Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Understanding when Saxenda expires is crucial for maintaining treatment efficacy and safety. Unopened pens remain valid until the manufacturer's expiry date when refrigerated correctly, whilst opened pens must be discarded after one month of first use, regardless of remaining solution. This article explains Saxenda expiry dates, proper storage requirements, how to identify expired medication, and safe disposal methods to ensure your weight management treatment remains effective and compliant with UK guidance.

Understanding Saxenda Expiry Dates

Saxenda (liraglutide 6 mg/ml) is a prescription medicine used for weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. As a biological medicine containing a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, Saxenda requires careful attention to expiry dates to ensure both safety and efficacy.

The expiry date printed on the Saxenda pen carton and label refers to the last day of that month when the product can be used, provided it has been stored correctly and remains unopened. This date is determined through stability testing conducted by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, as part of the marketing authorisation. Using medication beyond its expiry date is not recommended, as the active ingredient may degrade over time, potentially reducing effectiveness.

It is important to distinguish between two types of expiry information for Saxenda: the manufacturer's expiry date (for unopened pens) and the in-use expiry period (once you start using a pen). Both timeframes are critical for maintaining the medicine's quality and therapeutic effect. Patients should always check the expiry date before starting a new pen and keep track of when they first use each pen to ensure they do not continue using it beyond the recommended period.

Understanding these expiry parameters helps prevent the use of degraded medication, which could compromise your weight management treatment.

Shelf Life Before First Use

Before opening and first use, Saxenda pens have a shelf life that extends to the expiry date printed on the packaging, provided they are stored correctly. Unopened Saxenda pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, away from the freezer compartment. Proper refrigeration is essential to maintain the stability of liraglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

The manufacturer's expiry date is based on the pen remaining sealed and refrigerated under optimal conditions. If you receive a prescription for Saxenda, check the expiry date immediately upon collection from the pharmacy. Occasionally, pens may be dispensed with only a few months remaining before expiry, which is generally acceptable if you plan to use them within that timeframe. However, if you notice the expiry date is approaching soon, discuss this with your pharmacist.

Never use a Saxenda pen if the expiry date has passed, even if it remains unopened and properly refrigerated. The expiry date is not arbitrary; it represents the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the medicine's full potency and safety profile. Beyond this date, chemical degradation may occur, potentially affecting the medicine's ability to activate GLP-1 receptors effectively.

If you have accidentally frozen a Saxenda pen, it must be discarded, even if the expiry date has not passed. Freezing can damage the protein structure of liraglutide, rendering the medication ineffective and potentially unsafe. Always inspect pens for any signs of damage or improper storage before use.

Storage Requirements and Expiry After Opening

Once you begin using a Saxenda pen, different storage and expiry rules apply. 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 1 month. This flexibility allows for greater convenience, as many patients find it more comfortable to inject medication that is not cold.

Regardless of the storage method you choose after opening, the pen must be discarded 1 month after first use, even if it still contains medicine. To help track this, it is advisable to write the date of first use on the pen label using a permanent marker. Some patients find it helpful to calculate the discard date (1 month later) and note this as well.

When storing an in-use pen at room temperature, ensure it is kept away from direct heat sources and sunlight, which can accelerate degradation of the active ingredient. The pen should never be stored above 30°C, so avoid leaving it in hot cars, near radiators, or in direct sunlight. If you are travelling, particularly to warm climates, consider using an insulated medication travel case to maintain appropriate temperatures.

Always keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect the medicine from light and prevent contamination. Remove the needle after each injection and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Never store the pen with a needle attached, as this can lead to leakage, air bubbles, or contamination, all of which may affect dosing accuracy and medication safety.

How to Check if Your Saxenda Has Expired

Checking whether your Saxenda pen has expired involves examining both the printed expiry date and calculating the in-use period. First, locate the expiry date on the pen label and carton, which is typically formatted as 'EXP' followed by the month and year (e.g., EXP 08/2025). If the current date is beyond the last day of the stated month, the pen is expired and must not be used.

For pens that have been opened, you must track the 1-month in-use period. If you did not write the first-use date on the pen, try to recall when you started using it. If there is any uncertainty about whether the 1-month period has elapsed, it is safer to discard the pen and start a new one. Using a medication diary or smartphone reminder can help you track when each pen was opened.

Beyond checking dates, visually inspect the solution before each injection. Saxenda should be clear and colourless or almost colourless. If the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles or flakes, do not use it, even if the expiry date has not passed. Such changes may indicate contamination or degradation of the medicine. Similarly, if the pen has been dropped or damaged, or if you suspect it has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat, do not use it and seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional about replacement.

If you are unsure whether your Saxenda pen is still safe to use, contact your pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional for advice rather than risking the use of potentially compromised medication. They can provide guidance and, if necessary, arrange for a replacement prescription. Never attempt to use medication about which you have safety concerns, as this could affect your treatment outcomes.

Risks of Using Expired Saxenda

Using expired Saxenda poses several potential risks, primarily related to reduced efficacy. The most significant concern is loss of potency: as liraglutide degrades over time, the concentration of active ingredient decreases, meaning you may not receive the intended therapeutic dose. This could result in inadequate appetite suppression and reduced weight loss, undermining your treatment goals.

For patients using Saxenda who also have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, reduced efficacy could potentially affect your weight management outcomes. The medication is specifically licensed for weight management rather than diabetes treatment, so it's important to follow the expiry guidance to ensure you receive the intended benefits.

If you have accidentally used expired Saxenda, contact your GP or prescriber for advice. Monitor for any unusual symptoms and ensure you obtain a replacement pen with a valid expiry date. Your healthcare professional may wish to review your weight management progress to ensure treatment remains on track.

If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or airways, difficulty breathing, or severe rash) after using any Saxenda pen, seek urgent medical attention.

Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by searching 'MHRA Yellow Card' in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Proper Disposal of Expired Saxenda Pens

Disposing of expired or used Saxenda pens correctly is essential for environmental protection and public safety. Never throw Saxenda pens in household rubbish or flush them down the toilet, as this can contaminate water supplies and pose risks to others who might come into contact with the medication.

The recommended disposal method for pens without needles is to return them to your local pharmacy, which operates a medicines take-back scheme. Pharmacies are equipped to handle pharmaceutical waste safely and ensure it is disposed of through appropriate clinical waste channels. You do not need to return pens to the same pharmacy where you collected them; any community pharmacy will accept unwanted medicines.

Used needles should be placed in a sharps bin, which you can obtain from your GP surgery or local council depending on local arrangements. Never attempt to recap needles, as this increases the risk of needlestick injuries. Do not return loose needles to pharmacies. Once your sharps bin is full, seal it according to the instructions and follow local arrangements for collection or disposal, which vary by area. Your GP surgery, local council, or pharmacist can advise on the specific arrangements in your area.

If you have multiple expired pens (without needles), you can return them to your pharmacy. Keep a record of what you are disposing of for your own medication management purposes. Some patients find it helpful to maintain a log of their Saxenda usage, including when pens are opened and discarded.

For patients who are housebound or have mobility difficulties, ask your GP practice about disposal options. Some areas offer domiciliary waste collection services for patients who cannot easily access disposal facilities. Proper disposal protects both the environment and public health whilst ensuring you maintain good medication management practices.

Frequently Asked Questions