Understanding the shelf life of Saxenda is essential for anyone using this GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, and for adolescents aged 12 years and above with obesity. Proper storage and timely use are critical to maintaining the medicine's efficacy and safety. Unopened Saxenda pens have a shelf life of 30 months when refrigerated, whilst opened pens must be used within 30 days. This article explains how to store Saxenda correctly, recognise expired or deteriorated pens, and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

What Is Saxenda and How Should It Be Stored?

Saxenda (liraglutide 6 mg/ml) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia. It is also licensed for weight management in adolescents aged 12 years and above with obesity. Saxenda is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Saxenda belongs to a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. This mechanism helps to regulate appetite and slow gastric emptying, thereby supporting weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Proper storage of Saxenda is essential to maintain its efficacy and safety throughout its shelf life. Before first use, unopened Saxenda pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. The pens should be kept in their original carton to protect them from light. It is important never to freeze Saxenda; if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded, even if it has subsequently thawed. Freezing can damage the active ingredient and compromise the medicine's effectiveness.

After first use, Saxenda pens can be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days. The pen cap should be kept on when not in use to protect the solution from light. Always remove the needle after each injection and never store the pen with a needle attached. Never share your pen with others, even if you change the needle, as this poses an infection risk. After use, dispose of needles safely in an NHS-supplied sharps bin, which can be returned to your pharmacy or local council waste facility when full. Storing Saxenda correctly ensures that the liraglutide remains stable and effective.

Shelf Life of Saxenda: Unopened vs Opened Pens

Understanding the distinction between the shelf life of unopened and opened Saxenda pens is crucial for safe and effective use. The shelf life refers to the period during which the medicine retains its full potency and safety when stored under the recommended conditions.

Unopened Saxenda pens have a shelf life of 30 months (2.5 years) from the date of manufacture when stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, as stated in the UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). The expiry date is clearly printed on the pen label and the outer carton. It is essential to check this date before starting a new pen. Using a pen beyond its printed expiry date is not recommended, as the stability and efficacy of the liraglutide cannot be guaranteed. Always inspect the expiry date when you collect your prescription from the pharmacy, and ensure you have sufficient time to use the pens before they expire.

Once opened (i.e., after the first injection), a Saxenda pen has a significantly shorter shelf life of 30 days, regardless of whether it is stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (below 30°C). This 30-day period begins from the moment you administer the first dose. It is good practice to write the date of first use on the pen label to help you keep track. After 30 days, any remaining medicine in the pen should be discarded, even if there is solution left inside.

This difference exists because once the pen is punctured and exposed to air and potential contaminants, the sterility and chemical stability of the solution may be compromised over time. Always discard opened pens after 30 days to ensure you are using medicine that is both safe and effective. If you are unsure about the status of your pen, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.

How to Tell If Your Saxenda Has Expired or Gone Bad

Recognising whether your Saxenda pen has expired or deteriorated is an important safety measure. There are several straightforward checks you can perform before each injection.

Check the expiry date: The most reliable indicator is the expiry date printed on the pen label and carton. If this date has passed, do not use the pen, even if it appears normal. Additionally, if you have been using an opened pen for more than 30 days, it should be discarded regardless of the printed expiry date.

Inspect the solution visually: According to the Saxenda Patient Information Leaflet, the solution should be a clear and colourless. Before each injection, hold the pen up to the light and examine the liquid in the cartridge window. If the solution appears cloudy, discoloured (e.g., yellow, brown, or any other tint), or contains particles, flakes, or crystals, do not use it. These changes may indicate that the liraglutide has degraded or become contaminated. Even slight cloudiness or discolouration is a reason to discard the pen.

Assess storage history: Consider whether the pen has been stored correctly. If a pen has been frozen, exposed to temperatures above 30°C for extended periods, or left in direct sunlight, it may no longer be safe to use, even if it looks normal. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Check the pen mechanism: Ensure the pen device is functioning properly. If the dose selector is jammed, the needle does not attach correctly, or the pen does not deliver the dose smoothly, this may indicate a mechanical problem, and the pen should not be used. For detailed guidance on pen priming and troubleshooting, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your Saxenda pen, do not use it. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice, and obtain a replacement if necessary.

What Happens If You Use Expired Saxenda?

Using expired Saxenda is not recommended under any circumstances. The primary concern with using expired medicine is the potential loss of potency. Over time, the active ingredient liraglutide may degrade, meaning the medicine may not work as effectively to suppress appetite or support weight loss. This could result in suboptimal treatment outcomes and hinder your weight management progress.

While there is limited specific evidence on the effects of using expired Saxenda, the manufacturer's guidance is clear that the medicine should not be used beyond its expiry date or after 30 days of first use. This is because the stability, sterility, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed after these timeframes.

If the solution has become contaminated due to improper storage or prolonged use, there is a potential risk of infection at the injection site, particularly if the pen has been stored with a needle attached or if the solution appears abnormal.

If you accidentally use an expired pen, do not take additional doses to compensate. Monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms, such as injection site reactions or signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the injection site). Contact your GP or pharmacist promptly for advice and to arrange a replacement. If you experience any side effects, you can report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or through the Yellow Card app.

To avoid this situation, always check expiry dates before use, mark the date of first use on your pen, and set reminders to discard pens after 30 days. If you have unused expired pens, return them to your pharmacy for safe disposal. Never use medicine beyond its recommended shelf life.

Proper Storage Tips to Maximise Saxenda's Shelf Life

Adhering to proper storage practices is essential to ensure Saxenda remains effective and safe throughout its shelf life. Here are key recommendations to help you store your Saxenda pens correctly:

Before first use:

• Store unopened pens in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.

• Keep pens in their original carton to protect them from light.

• Never freeze Saxenda. If a pen has been frozen, discard it immediately, even if it has thawed.

• Avoid storing pens in the freezer compartment or near the cooling element at the back of the refrigerator where temperatures may drop below 2°C.

• Consider using a fridge thermometer to ensure the temperature remains within the recommended range.

• Check the expiry date on the carton and pen label before use.

After first use:

• Once opened, Saxenda can be stored in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature below 30°C for up to 30 days.

• Write the date of first use on the pen label to track the 30-day in-use period.

• Always replace the pen cap after each use to protect the solution from light.

• Remove and safely discard the needle after each injection to prevent contamination and maintain sterility.

• Never store the pen with a needle attached.

• Avoid exposing the pen to direct sunlight, heat sources (such as radiators or car dashboards), or extreme temperatures.

General tips:

• Do not store Saxenda in the bathroom, where humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect stability.

• If travelling, consider using an insulated cool bag with ice packs to maintain appropriate temperatures, but ensure the pen does not come into direct contact with ice.

• Keep Saxenda out of the sight and reach of children.

• Inspect the solution before each injection for any changes in appearance.

• Dispose of used needles in an NHS-supplied sharps bin, which can be obtained from your pharmacy. Return full sharps bins to your pharmacy or local council waste facility according to local arrangements.

• If you're unsure about storage after a temperature excursion, contact the manufacturer's medical information line or your pharmacist for guidance.

By following these storage guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life and effectiveness of your Saxenda, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions