Does Saxenda Need to be Refrigerated? How to Store your Pens?

Saxenda is a weight-loss medication available worldwide and widely prescribed in the U.S. While this drug has proven to be quite efficient, there’s a lot of confusion around its storage, and studies show most patients don’t know how to store it properly.

Yet, storage temperatures are essential to keep your weight-loss injections effective. Indeed, Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is a biological product that’s highly sensitive to temperatures and can quickly deteriorate if not properly stored.

So, let's go back to the basics and make sure we all know how to take good care of our Saxenda pens at home. Does Saxenda need to be refrigerated? How long can it be out of the fridge? And other fundamental questions the success of your medical treatment ultimately depends on...

If reading is not your thing, we have an alternative for you! You can check out the video below covering this topic.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is an injectable medication prescribed to help people lose weight. It's used within a long-term weight management plan alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical exercise. It can be prescribed to adults and teens with obesity and adults with weight-related conditions.

The active ingredient in Saxenda is Liraglutide (also sold under the brand name Victoza for type 2 diabetes, see below for more information). It primarily works by suppressing appetite.

How does it work?

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug[1], that mimics the effects of a human hormone called GLP-1.

GLP-1 is naturally released by the intestines in response to food intake and plays a major role in increasing insulin secretion, increasing satiety, and slowing down digestion.

By supplementing the body with a pharmaceutical similar to GLP-1 hormone, Saxenda significantly helps reduce appetite (sensation of hunger), increase the feeling of fullness (satiety), control food intake, and eventually lose weight.

Saxenda can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It's not available over the counter and must only be taken under medical supervision. Ask your doctor about possible side effects.

Saxenda injection pens

Saxenda is usually administered daily by subcutaneous injections (under the skin). The patients are responsible for self-administering Saxenda at home.

To make the injection easier and more convenient, Saxenda is delivered in prefilled injection pensthat contain 3mL of medicine. Saxenda pens are available in packs of 1, 3, or 5.

The pens are used with disposable needles for each injection. In addition, a dose selector allows you to select and inject the exact dose your doctor has prescribed.

What’s the difference between Saxenda and Victoza?

Victoza and Saxenda both contain the same active ingredient, Liraglutide. So, you may wonder what’s the difference between these two injectable drugs.

The first difference between Saxenda and Victoza is their FDA-approved uses. While Victoza is approved to treat type 2 diabetes only, Saxenda is approved for chronic weight management only. People with type 2 diabetes treated with Victoza may lose some weight, but it’s not the primary indication for this medicine. Similarly, people treated with Saxenda for weight loss may have lower blood sugar levels.

The second difference between these two Liraglutide drugs is their dosage. Saxenda is generally used in a higher dosage than Victoza. Victoza is given in 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg daily doses, whereas the dosage for Saxenda can reach 3 mg daily.

As a result, Saxenda may cause more intense side effects than Victoza.

Does Saxenda need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Saxenda needs to be refrigerated. Liraglutide is a biologic. Biologics, also known as biological drugs or biopharmaceuticals, are produced from biological sources using a living system, such as an animal cell, a plant cell, or a microorganism.

As such, they’re very fragile and unstable. Refrigeration is often the only way to prevent biological drugs like Saxenda from deteriorating too quickly and to prolong their effectiveness.

Fortunately, there's room for maneuvering with Saxenda, as laboratory tests have shown the medicine can stay unrefrigerated for up to 30 days. So, let’s go into the details about Saxenda storage temperatures and instructions.

Saxenda storage temperatures

According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda, unused Saxenda pens must be stored “in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C).” After first use or unrefrigeration, the pens can be placed back in the refrigerator "or stored at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C)”. In both cases, they must be used within 30 days maximum.

In other words:

Unopened Saxenda pens: in the fridge until first use or expiration date.
Opened Saxenda pens: in the fridge or at room temperature for 30 days maximum.

The manufacturer also warns patients about not exposing Saxenda to freezing temperatures.

Related article: Does Insulin Need to Be Refrigerated?

How long does Saxenda last in the fridge?

If unopened and stored in a refrigerator, Saxenda lasts in the fridge until the expiration date labeled on each pen.

Ideally, the temperature inside your fridge should be between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) and as stable as possible.

To avoid temperature fluctuations inside your domestic refrigerator and ensure the best storage conditions for your Saxenda pens:

Store your weight-loss medicine at the center of the fridge. Avoid bottom, sides, and door shelves.
Avoid opening the fridge door too often or for too long
Do not place Saxenda pens near the freezer compartment.
Check the temperature inside your fridge often.

If you've opened, used, or left unrefrigerated a Saxenda pen, it can only last 30 more days, even if you’ve put it back in the fridge.

How long can Saxenda stay out of the fridge?

According to its manufacturer's official storage instructions, Saxenda can stay out of the fridge for 30 days. Past that time without refrigeration, you should throw away your Saxenda pens, even if there's still medicine inside.

The fact that Saxenda can be out of the fridge for 30 days does not free you from being careful about its storage conditions. Indeed, it must be kept at room temperature and should never be exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C).

Saxenda at room temperature

Once opened, Saxenda pens don’t need to be refrigerated. They can be stored at room temperaturebut must be used within 30 days maximum.

By room temperature, we mean anything between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C). In no case should Liraglutide (Saxenda) be exposed to higher temperatures.

In other words, if you live in places with above 86°F (30°C) ambient temperature, you must protect your Saxenda pens from the heat. Here are a few tips for doing so:

Use a medical-grade cooler bag
Never leave Saxenda pens in your car
Don’t leave them in the sun
Never put your pens near a heat source (stove, fireplace, etc.)

According to Novo Nordisk’s storage recommendations, if your Saxenda pen has been exposed to a temperature above 86°F (30°C), it isn’t safe for use anymore. However, don’t panic! As said above, degradation happens progressively, so unless you’ve put it in the oven, if your pen has been exposed to high temperatures for a few minutes, it's probably okay...

How to travel with Saxenda?

Traveling with temperature-sensitive medicines like Saxenda is stressful for many patients. But with common sense and reliable accessories, there’s really no reason to worry.

Whether traveling to warm weather destinations or simply spending the day outdoors with temperatures rising above 86°F (30°C), you need to keep your Saxenda pens cool.

The most convenient and reliable solution is to use a medical-grade travel cooler for medicines, like the ones from 4AllFamily.

Saxenda Expiration

Remember that Saxenda has two expiration dates: the one officially labeled on the pen, and the one that occurs 30 days after you’ve first used your pen. You must keep track of both expiration dates to ensure you’re not using an expired medicine.

How to tell if Saxenda has gone bad?

Saxenda is a colourless liquid. If the medicine inside your pen looks cloudy, has changed color, or has particles, it may have gone bad.

When in doubt, immediately throw your pen away and get a new one from your refrigerator or the nearest pharmacy. Injecting medicine that has gone bad can have severe consequences for your health.

What happens if you use expired Saxenda?

Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is a biological product made from a living source. When not refrigerated or when exposed to high temperatures, it starts breaking down and deteriorating.

Expired Saxenda probably won’t poison you, as the risks of bacterial contamination are very low (but possible). Instead, it will simply not work or work less than it should.

When it starts degrading, Saxenda progressively loses efficiency. The longer it's left unrefrigerated, and the higher the temperatures it's been exposed to, the more efficacy it loses.

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.

Are you using Saxenda? Would you like to share your experiences, doubts, and comments with us?

References:

[1] Prasad-Reddy L, Isaacs D. A clinical review of GLP-1 receptor agonists: efficacy and safety in diabetes and beyond. Drugs Context. 2015 Jul 9;4:212283. doi: 10.7573/dic.212283. PMID: 26213556; PMCID: PMC4509428. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509428/

February 01, 2023

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Comments

4AllFamily Customer Care said:

Hola Vanessa, buen día.

Gracias por tu consulta. Es importante tener en cuenta que una vez que los lapiceros de Saxenda se sacan del refrigerador, deben ser utilizados en un plazo máximo de 30 días. Como mencionas que el envío será para un tratamiento de aproximadamente 3 meses, lamentablemente, no será posible que tu familiar utilice los 6 lapiceros durante todo ese período si ya no estarán refrigerados al llegar.

Para este tipo de envío, sería fundamental contar con una cadena de frío durante todo el trayecto para asegurar la eficacia del medicamento. Te recomiendo que hables con el médico de tu familiar para evaluar otras opciones o que consultes a la empresa transportadora por posibles alternativas que mantengan la refrigeración del producto.

¡Espero que esta información te sea útil!

4AllFamily Customer Care said:

¡Hola Encarni!

Te recomiendo que hables con tu médico o profesional de la salud para que te asesore sobre cómo continuar con tu tratamiento de Saxenda. Ellos podrán darte la mejor orientación según tu situación particular. ¡Gracias por tu comentario y cuídate mucho!

Vanessa Camacho said:

Hola buen día.
Debo enviar 6 lapiceros nuevos, cerrados, a un familiar en otro país, en la empresa transportadora me dicen que el envío, se tarda en llegar de Colombia a la isla de aruba, 8 días aproximadamente, o quizás antes, ellos ni ninguna otra empresa maneja envios con cadena de frío, osea los lapiceros irán a temperatura ambiente del avión, es seguro este envío? Los lapiceros no se dañaran? Este tratamiento de 6 lapiceros es para aproximadamente 3 meses de aplicación, muchas gracias por su ayuda.
Feliz dia

Encarni Robles Robles said:

Hace cuatro días que no me he puesto saxenda , he gestado de viaje y me olvidé, puedo seguir con mi dosis? Gracias

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hola Liliana,

Recuerda que Saxenda puede mantenerse a temperatura ambiente entre 15°C y 30°C, pero siempre es ideal minimizar la exposición a temperaturas altas para preservar su efectividad.
Después de sacar Saxenda del refrigerador y si planeas viajar a un clima caliente, es recomendable colocarla nuevamente en refrigeración cuando sea posible o transportarlo en una nevera portátil de grado médico como las que ofrecemos en 4AllFamily.

Ademas, asegúrate de que, tanto si está refrigerada como si está a temperatura ambiente, la uses dentro de los 30 días máximos después de su primera apertura o desrefrigeración.

Un saludo,
4AllFamily

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hola María,

Probablemente usar la pluma de Saxenda por aproximadamente 32 días, manteniéndola en refrigeración, no cambie mucho en términos de efectividad o seguridad si se excede por un par de días. Sin embargo, estas no son las recomendaciones oficiales, que aconsejan desecharla a los 30 días de uso para asegurar la máxima eficacia y seguridad del producto. Te aconsejo que consultes con tu médico o farmacéutico para obtener su opinión profesional y seguir el mejor curso de acción según tu situación específica.

Un saludo,
4AllFamily

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hola Paola,

Saxenda debe ser usado dentro de los 30 días después de su primera apertura para garantizar su seguridad y eficacia. Usar el medicamento después de este período podría no ser seguro y podría reducir la efectividad del tratamiento. Te recomiendo desechar este boli y usar uno nuevo para continuar tu tratamiento de manera segura.

Un saludo,
4AllFamily

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hola Angela,

En principio, sí, puedes usar tu Saxenda que se quedó más de 24 horas sin refrigerar, siempre y cuando la temperatura haya permanecido entre 15°C y 30°C. Pero, es importante recordar que una vez que el Saxenda ha estado fuera de refrigeración, debe ser usado dentro de los próximos 30 días.

Un saludo,
4AllFamily

Liliana said:

Si tengo saxenda fuera del refrigerador y voy a viajar a clima caliente, debo tenerla nuevamente en el refrigerador??

Maria said:

Hola. Puedo ocipar la pluma 32 días aproximadamente si la mantuve en uso pero en refrigeración o es vital deshecharla a los 30 dias de uso?

Paola said:

Tengo un boli en el refrigerador abierto de hace 3 meses, parece estar en perfecto estado , está transparente y todo parece bien , que problemas habría si me inyectó 0.6?

ANGELA said:

buena tarde, compre saxenda y me llego mi paquete en mi lugar de trabajo y lo olvide, se quedo mas de 24 horas sin refrigerar, ¿lo puedo consumir?