Does Mounjaro Need to Be Refrigerated? 6 Tips for Storing and Traveling with Mounjaro

vitapix/E+ via Getty Images

All medications have storage requirements. These requirements help medications stay safe and effective for as long as possible. Most medications are OK to keep at room temperature. But there are many that are best kept in the fridge. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is one example.

If you use Mounjaro, you may run into unexpected storage issues. What happens if you leave it out of the fridge by accident? And how do you safely travel with Monjaro? If you're asking yourself these questions, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find six tips for storing and traveling with Mounjaro.

1. It's best to keep Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in the fridge until you're ready to inject a dose

It's best to store Mounjaro in the fridge until you're ready to inject your dose. The ideal temperature range for storage is 36°F to 46°F. Mounjaro will expire quicker at warmer temperatures.

Avoid storing Mounjaro near the cooling unit inside the fridge. This could cause the medication to get too cold or freeze. On the flip side, avoid storing Mounjaro on the door of the refrigerator. The temperature of a fridge door can fluctuate when you open it. This could potentially expose Mounjaro to temperatures warmer than 46°F.

Mounjaro comes in both single-use injector pens and single-use vials. Mounjaro pens are more commonly prescribed. But regardless of which version you're using, the storage requirements are the same.

Good to know: Many people find it uncomfortable to inject cold medications. Try taking Mounjaro out of the fridge about 30 minutes before your dose. This is perfectly safe to do and can make your injection more comfortable. It may also make injection site reactions less likely to happen.

Does Mounjaro expire?

If kept in the fridge, Mounjaro should last until the expiration date marked on the package. But if it's left out, there's no guarantee that the medication will last this long. Mounjaro will expire in 21 days when stored at room temperature. Expired pens or vials aren't considered safe or effective to use and should be thrown away.

2. Don't store Mounjaro in the freezer or use Mounjaro that has been frozen

You shouldn't store Mounjaro in the freezer, or expose it to an environment where it could freeze. As mentioned above, storing it near the cooling unit inside your fridge can also cause it to freeze. If Mounjaro freezes, the medication can break down. This could make it less effective.

If you discover your Mounjaro pen or vial has frozen, don't use it. Even if the medication inside has thawed out after being frozen, it's still not OK to use. Throw the pen or vial away and use one that hasn't been frozen.

3. Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days

While keeping Mounjaro in the fridge is ideal for long-term storage, it's not the only option. If needed or preferred, you can leave Mounjaro out of the fridge (at temperatures up to 86°F) for up to 21 days. If your pen or vial comes to room temperature by accident, this 21-day timeframe still applies (even if you put it back in the fridge).

If Mounjaro has been at room temp for longer than 21 days, you shouldn't use it. It's best to throw away the medication and use a new pen or vial. But keep in mind that if the manufacturer's expiration date is sooner than 21 days, you should throw it away based on the expiration date.

4. Keep Mounjaro in the original box until it's time for your dose

On top of storing Mounjaro at the right temperature, you should also protect it from light. The best way to do this is to store Mounjaro in its original box until it's time for your dose. This helps protect it from exposure to both sunlight and artificial light.

Excessive exposure to light can break down Mounjaro, making it less effective. Its packaging is specially designed to help block light from reaching the pens or vial inside.

Pharmacist tip: There are four Mounjaro pens in each box. Only remove one pen at a time when you're preparing for your injection. Leave the pens you won't be using inside the box.

5. Keep Mounjaro away from excessive heat

Similar to protecting Mounjaro from freezing, you should also keep it away from excessive heat. Heat can damage the medication inside the pens or vials. Mounjaro may be less effective if it's been exposed to excessive heat. Avoid storing your pens or vials in areas that may be exposed to higher temperatures, such as in the bathroom or near a stove.

Mail-order delivery considerations

If you're getting your prescription from a mail-order pharmacy, you should keep in mind when your delivery will arrive. Having someone at home to receive your Mounjaro delivery can help prevent it from being exposed to hot (or freezing) temperatures outside.

Typically, mail-order pharmacies ship refrigerated medications in special packaging that help keep medications inside cool. But you should always inspect your medication before taking it.

Below are a few red flags that may indicate your Mounjaro was exposed to excessive heat:

• Your Mounjaro boxes, pens, or vials feel warm to the touch.

• Ice packs inside the shipping box are completely melted.

• The packaging or medication has an odor or unusual smell.

• A temperature tracker inside the shipping box shows it got overheated (not all mail-order pharmacies use these).

• Medication in the vial or the pen's window looks discolored, cloudy, or has particles in it.

What should you do if Mounjaro was exposed to high temperatures?

If you believe or know your Mounjaro prescription was exposed to high temperatures, don't use it. Remember, heat breaks down the medication and makes it less effective.

Contact the mail-order pharmacy if the medication was left out during delivery. If you accidentally left your pens or vials in a hot environment, contact the pharmacy who filled your medication. You can also call Mounjaro's manufacturer at 1-800-545-5979 for assistance.

6. Keep storage requirements in mind when traveling with Mounjaro

Regardless of how you travel, be sure to place Mounjaro in the fridge at your destination as soon as you arrive (if you've kept it cool while traveling). If you'll be away for less than 21 days, you could just keep Mounjaro at room temperature during your trip.

If you're traveling by plane, bring Mounjaro through security in your carry-on luggage

It's best to pack Mounjaro in your carry-on bag or insulated case, similar to those used to transport insulin. Avoid placing it in your checked luggage. Checked luggage is often exposed to extreme temperatures and air pressure changes which could damage your Mounjaro pens or vials.

You don't have to worry about liquid limits if you're traveling within the country. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to bring liquid medications through security checkpoints. But there are extra steps you can take to help ensure a smooth security check:

• Make sure your Mounjaro box has a pharmacy label on it.

• Separate all your liquid medications and medical supplies from the rest of your carry-on items. They don't have to be in a plastic zip-top bag.

• Let a TSA officer know you have liquid medications and supplies, such as alcohol swabs, with you before the screening begins.

Good to know: Other countries have different laws regarding transporting medications. If you're traveling internationally, check with your airline and destination airport for details.

If you're traveling by car, keep Mounjaro in a temperature-controlled environment

Traveling on the road also requires some extra planning when bringing Mounjaro. Similar to flying, you might want to store your pens or vials in an insulated traveling case. A cooler chest is another option, as long as you avoid placing Mounjaro directly on ice packs.

It's best to keep your pens or vials in the main interior of the vehicle (not the trunk). If you make long stops during your road trip, you should bring your Mounjaro with you. Leaving it inside the car or trunk can expose it to extreme temperatures.

How to save on Mounjaro

There are ways to save on Mounjaro, which is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 per prescription through the manufacturer's copay savings program.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.