How to Store Mounjaro: Fridge, Room Temperature and the 30-Day Rule
Unused Mounjaro KwikPens are kept in the fridge. Once you have used a pen for the first time, the UK product information allows it to be kept out of the fridge, at up to 30°C, for up to 30 days. This guide sets out the storage rules from the UK label, what to do if a pen gets too warm or freezes, and how to dispose of it.
Summary: Keep unused Mounjaro KwikPens in the fridge at 2°C to 8°C and never freeze them. After first use, a pen can be kept out of the fridge at up to 30°C for up to 30 days, then it must be thrown away. Dispose of it after 4 doses either way.
- Unused pens: fridge, 2°C to 8°C, until the expiry date on the label.
- After first use: up to 30 days, unrefrigerated at no more than 30°C, then dispose of the pen.
- The UK label gives no out-of-fridge allowance for unused pens; ask a pharmacist if one has been left out.
- Never use a pen that has been frozen.
- Dispose of the pen after 4 doses or 30 days after first use, whichever comes first.
- Put used needles in a sharps container straight away.
Storing the Mounjaro KwikPen (UK SmPC, patient leaflet and instructions for use)
Unused
Where: Fridge, 2°C to 8°C; never frozen
For how long: Until the expiry date on the label
In use (after first injection)
Where: Room temperature up to 30°C, or fridge
For how long: Up to 30 days after first use
Frozen at any point
Where: Do not use
For how long: Throw away
After 4 doses
Where: Dispose of it
For how long: Even if within 30 days
Table of Contents
How to Store Mounjaro: The Short Answer
Fridge at 2°C to 8°C before first use; up to 30 days at no more than 30°C after first use.
According to the Mounjaro Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), the patient leaflet and the pen's instructions for use:
-
Before first use: store in a fridge at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.
-
After first use: the pen may be kept unrefrigerated at no more than 30°C for up to 30 days, and then must be thrown away.
-
After 4 doses: throw the pen away, even if it is within the 30 days.
Unused pens kept in the fridge can be used until the expiry date on the label. Keep pens and needles out of the sight and reach of children.
How Long Does Mounjaro Last in the Fridge?
Unused, until the expiry date; once used, no more than 30 days.
An unused pen kept in the fridge at 2°C to 8°C lasts until the expiry date printed on the label and carton; the SmPC gives a shelf life of 24 months before use. The expiry date means the last day of that month.
Once a pen has been used for the first time, the 30-day limit applies whether you keep it in or out of the fridge: the instructions say to dispose of the pen 30 days after first use. Because each pen holds four weekly doses, you will normally finish it within that time.
Can Mounjaro Be Kept Out of the Fridge?
Only after first use: up to 30 days at no more than 30°C.
Only after first use. The UK label allows a pen that has already been used to be kept at room temperature, up to 30°C, for up to 30 days. The instructions also say to keep it away from heat.
The UK label does not give an out-of-fridge allowance for unused pens: they should be kept in the fridge. If an unused pen has been left out of the fridge, ask your pharmacist whether it can still be used before you inject it. If you see other figures online for unused pens, follow the UK label for the UK pen.
What If Mounjaro Freezes or Gets Too Hot?
Do not use a frozen pen; ask a pharmacist if it has been above 30°C.
-
Frozen: do not use it. The leaflet says that if the pen has been frozen, it must not be used, and the instructions say to throw it away.
-
Above 30°C: the label's allowance is for temperatures not above 30°C. If a pen has been exposed to more heat than that, ask your pharmacist before using it.
-
Check before each injection: do not use the pen if it is damaged, or if the medicine looks cloudy, discoloured or has particles in it. It should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow.
Travelling With Mounjaro
The same rules apply; keep pens cool, out of direct heat and with you.
The same rules apply when you travel: unused pens need refrigeration, and a pen in use must stay at or below 30°C and be used within 30 days of first use. The instructions say to keep the pen away from heat. Ask your pharmacy for advice on keeping pens cool on a longer journey.
Disposing of Your Pen and Needles
Needles in a sharps container; the pen after 4 doses or 30 days, whichever is first.
-
Put used pen needles in a sharps container straight after each injection; do not put loose needles in household waste.
-
Dispose of the pen after 4 weekly doses, or 30 days after first use, whichever comes first, as your pharmacy or healthcare professional advises.
-
Do not recycle a used sharps container, and do not throw medicines into wastewater.
Some medicine may remain after the fourth dose. Do not try to use it: see the Mounjaro "golden dose".
Scientific References
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Mounjaro last in the fridge?
Unused pens kept at 2°C to 8°C last until the expiry date on the label. Once a pen has been used, it must be thrown away 30 days after first use.
How long can Mounjaro be out of the fridge?
After first use, up to 30 days at no more than 30°C. The UK label does not allow unused pens to be kept out of the fridge.
What happens if Mounjaro freezes?
Do not use it. The patient leaflet says a pen that has been frozen must not be used.
Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated after opening?
No. After first use it can be kept at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 30 days, or in the fridge.
Can I travel with Mounjaro?
Yes, if you keep unused pens cool and any pen in use at or below 30°C, out of direct heat, and use it within 30 days of first use.
How do I dispose of a Mounjaro pen?
Put needles in a sharps container after each injection, and dispose of the pen after 4 doses or 30 days after first use, as your pharmacy advises.
The health-related content published on this site is based on credible scientific sources and is periodically reviewed to ensure accuracy and relevance. Although we aim to reflect the most current medical knowledge, the material is meant for general education and awareness only.
The information on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health concerns, please speak with a qualified medical professional. By using this information, you acknowledge responsibility for any decisions made and understand we are not liable for any consequences that may result.
Any third-party brands or services referenced on this site are included for informational purposes only; we are entirely independent and have no affiliation, partnership, or collaboration with any companies mentioned.
