Does Saxenda Need to Be Refrigerated? 5 Tips for Storing and Traveling with Saxenda
Key takeaways:
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-weekly injection for weight loss in adults and children ages 12 and older. It comes in an injection pen that has specific storage requirements.
Unopened Saxenda pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F, away from the cooling element. Don’t place your Saxenda pens in the freezer or allow them to freeze. When stored correctly, unopened pens should last until their expiration date.
After the first use, a Saxenda pen can be stored for up to 30 days in the refrigerator. You can also store it at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F, for up to 30 days. The pen should be stored with its cap on and away from excessive heat and sunlight.
When you fly, bring your Saxenda pens with you through airport security. Don’t pack them in your checked luggage. If you're driving, make sure to store your Saxenda pens in a temperature-controlled place.
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Table of contents
Saxenda (liraglutide) and similar medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), have become a popular option to help people manage their weight. They come as injections that you give yourself at home. And along with knowing how to administer them, proper storage is also key.
Whether you’re storing Saxenda at home or packing for a long trip, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. This includes storing unopened and opened Saxenda pens at appropriate temperatures. And if your pens are stored improperly, it’s a good idea to know what you should do next. We cover five practical tips for storing and traveling with Saxenda below.
1. Unopened Saxenda pens should be stored in the refrigerator
Saxenda comes in a box with five prefilled injection pens. Before use, the pens should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36°F and 46°F. You should only use one pen at a time. Keep the remaining Saxenda pens in the refrigerator until you need a new pen.
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When storing your Saxenda pens in the refrigerator, don’t place them close to the cooling element. Otherwise, they could get too cold or freeze. Avoid storing the pens inside the refrigerator door, since the constant opening and closing can cause inconsistent temperatures.
Your unopened Saxenda pens will last until their expiration date as long as they’re stored properly in the refrigerator. You can find your pen’s expiration date on its label.
What happens if Saxenda isn’t refrigerated?
The manufacturer can’t guarantee that your unopened Saxenda pen will last until its expiration date if it hasn’t been stored in the refrigerator.
If you’ve left your unopened Saxenda pens out of the refrigerator, contact your pharmacist or call the manufacturer at 1-844-845-6913 for guidance. Take note of how long they’ve been out of the refrigerator, since this can make a difference in how long they last.
2. Don’t store Saxenda pens in the freezer or use Saxenda pens that have been frozen
Storing your Saxenda pens in the freezer or near the cooling element in your refrigerator may cause the medication inside them to freeze and start breaking down. And even if you thaw the frozen medication and it looks normal, it’s not OK to use. Instead, throw the pen away and use a new Saxenda pen for your dose.
3. You can store open Saxenda pens either in the refrigerator or at room temperature
After injecting the first dose of a new Saxenda pen, you can keep the opened pen in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. You also have the option to store the opened pen at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F, for the same amount of time.
Each Saxenda pen contains multiple doses. But once it’s opened, a Saxenda pen should only be used for up to 30 days or its expiration date, whichever is sooner. If 30 days have passed and there’s still medication in the pen — don’t use it again. Instead, throw your old pen away and use a new pen for your dose.
Good to know: Injecting cold Saxenda can be uncomfortable. It’s OK to remove your Saxenda pen from the refrigerator and allow it to warm up a bit before injecting your dose to lessen stinging. You also have the option to inject Saxenda right out of the refrigerator.
4. Protect your Saxenda pens from excessive heat and direct sunlight
Saxenda pens shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures, such as excessive heat, and direct sunlight. If Saxenda pens become overheated, they may no longer be safe or effective to use. This is also the case if Saxenda is exposed to direct sunlight. Keep the cap on the pen when it’s not in use, since the medication can be exposed to light through the pen’s window.
You’ll want to look for signs of exposure to excessive heat, especially if you receive your Saxenda pens from a mail-order pharmacy. These pharmacies usually take steps to ensure your medication arrives safely, but weather and transit times can sometimes cause problems.
If you answer “YES” to any of the following questions, your medication may have been exposed to heat:
Does the container or contents inside the package feel warm?
Have the ice packs used to keep your medication cold completely melted?
Is the medication inside the pen cloudy or discolored?
Are there any particles floating around in the liquid?
What should you do if your Saxenda pen is exposed to heat?
If you suspect that your Saxenda pens have been exposed to heat after receiving them in the mail, don’t use them. Speak with a pharmacist at your mail-order pharmacy for assistance. If the medication inside the pen looks different than usual, it’s likely that it’s not OK to use.
There may be other situations where you leave your Saxenda pens in a hot environment, such as in your car, by accident. In this case, you can contact your pharmacist or call the manufacturer at 1-844-845-6913 for guidance.
5. Be sure to store Saxenda pens properly while traveling
Whether you're taking a trip by plane or car, it's important to know how to store your medication while traveling. With proper planning, you can avoid any complications when traveling with Saxenda.
Bring Saxenda pens through airport security in your carry-on luggage if you’re traveling by plane
When traveling by plane, pack your Saxenda pens in your carry-on luggage, preferably in their original packaging, clearly displaying the prescription details. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends separating your medications and medical supplies, such as needles for your Saxenda pen, from the rest of your belongings. This will help make getting through airport security a smoother process.
If you need to bring unopened Saxenda pens, consider using an insulated travel case to keep them at the right temperature. The pens may get too cold or freeze if you pack them directly on ice. Placing a towel in between can help prevent them from directly touching.
Keep in mind: Requirements and procedures for traveling with Saxenda may differ if you travel abroad. Check with your destination’s airport or U.S. embassy for more information.
Keep your Saxenda pens in a temperature-controlled environment during long road trips
Taking your Saxenda pens with you on a long road trip also requires some planning in order to store your medication correctly.
If you’re taking unopened Saxenda pens on the road, you’ll need to keep them cold. An insulated travel case is one option to store them properly. It’s also best to keep your pens in the main interior of the car. Steer clear of stashing them in luggage stored in the trunk, where temperature control might be less reliable.
During lengthy pit stops, particularly in varying weather conditions, resist the temptation to leave your Saxenda pens in the car. Once you've arrived at your destination, make sure you have access to a refrigerator to safeguard any remaining unopened pens.
The bottom line
Saxenda (liraglutide) is an injectable medication that should be stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Unopened Saxenda pens should be kept in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. This ensures they’ll last until their expiration date. After the first use, your Saxenda pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F) for up to 30 days.
If you're traveling with Saxenda by plane, pack your pens in your carry-on luggage to take through security checkpoints. For long road trips, store your Saxenda pens in a temperature-controlled environment instead of in your trunk.
For questions about how to store your Saxend pens or if they’re still safe to use, reach out to your pharmacist or the manufacturer.
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References
Novo Nordisk, Inc. (n.d.). Get support. Saxenda.com.
Novo Nordisk, Inc. (2023). Saxenda liraglutide injection [package insert].
Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). I am traveling with medication, are there any requirements I should be aware of? U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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