Does Victoza need to be refrigerated?

Key Points

• The Victoza (liraglutide) pen should remain refrigerated at 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC) until the first time that you use it. Do NOT place the pen right next to the refrigerator cooling element, as it might get too cold or freeze.
• After you use the pen for the first time, you can store it at room temperature at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) or in the refrigerator. Keep the pen cap on when not in use.
• Once your pen is in use, it is good for 30 days if kept at the proper temperature.

Do not freeze the Victoza pen and don’t use it if it has been previously frozen. Also, protect it from excessive heat and sunlight and don’t leave it in the car.

Always remove and safely discard the needle after each injection and store the Victoza pen without the needle attached. Storing without the needle will reduce the potential for contamination, infection, and leakage and ensure an accurate dose.

Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent contamination.

What happens if I leave my Victoza pen out of the refrigerator?

Once your Victoza pen is used for the first time or left out of the refrigerator, it should be discarded after 30 days, even if there is still medicine left in the pen. However, if Victoza has been exposed to temperatures above 86ºF (30°C), it should be thrown away immediately.

If your Victoza pen has remained refrigerated and not used, it is good until the expiration date printed on the pen or carton.

What is Victoza used for?

Victoza is an injectable prescription medicine used in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with known heart disease.

Victoza is a subcutaneous injection (given under the skin) and comes in a multi-dose, pre-filled pen for injection. It is given one time a day in the abdomen (stomach area), thigh or upper arm. Victoza can be given at any time of day, independently of meals.

Ask your health care provider how to use the pen if you do not know. You can also call a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) for Victoza. They’re available at 1-877-905-1126, M–F, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Do not use Victoza in people with type 1 diabetes or people with diabetic ketoacidosis.

It is not known if Victoza can be used with mealtime insulin; do not mix it with insulin in the same injection. When using Victoza with insulin, administer as separate injections. Never mix.

The most common side effects of Victoza may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion and constipation.

Bottom Line

• Your Victoza pen needs to remain in the refrigerator until the first time that you use it. After you use it for the first injection, you can store it back in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Your Victoza pen is good for 30 days after your first use.
• Throw away the Victoza pen if it has been exposed to temperatures above 86ºF (30°C).
• If the pen has not yet been used and has remained in the refrigerator, it is good until the expiration date.

This is not all the information you need to know about Victoza for safe and effective use. Review the full Victoza information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.