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Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 3, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Your Mounjaro single dose pen or vial can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 21 days, not to exceed a room temperature of 86ºF (30ºC). Otherwise, store it in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Always keep Mounjaro in its original carton to protect it from light.

There are 4 Mounjaro pens in each box. When possible, it’s best to keep all your pens refrigerated until you need one. If you find that injecting cold medicine stings or is uncomfortable, you can take your pen or vial out of the fridge to warm up about 30 minutes before your dose.

Be sure to check the expiration date on your medicine each time before you inject. Discard any expired medicine and get a new refill at the pharmacy, if needed.

Always be sure to keep Mounjaro out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens to Mounjaro if I leave it out of the fridge?

If Mounjaro is left out of the refrigerator for longer than 21 days, it may start to deteriorate or break down and lose its effectiveness. If you need to store your medicine for longer than 21 days, keep it in the fridge. Your Mounjaro pens or vials can only be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days.

Don’t store or leave Mounjaro in your car or trunk, where extreme temperatures may affect the quality of the medicine. Also, avoid keeping your medicine in the bathroom or medicine cabinet where steam from the shower can make the room hot and cause condensation on your pens or vials.

Can I freeze Mounjaro?

Mounjaro should not be frozen or stored in the freezer. If it does freeze, it should be safely thrown away as it may not be effective, even if it has thawed. Use a new pen or vial that has not been frozen for your dose.

Also, avoid storing it in areas of your fridge where temperatures can fluctuate, like near an ice maker, cooling unit or inside the door, where it may be warmer.

Can I take Mounjaro on a plane?

Yes, you can pack your Mounjaro in a carry-on bag for travel, but be sure it does not exceed the recommended temperature of 86ºF (30ºC). You can travel with Mounjaro at room temperature for 21 days.

If you’ve kept your Mounjaro in an insulated cooler bag while traveling, be sure to place your medicine in a refrigerator as soon as you arrive at your destination if you are not storing at room temperature.

Related Questions

TSA rules for medications

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can bring medically necessary liquids, including medicines greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on. Be sure your prescription box has the pharmacy label with your name. Medicines need to be screened separately from other items at security, so you’ll need to remove them from your bag before you send your items through.

Checked luggage is at risk of being lost by the airlines, which can leave you without your medicine on your trip, so in most cases, it’s always best to carry-on your medicine with you.

Checked bags in the bottom of the plane may be exposed to colder temperatures or air pressure changes. Traveling can expose medicines to extreme hot and cold temperatures, too, so it’s important to safeguard your medicine.

If you’re traveling outside the U.S., check with the international airlines or airports about traveling with medicines, as the rules can vary.

What is the shelf-life of Mounjaro?

You can find the specific Mounjaro expiration dates by checking the label on your pen or vial. If your medicine is expired, safely throw it away and call your pharmacist or doctor for a refill. Do not use expired medicines. Put any syringes in a sharps container right away.

The shelf-life of medicines vary based on their determined expiration dates from manufacturer research testing.

If you have additional questions about storing or traveling with Mounjaro, you can ask your pharmacist or contact Eli Lilly at 1-833-807-6576.

This is not all the information you need to know about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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