Saxenda injection pens
Saxenda is administered daily via subcutaneous injections (just under the skin). Patients are responsible for injecting themselves at home.
To make things more convenient, Saxenda comes in prefilled injection pens containing 3mL of medication. The pens are sold in packs of 1, 3, or 5, and each use requires a new disposable needle. The pens also have a dose selector to ensure you inject exactly what your doctor prescribes.
Related article: How to Use a Saxenda Pen and Where to Inject!
Does Saxenda need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Saxenda must be kept in the fridge. Liraglutide, the active ingredient, is a biological product made from living cells, which makes it highly sensitive to temperature changes.
Keeping Saxenda refrigerated is essential to preserve its effectiveness. However, it’s reassuring to know that it can stay out of the fridge for up to 30 days, provided it’s stored correctly and never exposed to heat. Let’s break down Saxenda’s storage requirements.
Saxenda storage temperatures
According to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, unused Saxenda pens should be stored in a fridge at 2°C to 8°C. Once a pen is opened, you can either keep it in the fridge or store it at room temperature (15°C to 30°C), but it must be used within 30 days.
To summarise:
- Unopened Saxenda pens: Store in the fridge until their expiry date.
-
Opened Saxenda pens: Store in the fridge or at room temperature below 30
°C, and use within 30 days.
It’s also vital to avoid freezing Saxenda pens, as this will ruin the medication.
How long does Saxenda last in the fridge?
Unopened Saxenda pens stored in the fridge remain safe to use until their labelled expiry date. To ensure consistent storage conditions, your refrigerator temperature should stay between 2°C and 8°C.
Here are some tips for proper storage:
- Store Saxenda in the middle of the fridge, away from the door or freezer compartment.
- Minimise how often you open the fridge door.
- Check the fridge temperature regularly to avoid fluctuations.
And remember, once a Saxenda pen has been opened or left unrefrigerated, it must be used within 30 days, even if you put it back in the fridge.
How Long Can You Keep Saxenda Out of the Fridge?
According to the manufacturer, Saxenda can stay unrefrigerated for up to 30 days. Beyond this period, any unused medication should be discarded.
While Saxenda tolerates room temperature storage, avoid exposing it to temperatures above 30°C, as heat can quickly reduce its effectiveness.
Storing Saxenda at room temperature
Once opened, Saxenda pens can be kept at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) for up to 30 days. However, if you live in a warm climate or are travelling, take extra care to keep the pens cool. Here are some tips:
- Use a medical-grade cooler bag to carry your Saxenda pens.
- Avoid leaving Saxenda in hot environments, such as cars or direct sunlight.
- Keep it away from heat sources like stoves or radiators.
If Saxenda is exposed to temperatures above 30°C, even briefly, it’s no longer safe to use.
Related article: 10 Tips for Travelling with Saxenda Pens!
Saxenda Expiry
- the official expiry printed on the pen
- and the 30-day limit after first use.
What happens if you use expired Saxenda?
The longer Saxenda is left unrefrigerated or exposed to high temperatures, the more it deteriorates. Eventually, using Saxenda that's been left out of the fridge for too long is like injecting a lower or no dose, which could significantly and negatively impact your treatment and, ultimately, your health.
How to tell if Saxenda has gone bad?
When in doubt, dispose of the pen and use a new one. Injecting compromised medication can be risky and ineffective.
Have you been prescribed Saxenda for your weight-loss journey? Share your experiences or questions with us—we’d love to hear from you!
