How long is Victoza good out of the fridge? Once opened and in use, Victoza (liraglutide) pens may be stored at room temperature below 30°C for up to 30 days. This GLP-1 receptor agonist, used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus, requires specific storage conditions to maintain its therapeutic efficacy. Unopened pens must remain refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C until first use. Understanding proper storage is essential for ensuring your medication remains effective and safe throughout treatment. This article provides comprehensive guidance on Victoza storage requirements, temperature limits, and signs of compromised medication.

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 medicine, it requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic efficacy.

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 damage the structure of liraglutide, potentially affecting its effectiveness.

According to the MHRA-approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), maintaining appropriate storage conditions preserves the integrity of the active ingredient. The refrigeration requirement applies to all unopened pens until you are ready to begin using them.

During transport from the pharmacy, Victoza should ideally be kept cool. If you are collecting your prescription on a warm day, consider using a cool bag for transport. Return the medication to the refrigerator as soon as possible. If you have concerns about storage during collection, particularly during summer months when temperatures may be elevated, speak with your pharmacist for specific advice.

How Long Can Victoza Stay Out of the Fridge?

Once you have started using a Victoza pen, the storage requirements change. According to the product information, after first use, the pen may be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) or continued in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.

If you are using your pen regularly, you can keep your in-use pen at room temperature (below 30°C) for the entire 30-day period following first use. Many patients find this more convenient for daily administration.

For unopened pens, the official guidance is clear—they should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). If an unopened pen has been left out of refrigeration, you should contact your pharmacist for advice before using it, as the product information does not specify how long unopened pens can safely remain at room temperature.

Important considerations include:

• The 30-day room temperature storage applies only to pens that have been used at least once

• Room temperature means below 30°C—higher temperatures may compromise the medication

• Always note the date when you first use a pen to track the 30-day period

• If in doubt about storage conditions, consult your pharmacist rather than risk using medication that may be compromised

It's important to follow the storage instructions carefully to ensure the medication remains effective throughout its use.

What Happens If Victoza Gets Too Warm?

Excessive heat exposure can compromise the structural integrity of liraglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Victoza. As a peptide-based biological medicine, liraglutide can lose its functional properties when exposed to temperatures outside the recommended range.

When Victoza is exposed to temperatures above 30°C, the medication may lose potency, meaning it will not adequately control blood glucose levels as intended. This could result in hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), with symptoms including increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Patients relying on Victoza as part of their diabetes management regimen may experience deteriorating blood glucose control if the medication has been compromised.

Physical changes may become apparent in overheated Victoza. The solution might become cloudy, discoloured, or develop visible particles. However, it is important to note that the absence of visible changes does not guarantee the medication is still effective—heat damage can occur without obvious visual indicators.

If you suspect your Victoza has been exposed to excessive heat—such as being left in a hot car, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight—do not use it. Contact your pharmacist or GP surgery for advice. Using compromised medication risks poor diabetes control. Your healthcare professional can arrange a replacement prescription if necessary. Patient safety should always take precedence when storage conditions have been breached.

Proper Storage After Opening Your Victoza Pen

Once opened, your Victoza pen requires careful management to ensure it remains effective throughout the 30-day usage period. After the first injection, you should write the date on the pen label to track when the 30-day period expires. Any medication remaining after this period must be discarded, regardless of how much is left in the pen.

You have two storage options for your in-use pen:

• Room temperature storage: Keep the pen below 30°C, away from direct heat sources and sunlight. Suitable locations include a bedroom drawer or kitchen cupboard (not above the cooker or other appliances). Avoid windowsills, cars, or anywhere subject to temperature fluctuations.

• Refrigerator storage: You may continue storing the pen between 2°C and 8°C if preferred. If choosing this option, you may prefer to let the pen reach room temperature before injection for comfort.

The pen cap must be replaced after each use to protect the medication from light and contamination. Never store the pen with the needle attached, as this can lead to leakage, air bubbles, and potential contamination. Remove and safely dispose of the needle immediately after each injection using a proper sharps container.

Additional storage guidance includes keeping Victoza out of sight and reach of children and pets. Store pens in a secure location, ideally in their original carton for light protection. If you travel with Victoza, use an insulated medication travel case, particularly in warm weather, but ensure the medication does not come into contact with ice packs that could cause freezing.

For patients using multiple pens, implement a system to ensure you use the oldest pen first. This rotation helps prevent waste and ensures you are always using medication within its optimal timeframe.

Signs Your Victoza May No Longer Be Safe to Use

Visual inspection before each injection is an important safety practice. According to the product information, Victoza should appear as a clear, colourless to almost colourless solution. Before administering your dose, hold the pen up to the light and examine the liquid carefully through the viewing window.

Do not use Victoza if you observe any of the following:

• Cloudiness or turbidity: The solution should be completely clear, not milky or hazy

• Colour changes: Any yellowing, browning, or other discolouration indicates degradation

• Visible particles: Floating specks, crystals, or sediment suggest contamination or breakdown

Beyond visual changes, consider the medication's history. Discard the pen if:

• It has been frozen at any point (even if subsequently thawed)

• More than 30 days have passed since first use

• It has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C

• It has been stored in direct sunlight

• The expiry date printed on the pen has passed

• You are uncertain about its storage history

If you have used potentially compromised Victoza, monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently than usual. Contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse if you notice unexpectedly high readings, as this may indicate the medication has lost efficacy. Symptoms of inadequate diabetes control include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness, and slow-healing wounds. If you experience severe symptoms such as confusion, excessive thirst, vomiting or drowsiness, seek urgent medical attention via NHS 111 or emergency services.

When in doubt, do not use the medication. Contact your pharmacist for advice—they can assess whether the pen is likely to be safe or whether you need a replacement. Your GP surgery can issue a new prescription if required. Return any expired or unused pens to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions