Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Proper storage of Trulicity is essential to preserve its therapeutic efficacy and ensure patient safety. As a protein-based medication, dulaglutide can degrade when exposed to inappropriate temperatures or environmental conditions, potentially compromising glycaemic control. This article provides comprehensive guidance on how to store Trulicity correctly, covering refrigeration requirements, room temperature storage options, and pre-injection safety checks to support optimal treatment outcomes.

How to Store Trulicity: Essential Storage Guidelines

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it works by stimulating insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Proper storage of Trulicity is crucial to maintain its therapeutic efficacy and ensure patient safety.

The active ingredient in Trulicity is a protein-based molecule that can degrade if exposed to inappropriate temperatures or environmental conditions. Incorrect storage may reduce the medication's effectiveness, potentially compromising glycaemic control. According to the Trulicity Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), specific storage conditions must be followed.

Key storage principles include:

• Store at 2°C to 8°C in a refrigerator

• Protect the pen from light by keeping it in the original carton

• Do not freeze the medication, as this permanently damages it

• Never use a pen that has been frozen

• Keep pens away from direct heat sources

• Unused pens may be kept at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to 14 days

• Store out of the sight and reach of children

Patients should familiarise themselves with the manufacturer's storage instructions provided in the patient information leaflet. Understanding these guidelines helps maintain the medication's effectiveness. The pre-filled pen device is designed for single use and contains one weekly dose. Once removed from refrigeration for use, specific time limits apply before the medication must be discarded. Following these essential storage guidelines helps support optimal treatment outcomes.

Refrigeration Requirements for Trulicity Pens

Refrigeration is the recommended primary storage method for Trulicity pens. Unused pens should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C until you are ready to use them. This temperature range preserves the structural integrity of the dulaglutide molecule and maintains its pharmacological activity throughout the product's shelf life, as specified in the Trulicity Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

When storing Trulicity in your refrigerator, place the carton in a stable location where temperature fluctuations are minimal. The middle shelves typically provide the most consistent temperature, while areas near the back wall or cooling elements may be too cold. Avoid storing pens in the refrigerator door, as frequent opening and closing causes temperature variations that may affect the medication.

Important refrigeration considerations:

• Never place Trulicity pens in the freezer compartment

• Do not store pens directly against the back wall of the refrigerator where freezing may occur

• Keep pens in the original carton to protect from light

• Ensure the refrigerator maintains appropriate temperatures (use a thermometer if uncertain)

• Store in a separate area from food items to prevent damage

If you discover that a Trulicity pen has been frozen, do not use it. Freezing can affect the potency and structure of the medication. The pen should be discarded in a sharps bin (not household waste). Contact your GP practice or diabetes team if you need a replacement prescription. Your community pharmacist can also provide advice on proper storage. Appropriate refrigeration helps ensure each injection delivers the full therapeutic dose required for effective diabetes management.

Storing Trulicity at Room Temperature

Whilst refrigeration is preferred, Trulicity pens may be stored at room temperature when necessary, providing greater flexibility for patients who travel or have limited refrigerator access. According to the Trulicity PIL, unused pens remain stable for up to 14 days when stored at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C). This provision accommodates various lifestyle situations whilst maintaining medication efficacy.

Room temperature storage is particularly useful during travel, holidays, or when refrigeration is temporarily unavailable. However, patients must carefully track the duration of room temperature storage. Once a pen has been kept at room temperature for 14 days, it must be discarded, even if unused. The 14-day period begins when the pen is first removed from refrigeration and cannot be extended by returning the pen to the refrigerator.

Guidelines for room temperature storage:

• Keep the pen in its original carton to protect from light

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

• Avoid locations near radiators, windowsills, or other heat sources

• Do not store in bathrooms where humidity and temperature fluctuate

• Mark the date when removed from refrigeration to track the 14-day limit

• Never expose pens to temperatures above 30°C

• When travelling, consider using an insulated pouch but avoid direct contact with ice/gel packs

• Never leave pens in hot cars or other environments that may exceed 30°C

Patients should note that the 14-day room temperature allowance applies to unused pens only. Once you have used a pen for your weekly injection, it should be disposed of immediately in a sharps bin. If you are uncertain whether a pen has exceeded the 14-day room temperature limit or been exposed to temperatures above 30°C, do not use it. The NHS advises patients to contact their GP practice or diabetes clinic if they have concerns about medication storage or need guidance on obtaining replacement prescriptions.

Checking Your Trulicity Pen Before Use

Before each injection, carefully inspect your Trulicity pen to ensure the medication is safe to use. This visual check is a critical safety step that helps identify potential storage problems or product defects. The Trulicity PIL provides specific guidance on what to look for before administration.

To properly inspect your Trulicity pen, remove it from the carton and examine the solution through the viewing window. First, check the pen label to confirm it is the correct medicine and strength. The liquid should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow. It is normal to see small air bubbles, which do not affect the medication's safety or efficacy. However, certain changes indicate the pen should not be used.

Do not use the pen if you observe:

• Cloudiness, discolouration, or particles floating in the solution

• The liquid appears frozen or has been frozen previously

• The pen has been dropped or appears damaged

• The pen cap is missing or the pen looks tampered with

• The expiry date printed on the label has passed

• The pen has been stored at room temperature for more than 14 days

• The pen label is unreadable

Additionally, allow the pen to reach room temperature before injection by removing it from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to use. Injecting cold medication can cause discomfort at the injection site. Never attempt to warm the pen using external heat sources such as microwaves, hot water, or direct sunlight, as this damages the medication.

If you have any doubts about your Trulicity pen's condition, do not use it. Contact your GP practice or diabetes specialist nurse for advice. Remember that each pen is for single use only and should be disposed of in a sharps bin immediately after injection. Your GP practice or community pharmacy can provide information about obtaining and disposing of sharps bins. NICE guidance emphasises the importance of patient education in self-management of diabetes, including proper medication handling and storage practices that support treatment adherence and optimal glycaemic control.

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