If you are beginning a weight loss journey and are planning to use tirzepatide to help you get the best results, you need to have a good understanding of how to properly store and use your medication. To ensure that your tirzepatide is safe to use and will be the most effective, there are certain requirements for storage that you need to follow.
Today, we are going to talk about prescription tirzepatide, the forms that are available, and how to properly store each to keep it safe for use and at its full potency.
How to Store Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is used for blood sugar control in people who have type 2 diabetes and is marketed under the name Mounjaro, and this very same medication is marketed under the name Zepbound (in stronger doses) for weight management. Although they are the same medication, with the exception of their strength, the directions for storage and use differ slightly.
Make sure you thoroughly read the instructions for your exact formulation of tirzepatide to ensure you understand how to properly store it to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the medication.
Tips for Tirzepatide Storage (All Formulations)
- When you first receive your tirzepatide, store it in the refrigerator until you use it. Put it on a middle shelf and avoid storing it on the door, because the temperature tends to fluctuate and be warmer due to constant opening and closing;
- Keep the medication in its original carton to reduce light exposure and help you quickly locate the instructions and expiration date if needed;
- Do not let the medication freeze. If your pen or vial freezes, the medication is compromised, and you should not use it. Throw it away and call your doctor so they can work with the pharmacy on getting you a replacement;
- If you must travel with your medication, use an insulated bag or small cooler to keep the medication from getting too warm. Use an ice pack to keep the inside of the container cold, but do not let the medication come into direct contact with the ice;
- If your medication has been taken out of refrigeration and has been left at room temperature, follow the directions printed on the box or insert. It will let you know if you should return it to the refrigerator or how many days it may remain at room temperature before you need to discard it.
Official Instructions for How to Store Tirzepatide
According to the manufacturer’s instructions, tirzepatide should be stored in the refrigerator. Many individuals prefer their medication to be at room temperature before administering their injection; however, once the medication is allowed to reach room temperature, it should not be put back into the refrigerator. Tirzepatide is a peptide, so it is very sensitive to temperature changes. Here is what the official tirzepatide instructions say about storing and using tirzepatide.
- Store unopened pens or vials in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F and keep them in their original box to avoid overexposure to light;
- Do not ever let the medication freeze;
- If you must keep your pen or vial out of the refrigerator, do not let them reach temperatures over 86°F. Make sure to adhere to the specific instructions for your medication regarding how long it can be stored at room temperature, as they can differ. Most can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 21 days, but some can last as long as 30 days. After the recommended time, any medication left over should be discarded.
Before using, you should carefully inspect the liquid in your pen or vial to ensure it looks clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy or discolored, or if you see any particles, and consult with your doctor.
Mounjaro vs Zepbound Storage
Tirzepatide is the prescription medication in both Mounjaro and Zepbound, but the formulation for Zepbound is stronger to help with weight loss than that of Mounjaro, which concentrates on blood sugar regulation. They are both the same medication, but because of the difference in their potency, they react a bit differently to temperature fluctuations. Here is a quick chart that outlines these subtle differences.
to see the entire table
| Safe Storage | Mounjaro (opened vs sealed) | Zepbound (opened vs sealed) |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened storage | Store in the refrigerator until used or expired. Safe to store unrefrigerated for up to 30 days, provided that it is not exposed to heat over 86 degrees or allowed to freeze. | Store in the refrigerator until used or expired. Safe to store unrefrigerated for up to 21 days provided that it is not exposed to heat over 86 degrees or allowed to freeze. |
| Storage while opened and while in use | Use the medication within 30 days (4 weekly doses). Medication can be cycled between the refrigerator and room temperature within that timeframe. | The medication must be used within 21 days once out of the refrigerator and must not be returned to the refrigerator once it has been allowed to reach room temperature. |
| Is it safe to return the medication to the refrigerator after room temp use? | Ideally, the medication should be stored at a consistent temperature, but with Mounjaro, cycling between the cool temperature in the fridge and room temperature is permissible. | Not recommended per the instructions on the Zepbound instruction label. Once the pen has arrived at room temperature, it can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 21 days. |
| When to discard | Discard after 30 days of room temperature storage. | Discard if not used within 21 days of removal from the refrigerator. |
Why Is It Best to Refrigerate Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a peptide, so temperature changes can affect how well it works in your body. If the medication sits too long at a high temperature, it can lose potency and may be rendered ineffective. The same applies for allowing your medication to freeze because ice crystals can damage the liquid and the inner workings of the pen, causing it to fail when you try to administer your injections.
These storage guidelines are determined through testing that is done by regulators and on behalf of the manufacturer to ensure your safety and the quality and effectiveness of the medication.
Where Can I Get Help with Tirzepatide?
Dr. Okeefe Simmons at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions offers tirzepatide prescriptions in Miami. He and his team of expert professionals can help you successfully navigate your weight loss journey and succeed in reaching your goals.
After learning about your medical history and previous weight loss attempts, they will work with you to create a plan that will target your needs and circumstances and provide the expert guidance you will need along the way to overcome challenges. Tirzepatide may be included in your weight loss plan, or you may be a good candidate for a non-surgical weight loss procedure. Set up your consultation today to learn more!
FAQs
How Long Does Tirzepatide Last in the Fridge?
Both Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) will last in the refrigerator until the expiration date indicated on the medication.
What Happens if Tirzepatide Is not Refrigerated or Gets Warm?
If tirzepatide is not kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 86 degrees, it can get too hot, break down, and become unsafe or ineffective. The same can occur if tirzepatide is allowed to freeze, so if your medication has not been stored properly, like if you accidentally left it in the car for an hour on a 92-degree day or on a day where it was below freezing outside, unfortunately, you will need to dispose of it and open a new pen or vial.
Can You Tell Me How to Make Tirzepatide More Effective?
There are many things that will contribute to how effective your medication is, besides how it is stored. Tirzepitide works with other natural hormones your body makes that help to optimize your metabolism and control the hunger and fullness cues your body sends. Your lifestyle choices can make the medication work optimally for you, but they can also prevent you from getting the full benefits. Here are some tips for getting the most out of tirzepatide:
- Use the medication exactly as prescribed and take the proper dose of your weekly injection on the same day each week and as close to the same time as possible. Missing doses or inconsistent scheduling can reduce its effectiveness;
- Rotate the sites you use to administer your injections because injecting into the same spot over and over can cause skin irritation and can eventually even affect the absorption of the medication. The best tirzepatide injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm.
- Be intentional about the kinds of food you eat and the beverages you drink. Tirzepatide helps curb your appetite and regulate your blood sugar, so it is important that you eat foods that will not circumvent the benefits that the medication is providing, such as eating lean proteins like chicken, fish, or eggs, vegetables, high-fiber foods, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil. Avoid foods that can spike your blood sugar, such as sweets, white bread, sugary drinks, or fried foods, since they can make the medication less effective.
- Combine healthy eating habits with regular physical activity, proper hydration, and plenty of sleep, and find a productive outlet for stress so you can increase the effectiveness of the tirzepatide and mitigate common side effects.
- Talk with your doctor about chronic side effects as soon as possible, but do not suddenly stop taking the medication without consulting them first. They can help adjust your dose, manage nausea, and order lab tests to ensure the medication is working as it should and not causing more side effects.
