Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a biological medicine, Trulicity requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic effectiveness. Understanding whether Trulicity needs refrigeration is essential for patients to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and medication safety. This article provides comprehensive guidance on Trulicity storage requirements, including refrigeration needs, room temperature limits, travel considerations, and what to do if storage conditions are compromised. Proper storage practices help preserve medication potency and support effective glycaemic control.

Does Trulicity Need Refrigeration?

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it helps lower blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Like many biological medicines, Trulicity requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic effectiveness.

Yes, Trulicity does need refrigeration when stored for extended periods. The manufacturer recommends storing unused Trulicity pens in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. This temperature range ensures the medication remains stable and effective until its expiry date. The pre-filled pen should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light, which can degrade the active ingredient.

However, Trulicity offers some flexibility for short-term storage. Once removed from the refrigerator, an unused pen may be kept at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C) for up to 14 days. This 14-day period is cumulative—any time spent out of the refrigerator counts towards this total. This provision is particularly useful for patients who travel frequently or need to transport their medication. It is crucial never to freeze Trulicity, as freezing permanently damages the medication and renders it unusable, even if thawed.

Understanding proper storage requirements is essential for treatment success. Improperly stored medication may lose potency, potentially leading to inadequate glycaemic control. Patients should always check the expiry date and appearance of their Trulicity pen before use—the solution should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow. Any cloudiness, discolouration, or visible particles indicates the medication should not be used, and a pharmacist should be consulted immediately.

How to Store Trulicity Properly

Proper storage of Trulicity begins with refrigeration upon receipt. When you collect your prescription from the pharmacy, transport it home promptly and place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Store the pens in their original packaging on a refrigerator shelf—avoid placing them in the door compartments, where temperature fluctuations are more common due to frequent opening and closing. The ideal storage location maintains a consistent temperature between 2°C and 8°C.

Never store Trulicity in the freezer or freezer compartment, even temporarily. If a pen has frozen or you suspect it may have frozen, it must be discarded safely, as freezing causes irreversible damage to the protein structure of dulaglutide. Similarly, do not store Trulicity near the freezer section of your refrigerator, where it might be exposed to freezing temperatures. Do not use the pen if you suspect it has been frozen, even if it appears normal.

When preparing to use Trulicity, remove one pen from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before injection. Allowing the medication to reach room temperature may improve comfort during administration. During this time, keep the pen away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators or windowsills. Do not attempt to warm the pen artificially using hot water, microwaves, or other heating methods.

After use, dispose of the pen immediately in a sharps container, following local NHS guidelines for safe disposal of medical waste. Contact your GP surgery, pharmacist or local council for information on obtaining and disposing of sharps bins. Never reuse or share a Trulicity pen, as each device is designed for single use only and sharing carries infection risks. Keep all medications, including Trulicity, out of sight and reach of children. Always check the expiry date before use and do not use if past this date. If you have any concerns about storage or notice any changes in your medication's appearance, contact your GP surgery or community pharmacist for advice before using it.

What Happens If Trulicity Is Not Refrigerated?

If Trulicity is left unrefrigerated, the consequences depend on the duration and temperature of exposure. When stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 14 days or less, the medication typically remains stable and effective, provided it has not been exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight. This built-in stability period accounts for normal handling during dispensing, transport, and short-term storage needs. However, once this 14-day window expires, any unused pen should be discarded, even if it appears normal.

Exposure to temperatures exceeding 30°C can compromise the medication's integrity more rapidly. High temperatures may cause degradation of the dulaglutide protein, potentially reducing its therapeutic effectiveness. The manufacturer only guarantees quality within the specified storage conditions; if storage exceeded 30°C or if you are uncertain about the storage conditions, do not use the medication. Signs that Trulicity may have been damaged include changes in colour, cloudiness, or the presence of particles in the solution.

If you accidentally leave Trulicity out of the refrigerator, assess the situation carefully. If the pen has been at room temperature for less than 14 days and has not exceeded 30°C, it may still be usable—inspect it thoroughly before administration. If you are uncertain about the storage conditions or duration, do not use the medication. Contact your community pharmacist or diabetes specialist nurse for guidance, as using compromised medication could result in inadequate diabetes management.

Patients should monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently if they suspect their Trulicity may have been improperly stored and subsequently used. Unexplained elevations in blood glucose readings may indicate reduced medication efficacy. In such cases, contact your GP surgery promptly to discuss the situation and obtain a replacement prescription if necessary. Never attempt to compensate for potentially reduced efficacy by increasing your dose without medical supervision. Report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Travelling with Trulicity: Storage Guidelines

Travelling with Trulicity requires advance planning to maintain proper storage conditions. For journeys lasting up to 14 days, you can transport Trulicity at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C) without refrigeration, making short trips relatively straightforward. Remember that this 14-day period is cumulative—track any time spent out of the refrigerator. Protect the medication from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures by carrying it in an insulated medication travel case or cool bag. Avoid leaving Trulicity in vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly, particularly during summer months.

For longer journeys or when visiting hot climates, additional precautions are necessary. Consider using a medical-grade cooling case specifically designed for insulin and injectable medications. These portable cooling systems maintain appropriate temperatures without freezing and are available from diabetes supply companies and some pharmacies. When staying in hotels or other accommodation, store Trulicity in the room refrigerator immediately upon arrival. If refrigeration is unavailable, use cooling packs, ensuring the medication does not come into direct contact with ice or frozen gel packs, which could cause freezing.

Air travel with Trulicity is generally straightforward but requires documentation. Carry your medication in hand luggage rather than checked baggage, where temperatures may fall below freezing in the aircraft hold. Keep medicines in their original packaging with dispensing labels intact. Bring a letter from your GP or diabetes clinic confirming your need for injectable medication and associated supplies, including needles and alcohol wipes. Airport security staff are familiar with diabetes medications, but having documentation expedites the screening process. Ensure you have sufficient supplies for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays.

When crossing time zones, maintain your dosing schedule based on your home time initially, then gradually adjust to local time if staying for extended periods. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible if there are at least 3 days until your next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days remain until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Never take doses less than 3 days apart. Consult your diabetes specialist nurse or GP before travelling to discuss timing adjustments for long-haul flights. Always carry a backup supply of your diabetes medications and blood glucose monitoring equipment. Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, is essential for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions