Victoza (liraglutide), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, does expire and has specific storage requirements essential for safe diabetes management. Unopened pens remain stable until the printed expiry date when refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, typically providing approximately 30 months' shelf life from manufacture. Once opened, Victoza must be used within 30 days, whether stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature below 30°C. Understanding these timeframes is crucial, as expired or improperly stored medication may lose potency, compromising glycaemic control in adults and adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Always check expiry dates and storage conditions to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and patient safety.

Does Victoza Expire? Understanding Shelf Life and Expiry Dates

Yes, Victoza does expire, and understanding its shelf life is essential for safe and effective diabetes management. Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycaemic control in adults and adolescents aged 10 years and above with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Like all biological medicines, it has a limited period during which it maintains its potency and safety profile.

Unopened Victoza pens stored correctly in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) remain stable until the expiry date printed on the pen and carton. According to the UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), this provides a shelf life of approximately 30 months from manufacture, though you should always check the specific date on your medication. The expiry date is determined through stability testing conducted by the manufacturer and approved by regulatory authorities.

Once opened, Victoza has a significantly shorter usable period. After first use, the pen may be stored for up to one month (30 days) at room temperature (below 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), as specified in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). This reduced timeframe reflects the potential for contamination once the sterile seal is broken. It is crucial to write the date of first use on the pen label to track this 30-day window accurately.

The expiry date should never be ignored. Do not use Victoza after the expiry date stated on the label and carton. Using Victoza beyond its expiry date—whether unopened or after the 30-day post-opening period—may result in reduced efficacy, meaning your blood glucose levels may not be adequately controlled. Additionally, expired medication may pose safety risks due to potential degradation.

How to Store Victoza Properly Before and After Opening

Proper storage of Victoza is fundamental to maintaining its therapeutic effectiveness and ensuring patient safety. Before opening, Victoza pens must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Keep the pen in its original carton to protect it from light, as exposure to direct sunlight or bright artificial light can degrade liraglutide. Never store Victoza in the freezer compartment, and if a pen has been accidentally frozen, it must be discarded immediately—freezing irreversibly damages the medication. Do not use if frozen, as stated in the PIL.

After first use, you have two storage options. You may continue refrigerating the pen (2°C to 8°C) or store it at room temperature, provided the ambient temperature does not exceed 30°C. Many patients find room temperature storage more convenient as it reduces injection discomfort—cold injections can be more painful. However, regardless of storage method, the pen must be used within 30 days of opening. Always replace the pen cap after each use to protect the medication from light and contamination.

Important storage precautions include keeping Victoza away from the cooling element in your refrigerator to prevent accidental freezing, and never storing it in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as car glove compartments or bathroom cabinets. When travelling, use an insulated cool bag if refrigeration is unavailable, but avoid direct contact with ice packs. Always remove the needle after each injection and dispose of it safely in a sharps container—never store the pen with a needle attached, as this can cause air bubbles, medication leakage, or needle blockage. Do not share your pen with anyone else, even if the needle is changed, as this poses infection risks.

For disposal, place used needles in a sharps bin (available from your GP, pharmacy or local council) and return unused or expired medication to your pharmacy. If you're unsure whether your Victoza has been stored correctly, consult your pharmacist or diabetes specialist nurse rather than risk using potentially compromised medication.

What Happens If You Use Expired Victoza

Using expired Victoza carries both efficacy and safety concerns that patients should understand clearly. The primary risk is reduced therapeutic effect—as liraglutide degrades over time, its ability to stimulate insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release diminishes. This means your blood glucose levels may not be adequately controlled, potentially leading to hyperglycaemia. Persistent high blood sugar can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision, and over time contributes to serious diabetic complications.

From a safety perspective, whilst there is no evidence that expired Victoza causes acute toxicity, biological products may degrade over time. Additionally, once a pen has been open beyond the 30-day period recommended in the SmPC, there is a theoretical risk of contamination, particularly if sterile injection technique has not been maintained. This is why the manufacturer specifies the 30-day limit after opening.

If you realise you have used expired Victoza, monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently over the following days. Contact your GP or diabetes care team if you notice readings persistently above your individual target range or if you experience symptoms of hyperglycaemia. Watch for signs of infection at injection sites, including increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop very high blood glucose readings (particularly above 25-30 mmol/L) accompanied by symptoms such as severe thirst, frequent urination, dehydration, confusion, drowsiness, abdominal pain, vomiting, or breathing difficulties, as these may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.

Never continue using expired medication. Obtain a replacement prescription promptly and dispose of the expired pen according to local pharmaceutical waste guidelines by returning it to your pharmacy. If you experience any suspected side effects from using Victoza, you can report these through the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

Signs Your Victoza May No Longer Be Safe to Use

Recognising when Victoza has deteriorated is crucial for maintaining treatment safety and effectiveness. Visual inspection should be performed before every injection. According to the Patient Information Leaflet, Victoza should appear as a clear and colourless solution. If you notice any of the following changes, do not use the pen:

• Cloudiness or turbidity – the solution should never appear milky or hazy

• Colour changes – any yellowing, browning, or discolouration indicates degradation

• Visible particles – floating specks, sediment, or crystalline material suggest contamination or breakdown

• Unusual consistency – the solution should flow freely; increased viscosity or gel-like texture is abnormal

Physical damage to the pen also renders it unsafe. Cracks in the cartridge, a damaged needle attachment point, or a malfunctioning dose selector mechanism can compromise sterility and accurate dosing. If the pen has been dropped from height or subjected to impact, inspect it carefully before use.

Functional indicators that suggest problems include difficulty injecting (increased resistance), leakage of solution from the cartridge, or inconsistent dose delivery. If you notice the medication level decreasing faster than expected based on your prescribed dose, this may indicate leakage. Conversely, if the pen seems to contain more medication than anticipated given your usage, you may not be receiving full doses.

Storage-related red flags include any history of freezing (even if subsequently thawed), storage above 30°C for extended periods, or prolonged light exposure. If you cannot recall when you opened the pen or if it has been more than 30 days since first use, do not use it and obtain a replacement.

When in doubt, consult your community pharmacist, who can assess whether your Victoza remains suitable for use. If in doubt, do not use it. Patient safety is the priority, and your diabetes care team would rather you discard questionable medication than risk inadequate glycaemic control or adverse effects.

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