Quick answer: GLP-1 medications need to be refrigerated before first use to maintain effectiveness. Some can be kept at room temperature after opening, but only for a limited time depending on the brand. Always follow the storage instructions to ensure your medication works safely and as intended.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (commonly called GLP-1s) are injectable medications widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management. These treatments have been growing rapidly in popularity. You may have heard about them from your doctor, in the news, or even from friends and family.
GLP-1 medications are made of delicate proteins, which means heat, light, or freezing can make them lose effectiveness. If you've recently been prescribed a GLP-1, or are just learning how they work, it's important to know how to store them properly.
In this article, we're answering all of your storage-related questions:
- How should GLP-1 medications be stored?
- How long do they remain effective in the fridge or at room temperature?
- What else can I do to make sure my medication stays effective?
Related article: How to Travel with GLP-1s: Everything You Need to Know For a Safe and Stress-Free Trip!
GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, mimic a hormone naturally produced in the gut. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar by:
✔️ Stimulating insulin release in response to meals
✔️ Slowing stomach emptying
✔️ Reducing appetite
These combined effects not only help manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes but can also support weight loss when prescribed for weight management.
Some of the most widely prescribed GLP-1s in the United States include:
- Semaglutide: Ozempic and Wegovy
- Tirzepatide: Mounjaro and Zepbound
- Dulaglutide: Trulicity
- Liraglutide: Victoza and Saxenda
Each works slightly differently, but all rely on delicate proteins to function correctly, making proper storage essential to maintain their effectiveness.
Related Article: How Long Does It Take for GLP-1 Medications to Work? Expectations vs. Reality : What to Expect From Your Treatment?
What Is The Ideal Storage Temperature for GLP-1s?
The recommended GLP-1 storage temperature is 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) for unopened pens or vials.
Once opened, many GLP-1s can also be kept at room temperature, typically up to 77°F-86°F (25°C-30°C), but only for a limited period of time depending on the medication you are using.
Do GLP-1s Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, in most cases, GLP-1 medications need to be refrigerated before use. Like insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists are biologic protein-based drugs, and improper storage can break down their molecular structure, making them less effective or even unsafe.
✅ Before first use: GLP-1 pens or vials should be kept in the refrigerator, usually between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C).
✅ After first use: Some GLP-1s can remain stable at room temperature for a limited period (often between 14-56 days, depending on the specific brand). Others may still require refrigeration. Always check the storage instructions provided with your prescription.
Many patients often have specific concerns about handling their medication day-to-day, let's look at some of the most common questions about GLP-1 refrigeration.
Related article: The Do's and Don'ts of Tirzepatide Refrigeration and Storage
How long do GLP-1 medications last in the fridge?
GLP-1 medications are generally stable in the refrigerator until their expiration date as long as they remain unopened. Refrigeration keeps the protein structure intact, ensuring the medication stays effective.
Once opened, the timeline changes slightly.
Most GLP-1s can be kept at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C), for a short period, between 14 to 56 days, depending on the specific medication, before they must be discarded
Related article: Is Your Semaglutide Safe? A Complete Storage Guide
How long can GLP-1s be out of the fridge?
● Semaglutide injections: Ozempic lasts up to 56 days once opened, even if stored at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C), but refrigeration prolongs stability. Wegovy has a shorter lifetime outside of the refrigerator, lasting 28 days before it must be disposed.
● Liraglutide injections: Both Victoza and Saxenda are stable for 30 days at room temperature.
● Tirzepatide injections: Mounjaro and Zepbound can only stay out of the fridge for up to 21 days and should never be exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C).
● Dulaglutide: Trulicity should remain refrigerated until use, but may be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days.
As you can see, these timeframes vary depending on manufacturer instructions, but the general principle is the same: refrigeration keeps GLP-1s stable until the expiration date, while room temperature storage has a much shorter window.
Do GLP-1s have to be refrigerated after opening?
Not always. Many GLP-1s remain potent at room temperature for a few weeks after the first dose. However, room temperature storage only works for a set number of days. After that, the medication may stop working properly.
If your daily routine or travel makes refrigeration or room temperature storage difficult, using a medical-grade portable cooler can help you maintain safe storage without interruption. This is especially important if you live in a hot climate, where even temperatures inside can exceed safe limits.
What happens if GLP-1s are not refrigerated?
If GLP-1 medication is left unrefrigerated for too long (beyond the recommended room temperature window), the active proteins can degrade. This breakdown means:
● Reduced effectiveness: The drug may not control blood sugar or support weight management as intended.
● Possible safety concerns: While degraded GLP-1 is unlikely to be harmful in itself, it may fail to deliver the expected therapeutic effect, leaving patients unprotected.
Even a short period outside recommended storage conditions can impact medication stability, especially in hot environments. And while forgetting to refrigerate a pen for a few hours may not always be a problem, heat is a different story. Let's take a closer look at what happens if GLP-1s get too warm.
What happens if GLP-1s get too warm?
When GLP-1 medication gets too warm, above 86°F (30°C), it can break down and stop working as it should. The longer it remains exposed, the greater the risk that it will lose effectiveness.
In practical terms:
- Short-term mild warmth (a few hours): May still be safe, but should be monitored carefully.
- Extended exposure (more than a day in warm temperatures): Likely degrades potency.
- High heat exposure (left in a car, direct sunlight, or near appliances): Almost always destroys the medication.
If you are ever unsure, do not use a pen that may have been compromised. Contact your pharmacist or provider for guidance.
Related article: GLP1 Injection Sites: Where to Inject Your Medication and Where Not To!
GLP-1 Storage: Extra Tips for Everyday Use
Storing GLP-1 medications correctly is critical for keeping them safe and effective. Beyond refrigeration, here are some additional tips to help protect your medication in real-world situations:
✔️ Keep refrigerated until first use: Store unopened pens or vials in the refrigerator between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) until you're ready to use them.
✔️ Avoid light and heat exposure: Direct sunlight, hot cars, or even leaving a pen near kitchen appliances can accelerate breakdown. Always store GLP-1s in a cool, dark place.
✔️ Never freeze GLP-1 medications: Freezing damages the protein structure permanently, making the medication unusable. If a pen has been frozen, it should be discarded.
✔️ Check expiration dates regularly: Even if refrigerated, expired pens may not be effective. Always confirm dates before injecting.
✔️ Keep a backup plan: If you rely on GLP-1s, consider keeping a spare pen (within its expiration window) or a portable fridge at home to protect your supply in case of power outages or travel delays.
✔️ Use portable medication coolers for travel or daily use: Whether commuting, going on vacation, or living in a hot climate, a dedicated medical cooler helps keep GLP-1s at a safe temperature when a standard fridge isn't available.
💡 Pro tip: At 4AllFamily, we offer a wide range of portable medical fridges and coolers designed to meet different needs. Whether you need to keep your GLP-1 medication safely at refrigerator temperatures during daily use, or protect it from overheating while traveling in hot climates, our cooling solutions provide peace of mind wherever you go.
Keep Your GLP-1s Safe and Treatment On Track
At first, all the storage rules and temperature ranges can feel a bit overwhelming, but once you get familiar with your prescription's specific instructions, it quickly becomes second nature.
With the right storage practices and tools, you can feel confident that your GLP-1 medication remains safe, effective, and ready to support your treatment goals.
The key points to remember are:
💉 Refrigerate until use: Keep unopened GLP-1 pens or vials in the fridge at 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) to maintain stability.
🌡️ Room temperature windows vary: After opening, many GLP-1s can be stored at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C) for 14-56 days, depending on the brand.
☀️ Avoid heat, light, and freezing: Exposure to high temperatures, sunlight, or freezing can degrade the medication and reduce its effectiveness.
🧊 Plan for travel: Use portable coolers or medical-grade fridges to keep your GLP-1 safe while traveling or in hot climates.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You
Have you had challenges storing your GLP-1 medication? Share your tips, tricks, or questions below! Your experience could help others stay on track with their treatment and keep their medication safe and effective.
