If you're on a Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes or weight-loss off-label use, you probably know already that your injection pens must be kept refrigerated.
Mounjaro doesn't take well to temperature swings, and refrigeration and temperature control are key to the effectiveness of your treatment.
But, let's face it-life happens, and sometimes Mounjaro might end up spending a bit too long outside the fridge. Whether you've left it out overnight or forgot to refrigerate it for a while, here's what you should do.
What Happens When Mounjaro Is Unrefrigerated?
Mounjaro can actually stay unrefrigerated, but only up to a point. It's got a 21-day limit out of the fridge and must be kept always below 86°F (30°C).
If it gets warmer or stays out of the fridge longer, the active ingredient, Tirzepatide, begins to break down. This could mean that your injections won't work as well, if at all, which is definitely not something you want from a medication that's supposed to manage your blood sugar.
Related article: How to Travel with Mounjaro: Safety Tips & Travel Cases.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Accidentally Left Mounjaro Out
Okay, first off-no need to panic! Check how long Mounjaro has been unrefrigerated and what the temperature was like.
- If it's been less than 21 days and the temperature was below 86°F (30°C), you're still in the clear and can safely use your injection pen.
But if it's been warmer or longer, you should not use your Mounjaro pen. Instead, it's recommended to dispose of it and take a new, fresh one from the refrigerator.
If you're not sure, it's best to play it safe and not use it. With medications, better safe than sorry, right?
What if You Left Mounjaro out Overnight
If you've left your Mounjaro pen out overnight, maybe on the kitchen counter or inside your purse after picking it up from the pharmacy, this means it was unrefrigerated. Just a few hours outside the fridge can disrupt the cold chain necessary to keep the medication stable.
However, not all is lost. Remember, Mounjaro can be unrefrigerated for up to 21 days at room temperature. So, if you find that you've left it out overnight, you can use the pen but only within this 21-day window. Once past this period, you should discard the pen, even if there's still medicine left.
Keep in mind, if the ambient temperature exceeded 86°F (30°C) while Mounjaro was out, you should not use it at all, as high temperature can quickly deteriorate the medication inside.
Related article: When to Take Mounjaro: Should You Take it in The Morning or at Night?
How to tell if Mounjaro has Gone Bad
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in your Mounjaro injection pens, is supposed to be clear, maybe a tad yellowish. If you spot any cloudiness, color changes, or particles floating around, that's a red flag that your Mounjaro has gone bad. Those are signs that the medication might not be good to use anymore. Do not take the risk. Dispose of the pen and take a new, fresh one from the refrigerator.
Preventive Measures for Future Storage of Mounjaro Pens
To sidestep these issues in the future, maybe set a reminder on your phone or stick a note on the fridge-whatever fits your routine.
A pro tip: always write down the date when you first take your Mounjaro pen out of the fridge. It's a simple trick that helps keep track of the 21-days period out of the fridge and spares you the guesswork later.
And if you're often on the move or live in places where the ambient temperature frequently gets above 86°F (30°C), consider getting a medical-grade travel case cooler for Mounjaro.
These coolers are fantastic for keeping your Mounjaro and other meds cool when traveling, no matter where you are.
Related article: What are The Best and Worst Foods to Eat While on Mounjaro?
Getting the hang of storing Mounjaro correctly is important for your blood sugar management. We all make mistakes and it can happen to anyone to accidentally leave Mounjaro out or forget to put it in the fridge on a busy day. If you're ever in doubt about your Mounjaro pen, touching base with your healthcare provider or pharmacist is the way to go.
Managing diabetes is a journey, but remember, you've got support and resources to help you every step of the way. You're doing great, and you're definitely not in this alone!
