Quick Answer: Mounjaro should never freeze. When frozen, it may lose its effectiveness and should not be used, even if it thaws. Always store Mounjaro at the recommended temperature to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injection for managing type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
While it's proven to be highly efficient, it's a very delicate medication that requires careful storage. Mounjaro pens should be refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). They can also stay at room temperature for up to 21 days but never above 86°F (30°C).
But what about freezing? Can Mounjaro get too cold? What if your Mounjaro pen accidentally freezes? Can it still be used after it thaws, and how can you protect it from freezing? Let's delve into how to handle such a situation!
Related article: How to Travel with Mounjaro: Safety Tips & Travel Cases
What Happens if Mounjaro Freezes?
According the Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, Mounjaro pens should never be frozen.
When Mounjaro freezes, the physical structure of the medication changes. Tirzepatide, like many other medications, is carefully formulated to be absorbed by the body at a specific rate and concentration. Freezing Mounjaro can cause the active ingredient to precipitate out of the solution or change in structure, which fundamentally alters how the medication is released and absorbed by your body.
Here's what happens in a bit more detail:
- Change in molecular structure. Freezing may alter the molecular structure of the active ingredient, tirzepatide, in Mounjaro. Such alterations can deactivate the medication, preventing it from working as intended to control blood sugar levels.
- Separation of components. The various components of Mounjaro, including buffers and preservatives, may separate when frozen. This separation can lead to uneven distribution of the active ingredient when the solution is thawed, resulting in doses that are either too strong or too weak.
- Potential for physical damage of Mounjaro pens. For example, expansion of the liquid as it freezes could damage the pen's internal structure and lead to leaks or malfunctions when it's used.
Mounjaro Freezes at 32°F
Mounjaro, like water, freezes at 32°F (0°C) or below. When refrigerated, it's recommended to store the medication between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This temperature range provides a safe margin above Mounjaro freezing point, preventing accidental freezing.
Risks of Using Frozen Mounjaro
Using Mounjaro that has been frozen-even if it has thawed-is not safe. The thawing process does not restore its original efficacy, and using a pen that has been frozen could lead to suboptimal treatment results, failing to lower blood sugar levels, or unpredicted health issues.
If you discover that your Mounjaro has frozen, dispose of the pen and replace it with a new one.
Related article: What to Do If You Accidentally Leave Mounjaro Out of the Fridge.
How to Tell if Mounjaro Has Been Frozen?
If you're unsure, a few key signs can help tell if your Mounjaro pen has been frozen.
First off, take a look at the medication itself. If you see any crystals or if the liquid looks cloudy and doesn't clear up after warming to room temperature for a bit, that's a red flag.
Also, if the solution feels thicker than usual or has a gel-like consistency, these are pretty strong hints that your Mounjaro has indeed been exposed to freezing temperatures.
Catching these signs early can help you avoid using a pen that might not be effective, keeping your diabetes or weight-loss treatment on track.
In case of doubt, it's better to be safe than sorry. Discard the compromised pen and grab a fresh one from the refrigerator, or better yet, get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Tips for Preventing Freezing
- Monitor your fridge's temperature. Make sure your refrigerator is set within the safe zone for Mounjaro-between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This keeps it cool without crossing into the freezing territory.
- Do not store Mounjaro near the freezer compartment. Store your Mounjaro pens in the main part of the refrigerator, not tucked away near the chilly back or the unpredictable sides. Keeping it in the middle helps avoid those colder areas where it could accidentally freeze.
- Never leave Mounjaro in the car overnight, especially in the winter. Temperatures can drop drastically and risk freezing the medication.
- In extreme cold weather, keep your Mounjaro pen in an inside pocket where your body warmth can protect it from freezing. This is a simple yet effective way to keep it at a safe temperature when you're out and about.
- Get a Mounjaro Travel Case with anti-freeze safety. If you're using a cooling case to carry your pens and keep them cool in hot weather, make sure it has anti-freeze safety, like the ones from 4AllFamily. Avoid DIY coolers with ice, as direct contact with ice can risk freezing your medication.
Related article: Can Insulin Freeze? Risks and Prevention of Frozen Insulin.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
Have you ever had a Mounjaro pen freeze on you by accident? We're all about keeping our medication safe, so we'd love to hear your top tips for preventing those chilly mishaps. Drop your best advice, any questions you have, or share your stories down below!
