Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus management. As a biological medication, proper storage is essential to maintain its therapeutic efficacy and safety. Once opened, an in-use Victoza pen can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days, offering convenience for daily injections. Understanding these storage requirements helps ensure optimal glycaemic control and prevents medication waste. This article provides comprehensive guidance on Victoza storage, temperature limits, and signs of compromised medication, aligned with MHRA and manufacturer recommendations.

Victoza Storage Requirements and Temperature Guidelines

Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a biological medication, it requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic efficacy. Understanding proper storage is essential for ensuring the medication remains safe and effective throughout its use.

Before first use, unopened Victoza pens must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. The pens should be kept in their original packaging to protect them from light. It is crucial never to freeze Victoza—if the medication has been frozen, it must be discarded, even if it has subsequently thawed. Freezing can denature the protein structure of liraglutide, rendering it ineffective and potentially unsafe.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and manufacturer guidelines emphasise that maintaining appropriate storage conditions is vital for preserving the medication's potency. Temperature excursions outside the recommended range can compromise the molecular integrity of the active ingredient. Patients should store their unopened pens at the back of the refrigerator, away from the freezer compartment, to avoid accidental freezing.

After opening, storage requirements change, and the pen may be kept at room temperature under specific conditions, which will be discussed in subsequent sections. Always check the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication for the most current storage instructions, and consult your GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns about whether your Victoza has been stored correctly.

Do not use Victoza after the expiry date printed on the pen and packaging. Keep all medicines, including Victoza, out of the sight and reach of children.

How Long Can Victoza Be Kept at Room Temperature?

Once you begin using a Victoza pen, the storage requirements become more flexible. An in-use Victoza pen can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 1 month (30 days). This makes the medication more convenient for daily use, as you do not need to refrigerate it between injections. However, it remains important to keep the pen away from direct heat sources and sunlight.

This 30-day room temperature storage period begins from the moment you first use the pen, not from when you remove it from the refrigerator. It is advisable to write the date of first use on the pen label so you can easily track how long it has been in use. After 30 days at room temperature, the pen should be discarded, even if it still contains medication. This precaution ensures you are using medication that maintains its full therapeutic potency.

The room temperature storage allowance is based on stability studies conducted by the manufacturer, which demonstrate that liraglutide remains stable and effective under these conditions for the specified period. It is important to maintain storage temperatures below 30°C at all times. If you suspect your pen has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C, you should not use it.

If you prefer, you may continue to store your in-use pen in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for the entire 30-day period. Some patients find this helps them remember where their medication is kept. Whether stored at room temperature or refrigerated after opening, the pen must be discarded 30 days after first use. Never store the pen with the needle attached, as this can lead to contamination or leakage.

What Happens If Victoza Is Left Out Too Long?

If Victoza is left at room temperature beyond the recommended 30-day period, or exposed to temperatures exceeding 30°C, the medication's efficacy may be compromised. Liraglutide is a peptide hormone, and like other biological medications, its three-dimensional protein structure is sensitive to environmental conditions. Heat exposure can cause protein denaturation, aggregation, or degradation, potentially reducing the medication's blood glucose-lowering effects.

When storage conditions have been breached, the safety and efficacy of Victoza cannot be guaranteed. Using medication with reduced potency means your diabetes may not be adequately controlled. Poor glycaemic control can lead to elevated blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of both acute complications (such as hyperglycaemia symptoms including increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue) and long-term complications (including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy).

If you realise your Victoza pen has been left out at room temperature for longer than 30 days, or has been exposed to excessive heat, do not use it. Discard the pen safely according to local guidelines for sharps disposal, and start using a new pen from your refrigerated supply. If you have been using potentially compromised medication, monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently and contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse if you notice any deterioration in your glycaemic control.

Temperature monitoring is particularly important during summer months or when travelling. Never leave your Victoza pen in a car, near radiators, or in direct sunlight. If you are uncertain whether your medication has been stored correctly, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and use a fresh pen. Your pharmacist can provide advice on proper storage and what to do if you suspect your medication has been compromised.

Proper Storage After Opening Your Victoza Pen

Once you have administered your first dose from a Victoza pen, establishing a consistent storage routine helps ensure medication safety and efficacy. The pen cap must be replaced after each use to protect the medication from light and contamination. Store the pen in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources, such as radiators, windowsills, or kitchen appliances.

As mentioned, you have the option to store your in-use pen either at room temperature (below 30°C) or in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Many patients find room temperature storage more convenient, as it eliminates the discomfort of injecting cold medication. If you choose refrigeration, allow the pen to reach room temperature before injecting to reduce injection site discomfort.

Never store the pen with a needle attached. After each injection, remove the needle, dispose of it safely in a sharps container, and replace the pen cap. Leaving the needle attached can cause several problems: medication may leak from the cartridge, air bubbles may form (affecting dose accuracy), and the needle may become blocked or contaminated with bacteria.

Keep a record of when you started using each pen. A simple method is to write the date of first use directly on the pen label with a permanent marker. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 30 days later to prompt you to discard the pen, even if medication remains. This practice prevents accidental use of expired medication.

When travelling, use an insulated medication travel case if you will be away from home for extended periods, particularly in warm weather. These cases help maintain stable temperatures without freezing the medication. The NHS and Diabetes UK provide guidance on travelling with diabetes medications, including advice on carrying prescriptions and managing storage during flights.

Remember to keep Victoza out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date printed on the pen, even if it is within the 30-day in-use period.

Signs Your Victoza May No Longer Be Safe to Use

Visual inspection of your Victoza pen before each use is an important safety practice. Victoza should appear as a clear and colourless solution. If you notice any changes in appearance, the medication should not be used. Specifically, do not use Victoza if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured (any tint of yellow, brown, or other colour), or contains particles, flakes, or crystals floating in the liquid.

These visual changes indicate that the medication has degraded or become contaminated. Protein aggregation—where liraglutide molecules clump together—can occur if the medication has been frozen, shaken vigorously, or exposed to excessive heat. Such changes can reduce the medication's efficacy and may increase the risk of injection site reactions.

Physical damage to the pen is another reason to discontinue use. If the pen has been dropped, cracked, or the cartridge appears damaged, do not attempt to use it. A compromised pen may deliver inaccurate doses or allow bacterial contamination. Similarly, if the pen mechanism is not functioning correctly—for example, if the dose selector is stuck or the injection button requires excessive force—contact your pharmacist for a replacement.

If you experience unexpected symptoms after injecting Victoza, such as unusual injection site reactions (severe pain, extensive redness, or swelling), or if your blood glucose control deteriorates despite adherence to your treatment regimen, this may indicate compromised medication. Contact your GP or diabetes care team promptly. You can also report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

When in doubt about whether your Victoza is safe to use, always err on the side of caution. Dispose of questionable medication safely in a sharps bin (available from pharmacies or your diabetes care team) and obtain a replacement. Never place used pens or needles in household waste. Your pharmacist can provide guidance on proper disposal and may be able to supply emergency medication if needed. Never share your Victoza pen with others, even if the needle is changed, as this poses serious infection risks.

Frequently Asked Questions