Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a biological medicine, it requires careful storage to maintain its effectiveness. Once opened, a Victoza pen remains stable for 30 days when stored correctly—either below 30°C or refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Understanding how long Victoza is good for after opening, and recognising signs of degradation, is essential for safe and effective diabetes management. This article provides comprehensive guidance on storage requirements, expiry timelines, and what to do if your pen has been compromised.

Victoza Storage Requirements After Opening

Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a biological medicine containing a protein-based active ingredient, Victoza requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic effectiveness.

Once you have started using a Victoza pen, the storage requirements differ from those for unopened pens. According to the MHRA-approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), an opened Victoza pen can be stored either below 30°C OR in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for up to 30 days. It is important to keep the pen away from heat sources and protect it from light. The pen cap should be kept on when the pen is not in use to protect the medication from light exposure, which can degrade the active ingredient.

Before first use, Victoza pens should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and kept away from the freezer compartment. Never freeze Victoza at any stage of use, and if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately, even if it subsequently thaws. Freezing can damage the liraglutide protein, rendering it ineffective.

Additionally, the pen should be stored in a safe place away from children and pets, and the needle should be removed after each injection to prevent contamination, leakage, and air bubble formation that could affect dosing accuracy.

How Long Does Victoza Last Once Opened?

According to the manufacturer's guidance and the MHRA-approved SmPC, Victoza pens remain stable for 30 days after first use when stored correctly (either below 30°C or in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C). This 30-day period begins from the moment you administer the first dose from a new pen, not from when you remove it from the refrigerator or when you first attach a needle.

It is crucial to record the date of first use on the pen label or in a medication diary to track when the 30-day period expires. Many patients find it helpful to write the expiry date (30 days from opening) directly on the pen using a permanent marker. After this 30-day period, the pen must be discarded, even if medication remains inside. After 30 days, the quality, sterility and potency of the medication cannot be assured.

This 30-day timeframe applies regardless of how frequently you use the pen or how much medication remains. For example, if you are prescribed a lower dose and have not used all the medication within 30 days, you must still dispose of the pen safely and start a new one. Never attempt to extend the use of a Victoza pen beyond 30 days, as there is no guarantee of its safety, sterility, or therapeutic effectiveness after this period. The degradation of the active ingredient may not be visible to the naked eye, making it impossible to assess medication quality through visual inspection alone.

Signs Your Victoza Pen May No Longer Be Safe to Use

Before each injection, it is essential to inspect your Victoza pen carefully to ensure the medication remains safe and effective. The solution should always appear clear and colourless or almost colourless. If you notice any changes in the appearance of the liquid, this is a clear indication that the pen should not be used and must be discarded immediately.

Specific warning signs include:

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

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

• Visible particles – floating particles, crystals, or sediment suggest contamination or breakdown of the medication

• Changes in consistency – the solution should flow freely and not appear thick or gel-like

Beyond visual inspection, there are other indicators that your Victoza pen may be compromised. If the pen has been dropped or damaged, the internal mechanism may be faulty, leading to inaccurate dosing. If you have accidentally frozen the pen, it must be discarded regardless of its appearance. Similarly, if the pen has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C for extended periods (such as being left in a hot car), its integrity cannot be guaranteed.

Always check the printed expiry date on the pen label and carton. Do not use Victoza if it is past this date, even if the solution appears normal.

If you have any doubt about whether your Victoza pen is safe to use, do not inject the medication. Contact your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist for advice. Using compromised medication could result in inadequate glycaemic control. It is always safer to err on the side of caution and obtain a replacement pen.

Proper Storage Tips to Maintain Victoza Effectiveness

Maintaining the effectiveness of your Victoza pen requires consistent attention to storage practices throughout the 30-day use period. After first use, you can store your Victoza pen either below 30°C OR in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) as confirmed by the MHRA-approved SmPC. Choose a location that remains consistently cool and away from heat sources.

In line with NHS guidance on medicine storage, avoid storing Victoza in bathrooms, as the heat and humidity can affect stability. Instead, choose a cool, dry place such as a bedroom drawer or a kitchen cupboard away from the cooker or other appliances that generate heat.

Other locations to avoid include:

• Window sills – direct sunlight can degrade the medication

• Cars – vehicle interiors can reach extreme temperatures, particularly in summer

• Near radiators or heating vents – consistent heat exposure accelerates degradation

When travelling with Victoza, plan ahead to maintain appropriate storage conditions. For short trips, an insulated medication travel case can help protect the pen from temperature extremes, though it should not contain ice packs that could freeze the medication. If you are travelling abroad, particularly to warmer climates, research storage options at your destination and consider requesting a small refrigerator in your hotel room if temperatures regularly exceed 30°C.

Always remove the needle after each injection and replace the pen cap immediately. Leaving needles attached can lead to contamination, medication leakage, and the formation of air bubbles that interfere with accurate dosing. Store unused needles in a clean, dry place. Dispose of used needles immediately in a sharps bin—do not reuse them, as this increases infection risk and can damage the pen mechanism. Always keep the pen cap on to protect the medication from light.

What to Do If Your Victoza Has Expired or Been Stored Incorrectly

If you discover that your Victoza pen has exceeded the 30-day use period, has been stored incorrectly, or shows signs of degradation, do not use the medication under any circumstances. Using expired or compromised Victoza may result in inadequate blood glucose control, potentially leading to hyperglycaemia and associated complications. After the 30-day period, the quality, sterility and potency of the medication cannot be guaranteed.

Return unwanted or expired Victoza pens (without needles attached) to your local pharmacy, which operates a medicines waste disposal service. Never dispose of Victoza pens in household waste or down the drain, as this poses environmental risks. For used needles and sharps, use a prescribed sharps bin and follow your local council or healthcare provider's arrangements for collection or drop-off. If you are unsure about disposal procedures in your area, contact your local council, GP surgery or pharmacy for guidance.

If you have been using an expired or incorrectly stored pen without realising it, monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently and contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse for advice. They may recommend temporary adjustments to your diabetes management plan or additional monitoring to ensure your glucose levels remain within target range. Seek urgent medical help if you experience markedly high glucose with dehydration, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion.

To prevent future incidents, establish a routine for checking your Victoza pen before each use and maintain a medication diary noting the date each pen was opened. Set a reminder on your phone for 30 days after opening a new pen to ensure timely disposal. If you experience any suspected side effects from Victoza, report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app). If you frequently struggle with medication storage or have concerns about managing your Victoza correctly, discuss these challenges with your healthcare team, who can provide additional support and practical strategies tailored to your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions