Quick Answer: Saxenda pens come with an expiration date printed on the packaging and the pen itself. However, exposure to heat, improper storage, or being left unrefrigerated for too long can cause Saxenda to expire before its official expiration date.
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a widely used injection in the UK for weight management. If you're using Saxenda, you may be wondering: Does it expire? Can you still use it after the expiration date? And what happens if you inject expired Saxenda?
In this guide, we'll answer all these questions and provide best practices for storing and disposing of your expired Saxenda pens properly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Related article: All You Need to Know About Saxenda Storage: Refrigeration, Room Temperature, Shelf Life, and Lots of Q&As!
Saxenda Expiration Date
Every Saxenda pen has an expiration date printed on both the box and the pen itself. This date is determined by the manufacturer and indicates how long Liraglutide, the active drug in Saxenda, remains safe and effective when stored correctly in the refrigerator.
Once the expiration date has passed, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that the medication will work as intended. This means the pen should be discarded, even if there's still medicine inside.
It's always a good idea to check the expiration date before each use, especially if you've had your prescription for a while. This ensures you're never using expired medication and always using Saxenda at its full potency for the best weight loss results.
How long is a Saxenda pen good for?
Typically, Saxenda has a shelf life of around two years from the date of manufacture. However, this depends on proper storage conditions, as well as your pharmacy's stock.
The printed expiration date assumes the injection pen has been stored correctly (more on that below). If your injections aren't stored as instructed by the manufacturer, they may expire prematurely, before this expiration date.
Related article: How to Use a Saxenda Pen and Make Sure You Inject Correctly!
Does Saxenda expire faster outside the fridge?
Yes, Saxenda expire faster when stored unrefrigerated.
New, unused Saxenda pens must be stored in the fridge (between 2°C and 8°C). In that case, they'll be good until their labelled expiration date.
But once you start using a Saxenda pen or take it out of the fridge, it's only good for up to 30 days if stored at room temperature (below 30°C). After this period, even if there is medication left inside and even if the expiration date on the packaging has not yet passed, the pen must be discarded.
Can You Use Saxenda After its Expiration Date?
The answer is a clear no… You should never use expired medication, whether it's Saxenda, Wegovy, any other weight-loss injection or medication.
Expired liraglutide isn't safe for use. It may have a reduced potency, and in some cases, it could even cause unexpected side effects. Even if the medication in your injection pen looks fine, there's no way to tell how much of the active ingredient has degraded and if the medication is efficient or even safe.
Related article: Wegovy Storage: All You Need to Know! Refrigeration, Shelf Life, Out Of Fridge Life Span, and More!
What happens if you use expired Saxenda?
Injecting Saxenda that has passed its expiration date is not recommended because it may not be as effective.
Over time, the active ingredient liraglutide can degrade, meaning your body may not receive the full intended dose. This can lead to reduced weight loss results and potentially affect your treatment progress.
While expired Saxenda is unlikely to be immediately dangerous, the biggest risk is that it won't work properly. If the medication has broken down, it may lead to:
- Unpredictable results
- Potential bacterial contamination if stored improperly
Related article: Travelling with Saxenda: Travel Cases, Air Plane Regulations, and More!
What happens if you use Saxenda after 30 days?
According to the manufacturer's storage instruction, once a Saxenda pen has been opened or removed from the fridge, it must be used within 30 days.
Past this timeline, the medication is considered expired and should no longer be used. If you use Saxenda after 30 days, there is a high chance that the medication has degraded, leading to reduced effectiveness, unpredictable results, and possible contamination.
Always discard any Saxenda pen that has been unrefrigerated for more than 30 days, or exposed to temperature over 30C, even if it looks normal.
If you suspect that your Saxenda pen is expired or compromised, it's best to discard it and use a new one. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubt.
What to Do If You Accidentally Inject Expired Saxenda
If you have already injected an expired dose of Saxenda, don't panic. In most cases, expired Saxenda won't cause immediate harm. However, you should:
✅ Monitor your body's response - If you notice any unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
❌ Avoid injecting an extra dose - Do not take another injection to compensate, as this could lead to side effects.
✅ Switch to a fresh pen - Use a properly stored Saxenda pen for your next dose to ensure full effectiveness.
How to Tell if Your Saxenda Pen Has Expired
The best way to check if Saxenda is expired is to look at the expiration date on the pen or box. However, Saxenda can also expire prematurely if stored incorrectly. Here's what to look out for:
Signs that your Saxenda pen may be expired or unsafe to use:
❌ Changes in colour or texture - Saxenda should be a clear, colourless solution. If it looks cloudy or contains particles, do not use it.
❌ Unusual smell - If the medication has an abnormal odour, discard it immediately.
❌ Leaks or damage - A damaged or leaking pen could indicate that the medication inside is no longer stable.
❌ Prolonged exposure to heat - If Saxenda has been left at temperatures above 30°C or exposed to direct sunlight, it may have degraded.
If you are unsure whether your Saxenda pen is still good to use, consult your doctor or pharmacist before injecting.
Proper Storage to Keep Saxenda Effective
Ensuring that your Saxenda pens are stored correctly is crucial for maintaining their potency and extending their shelf life.
✅ Before first use: Keep your Saxenda pens in the fridge (2°C - 8°C).
✅ After first use: You can store Saxenda at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days.
✅ Avoid freezing: Never freeze Saxenda. If a pen has been accidentally frozen, discard it immediately.
✅ Keep away from heat & light: Store Saxenda in its original packaging to protect it from sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
✅ Use a travel cooler: If you're travelling, use an insulated medication travel case to keep Saxenda at a safe temperature.
While it may be tempting to use expired Saxenda to avoid waste, it's not worth the risk. The medication may not be as effective, which could impact your weight loss progress. Always check the expiration date, store Saxenda correctly, and when in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Got more questions about Saxenda expiration? Drop them in the comments, and we'll be happy to help! Feel free to share your tips and experiences about Saxenda storage too!
