Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults meeting specific BMI criteria. Once opened, proper storage and timely use are essential to maintain the medication's efficacy and safety. Understanding how long Saxenda injections remain usable after opening helps ensure optimal treatment outcomes and prevents the use of degraded medication. This article provides comprehensive guidance on storage requirements, shelf life, and safety considerations for opened Saxenda pens, aligned with MHRA-approved product information and UK clinical practice.

Saxenda Storage Requirements After Opening

Saxenda (liraglutide 6 mg/ml) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater in the presence of weight-related comorbidities. Understanding proper storage requirements is essential for maintaining the medication's efficacy and safety profile.

Once you begin using a Saxenda pen, the storage requirements change from those of an unopened pen. According to the MHRA-approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), after first use, Saxenda pens can be stored below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for up to 1 month. This differs from unopened pens, which must be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. The pen should be kept with the cap on when not in use to protect it from light and potential contamination.

If you choose to refrigerate your opened pen, allow it to reach room temperature before injection to minimise discomfort. The pen should never be frozen, and if freezing occurs, the pen must be discarded immediately, even if it subsequently thaws. Freezing can damage the molecular structure of liraglutide, potentially rendering it ineffective or unsafe. Additionally, always remove the needle after each injection and dispose of it safely in a sharps container, as leaving needles attached can lead to contamination, air bubbles, or leakage of the medication.

How Long Does Saxenda Last Once Opened

The shelf life of an opened Saxenda pen is 30 days (one month) from the date of first use, regardless of how much medication remains in the pen. This timeframe applies whether the pen is stored below 30°C or in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). This in-use period is established through stability testing conducted by the manufacturer and approved by regulatory authorities including the MHRA and European Medicines Agency (EMA). After this period, the medication may begin to degrade, potentially reducing its effectiveness or altering its safety profile.

To help track this timeframe, it is strongly recommended that you write the date of first use on the pen label immediately after administering your first dose. This simple practice helps prevent accidental use of expired medication. Some patients find it helpful to also note the discard date (30 days from opening) to provide a clear visual reminder. Mobile phone calendar reminders can serve as an additional safeguard.

The 30-day limit applies even if the pen has not been fully used. For example, if you are on a lower maintenance dose and have medication remaining after 30 days, the pen must still be discarded and replaced with a new one. This is a safety measure to ensure you receive medication that maintains its full therapeutic potency and sterility.

It is worth noting that each Saxenda pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide in 3 ml of solution, designed to deliver multiple doses depending on your prescribed daily dose (ranging from 0.6 mg to 3.0 mg). At the maximum maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily, one pen will last approximately six days. Patients on lower doses during the titration phase will find their pens last longer, but the 30-day rule still applies regardless of remaining volume. This is an important consideration when planning prescription refills and ensuring continuity of treatment.

Signs Your Saxenda Pen May No Longer Be Safe to Use

Visual inspection of your Saxenda solution before each injection is an essential safety practice. According to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), Saxenda should appear as a clear and colourless or almost colourless solution. Any deviation from this appearance may indicate that the medication has degraded or become contaminated and should not be used.

Key warning signs that your Saxenda pen should be discarded include:

• Cloudiness or turbidity – The solution should never appear cloudy, milky, or hazy

• Discolouration – Any yellow, brown, or other colour change indicates degradation

• Visible particles – Floating particles, sediment, or crystallisation suggest contamination or chemical breakdown

• Changes in consistency – The solution should flow freely; any thickening or unusual texture is abnormal

Beyond visual changes, certain storage or handling errors automatically render the pen unsafe for use. If your pen has been frozen (even if subsequently thawed), exposed to temperatures above 30°C for extended periods, or has exceeded 30 days since first use, it must be discarded regardless of appearance. Similarly, if the pen has been dropped and you suspect internal damage, or if the dose counter is not functioning properly, the pen should not be used.

If you notice any of these warning signs, do not use the medication. Using degraded or contaminated liraglutide could result in reduced therapeutic effect, meaning inadequate weight management, or potentially adverse reactions. Contact your community pharmacy or GP practice for guidance on obtaining a replacement pen. Never attempt to use a pen that appears abnormal, even if you are running low on medication. Your safety is paramount, and healthcare professionals can provide emergency supplies or alternative arrangements if needed. Always dispose of compromised pens safely in a sharps bin and follow your local council's disposal arrangements or agreed pharmacy collection schemes.

Proper Storage Conditions for Opened Saxenda Pens

Maintaining optimal storage conditions for your opened Saxenda pen is crucial for preserving the medication's stability and therapeutic efficacy. According to the MHRA-approved product information, after first use, Saxenda pens can be stored below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for up to 1 month. If refrigerated, allow the pen to reach room temperature before injection to minimise discomfort.

Recommended storage locations include:

• A bedroom drawer away from windows and radiators

• A kitchen cupboard (not above the cooker or near other heat sources)

• A handbag or briefcase if you need to carry the pen during the day (ensure it remains below 30°C)

• A dedicated medication storage box in a cool area of your home

• The refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), if preferred

Locations to avoid include:

• Bathrooms that become hot and steamy

• Cars or vehicles, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically

• Window sills or areas with direct sunlight exposure

• Near radiators, boilers, or other heat sources

When travelling with Saxenda, plan ahead to maintain appropriate storage conditions. For short trips within the UK, an insulated medication travel case can help buffer against temperature extremes, though cooling packs are generally unnecessary for opened pens stored below 30°C. For international travel, particularly to warmer climates, consider using a medical-grade cooling wallet designed for injectable medications. Always carry Saxenda in your hand luggage when flying, as hold luggage compartments can experience freezing temperatures.

The pen cap should remain on when not in use to protect the medication from light exposure and contamination. If you live in a particularly warm climate or during summer months when room temperatures may exceed 30°C, discuss storage strategies with your pharmacist. Some patients may need to use air conditioning or identify the coolest room in their home for medication storage during heat waves.

What to Do If Your Saxenda Has Been Stored Incorrectly

If you discover that your Saxenda pen has been stored incorrectly, the appropriate action depends on the nature of the storage error. Immediate assessment is important to determine whether the medication remains safe and effective to use.

For temperature excursions above 30°C: If your pen has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C, it is safest to discard the pen and use a new one. The product information does not specify any safe timeframe for temperature excursions. When in doubt, contact your community pharmacist, the manufacturer, or your GP practice for advice. They can assess the situation and provide guidance based on the specific circumstances.

For freezing: If your Saxenda pen has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately without exception, even if it has thawed and appears normal. Freezing irreversibly damages the protein structure of liraglutide, and using frozen medication could result in reduced efficacy or unpredictable effects.

For pens exceeding 30 days since opening: There is no flexibility with this timeframe. After 30 days, the pen must be discarded regardless of remaining medication or storage conditions. Using medication beyond its approved shelf life is not recommended.

If you have used medication that was stored incorrectly, monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms or reduced therapeutic effect. Contact your GP if you experience unexpected adverse effects or if your weight management progress plateaus unexpectedly. Your healthcare provider may wish to review your treatment and ensure you have an adequate supply of properly stored medication. If you experience any suspected side effects, report them through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app).

To prevent future storage errors:

• Set reminders on your phone for the 30-day discard date

• Keep a medication log noting opening dates

• Educate family members about proper storage requirements

• Have a plan for maintaining storage conditions during travel or heat waves

Your community pharmacist is an excellent resource for storage advice and can provide insulated travel cases or other accessories to help maintain proper storage conditions. Never hesitate to seek professional advice if you are uncertain about whether your medication has been compromised. It is always better to err on the side of caution and replace a potentially compromised pen than to risk using ineffective or unsafe medication.

Frequently Asked Questions