Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus management in the UK. Proper storage is essential to maintain its efficacy and safety. Many patients wonder: can Trulicity be put back in the fridge after removal? The answer is yes, provided specific conditions are met. Understanding storage guidelines helps ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and prevents medication wastage. This article explains refrigeration rules, temperature limits, and safe handling practices for Trulicity pens, aligned with MHRA-approved product information and NHS guidance.

Trulicity Storage Guidelines: Fridge and Room Temperature Rules

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Proper storage is essential to maintain the medication's stability, efficacy, and safety. According to the MHRA-approved product information, unused Trulicity pens should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. The pens must be kept in their original carton to protect them from light until you are ready to use them.

Once removed from the fridge, Trulicity can be stored at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C) for up to 14 days. This flexibility is particularly useful for patients who travel or prefer to inject the medication at room temperature for greater comfort. It is important to note that the pen should never be frozen; freezing can damage the protein structure of dulaglutide, rendering it ineffective. If a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded, even if it has subsequently thawed.

Key storage principles include:

• Always store unused pens in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C

• Keep pens in the original packaging to protect from light

• Never freeze Trulicity; discard if frozen

• Once removed from the fridge, use within 14 days if kept at room temperature (up to 30°C)

Patients should familiarise themselves with these guidelines to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and avoid wastage of medication. If you are uncertain about storage conditions or have concerns about your Trulicity pen, consult your GP, diabetes specialist nurse, or community pharmacist for advice.

Can You Refrigerate Trulicity After Taking It Out?

A common question among patients is whether Trulicity can be returned to the refrigerator after it has been removed. The answer is yes—Trulicity can be put back in the fridge after being taken out, provided the total cumulative time stored at room temperature does not exceed 14 days and it has not been exposed to temperatures exceeding 30°C. This flexibility allows patients to manage their medication storage according to their daily routines and travel needs.

For example, if you remove a pen from the fridge in the morning but decide not to administer your dose until later, you may safely return it to refrigeration. Similarly, if you take a pen on a short trip and store it at room temperature for a few days, you can refrigerate it again upon your return, as long as the cumulative time out of the fridge does not exceed 14 days. It is advisable to keep a written record of when the pen was first removed from refrigeration to track the 14-day window accurately.

However, once the 14-day room-temperature period has elapsed, the pen should be discarded, even if you subsequently refrigerate it. The medication's stability cannot be guaranteed beyond this timeframe when stored outside the recommended refrigerated conditions. Additionally, if you suspect the pen has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C, it should not be returned to the fridge and must be disposed of safely.

Important reminders:

• Trulicity can be returned to the fridge if the total time at room temperature is less than 14 days

• Track the date of first removal from refrigeration

• Do not use pens suspected of exposure to temperatures above 30°C

• Never use a pen that has been frozen, even after thawing

If you have any doubts about whether your Trulicity pen remains safe to use, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist rather than risk using compromised medication.

What Happens If Trulicity Gets Too Warm or Too Cold?

Temperature extremes can significantly compromise the integrity and efficacy of Trulicity. Dulaglutide is a protein-based medication, and proteins are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Exposure to excessive heat or freezing temperatures can cause structural changes to the active ingredient, potentially rendering the medication ineffective or unsafe.

Excessive heat exposure (temperatures above 30°C) can affect the dulaglutide protein, altering its structure and reducing its ability to bind to GLP-1 receptors. This may result in suboptimal glycaemic control, as the medication will not exert its intended glucose-lowering effect. Signs that a pen may have been exposed to excessive heat are not always visible, which is why adherence to storage guidelines is critical. If you know or suspect that your Trulicity pen has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C—for instance, if left in a hot car or near a radiator—it should be discarded and replaced.

Freezing is equally problematic. When Trulicity freezes, ice crystals form within the solution, which can disrupt the protein structure. Even after thawing, the medication may appear normal but will likely have lost its therapeutic potency. The MHRA-approved product information explicitly states that frozen Trulicity must not be used. If you are unsure whether a pen has been frozen, check for ice crystals or an unusually cloudy appearance, though absence of these signs does not guarantee the medication is safe.

What to do if temperature exposure occurs:

• Too warm: Discard the pen if exposed to >30°C

• Frozen: Discard immediately; do not use even after thawing

• Uncertain exposure: Consult your pharmacist or diabetes care team

Maintaining proper storage conditions is a key aspect of medication safety and effective diabetes management. If you need a replacement pen due to temperature exposure, contact your GP or diabetes clinic promptly.

Safe Storage Practices for Trulicity Pens

Implementing safe storage practices ensures that Trulicity remains effective throughout its shelf life and minimises the risk of medication errors or wastage. Organisational strategies and awareness of common storage pitfalls can help patients maintain optimal conditions for their medication.

In the home environment, designate a specific area in your refrigerator for Trulicity storage—ideally on a middle shelf rather than in the door, where temperature fluctuations are more common. Avoid placing pens near the freezer compartment or cooling elements, as these areas may be cold enough to cause freezing. Keep the pens in their original carton to protect them from light and to help you track expiry dates and the date of first removal from refrigeration.

When travelling, use an insulated medication travel case or cool bag with ice packs (ensuring the pen does not come into direct contact with ice). If refrigeration is unavailable during travel, remember that Trulicity can be safely stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 14 days. For air travel, keep Trulicity in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage, as cargo holds can experience freezing temperatures. Carry a letter from your GP confirming your need for the medication and injection device, in line with UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance.

Additional safe storage tips:

• Never store Trulicity in the car, especially during warm weather

• Keep out of reach of children and store securely

• Do not remove the pen cap until immediately before injection

• Inspect the solution before each use—it should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow

• Label pens with the date of first removal from the fridge if storing at room temperature

• Dispose of used pens in a sharps container according to local NHS guidance

If you experience any difficulties with storage or have questions about maintaining your medication during unusual circumstances (such as power cuts or home renovations), contact your community pharmacist or diabetes specialist nurse for tailored advice.

When to Discard Trulicity: Expiry and Safety Concerns

Knowing when to discard Trulicity is crucial for both safety and therapeutic efficacy. Several circumstances necessitate disposal of a Trulicity pen, even if it appears unused.

Expiry date: Always check the expiry date printed on the pen and carton. Do not use Trulicity beyond this date, as the manufacturer cannot guarantee its potency or safety after expiration. Expired medication should be returned to your community pharmacy for safe disposal.

Storage time limits: If a pen has been stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for more than 14 days in total, it must be discarded, regardless of whether it has been used. This applies even if the pen is subsequently returned to refrigeration. Keep a written record of when the pen was first removed from the fridge to track this timeframe accurately.

Temperature exposure: Discard any pen that has been frozen or exposed to temperatures above 30°C. Even if the solution appears normal, the medication's integrity may be compromised. There is no reliable way to visually confirm whether heat-damaged medication remains effective.

Physical changes: Before each injection, inspect the solution through the viewing window. Trulicity should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow, as stated in the Patient Information Leaflet. Discard the pen if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles or flakes. Do not use a pen if it appears damaged, cracked, or if the cap has been removed for an extended period.

When to seek advice:

• If you are uncertain whether your pen has been stored correctly

• If you have used a pen that may have been compromised

• If you experience unexpected hyperglycaemia or loss of glycaemic control

• If you need guidance on safe disposal methods

Patients should contact their GP, diabetes specialist nurse, or pharmacist if they have concerns about medication storage or need replacement pens. Never compromise on medication safety—when in doubt, it is always safer to discard a questionable pen and obtain a replacement rather than risk using ineffective or potentially harmful medication. Proper disposal in a sharps container, available from pharmacies or through local NHS services, protects both household members and waste management personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions