Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated? Travel and storage guide

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved drug prescribed for glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, which also manufacturers Zepbound. Mounjaro binds to GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists to manage blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. It comes in single-dose pens that you must dispose of after every use.

Mounjaro should be stored in a refrigerator at all times and can be stored at room temperature when needed for up to 21 days. If stored properly, Mounjaro pens can be used safely up to their expiration date. If you’re traveling around the time of your dose, you can take the tirzepatide injection with you. However, it requires proper storage to ensure the medication does not lose its efficacy.

This article explains Mounjaro storage requirements, disposal, expiry, and how you can save on this drug.

Where does Mounjaro need to be stored?

Eli Lilly and Company recommends storing Mounjaro vials or pens in a refrigerator at a temperature range between 36°F and 46°F (2°C – 8°C).

Mounjaro pens can also be stored in a cabinet or on the shelf at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days. Discard Mounjaro within 21 days of removing it from the refrigerator. Storing Mounjaro away from light and high temperatures is essential to maintaining its efficacy.

The manufacturer recommends that you store Mounjaro pens or vials in their original cartons until using the medication to help protect the pens from exposure to light. It is also essential to keep Mounjaro out of the reach of pets and children.

Most pharmacies deliver Mounjaro pens in special packaging that keeps the vials and injection pens cool. However, if the medication feels warm to the touch or you see changes in the drug’s appearance like an unusual odor, particles, or cloudiness, using the medication is not suggested.

Does Mounjaro expire?

Yes, Mounjaro expires after the ‘Expiry Date’ specified on the box. The expiration date is the shelf life of the medication which represents how long a medication stays stable. However, improper storage conditions can impact the weight loss drug’s composition, making it unfit for use.

Using expired medications is not recommended. Expired medications have risks that can harm your health and may be less effective. Do not use the Mounjaro pen or vial if the expiration date has passed.

FDA regulations require pharmaceutical manufacturers to test the stability of all medications under their specified storage conditions to ensure the necessary standards of quality, strength, and purity throughout the medication’s shelf life.

The manufacturer of Mounjaro has stated in its stability data that the expiration is 24 months from the date the medication was manufactured and stored at 2°C – 8°C.

If you take the Mounjaro pen out of the refrigerator and it expires in less than 21 days, you must discard it even if it has not been at room temperature for 21 days.

Can I freeze Mounjaro?

No, freezing Mounjaro is not suggested, and you should keep it in the refrigerator only. Once Mounjaro is frozen, it is no longer safe to use.

You must not freeze the tirzepatide injection and throw it away if you accidentally freeze it, even if it has thawed out.

What happens if Mounjaro is frozen?

Freezing Mounjaro can break down the composition of the medication, influencing its effectiveness. Thus, the injection pen is not considered safe for use once frozen. You should not use frozen Mounjaro injections even after they come to room temperature.

Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro storage

Here are some frequently asked questions:

How do I dispose of Mounjaro?

Mounjaro comes in one-time-use vials and pens that must be discarded after use. Dispose of the empty injections into an FDA-approved sharps disposal container instead of your regular trash bin. Accidental interaction with used Mounjaro pens may harm kids, adults, and pets. You can obtain these special sharps containers from medication suppliers, doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurance companies or a pharmacy.

In case you do not have Mounjaro disposal containers at hand, use a heavy-duty, upright plastic container with a puncture-resistant lid. The material should be leak-resistant and sturdy.

What happens if you don’t refrigerate Mounjaro?

Refrigerating Mounjaro ensures it stays safe and effective for use until the mentioned expiry date. If a refrigerator is unavailable, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 21 days. However, you must discard Mounjaro after 21 days, or if the pen or vial comes in direct contact with natural or artificial light for a long time.

Is it necessary to store Mounjaro in the fridge after opening?

Ensuring a temperature range between 36°F and 46°F (2°C – 8°C) is critical to maintaining the composition of Mounjaro. Thus, the manufacturer of Mounjaro and Zepbound, Eli Lilly and Company, suggests refrigerating it at all times. If you cannot keep it in the refrigerator, it can be kept on the shelf, at room temperature for as long as 21 days.

Is it safe to use Mounjaro if it has been left out of the fridge?

If Mounjaro has been left out of the fridge for 21 days or less, it’s safe to use if the medication was stored at room temperature without exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. You may transfer the single-use pens to the refrigerator when possible but you will still need to use them within 21 days if they have been left at room temperature for even a day.

Does Mounjaro need to be at room temperature before injecting?

Mounjaro does not need to be at room temperature at the time of injection. You can take it out of the refrigerator and inject Mounjaro within minutes without the need to let it come to room temperature. Do not warm the pen or vial before use, or it might damage the drug. Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions.

How can I travel with Mounjaro on a plane?

If you’re planning to take Mounjaro pens with you on a plane, keep the medication in your carry-on luggage to ensure a regulated temperature and do not store it in your checked luggage. There are no liquid limits when traveling domestically within the United States. Do not take the drug out of the original carton to avoid unnecessary exposure to light and heat.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits bringing liquid medications through security checkpoints but make sure the Mounjaro box has a pharmacy label on it, separate all of your liquid medications from the rest of your carry-on items, and inform the TSA officer that you have liquid medications and supplies. Store Mounjaro in the refrigerator as soon as you arrive at your destination.

How can I travel with Mounjaro by car?

When traveling with Mounjaro by car, keep the pens or vials in your bag if the temperature is below 86°F (30°C) or you plan to turn on AC in the car. Alternatively, use a medical-grade cooling pack to provide adequate cooling to the medication for up to 12 hours. Avoid placing Mounjaro directly on the ice packs. Store Mounjaro in the refrigerator as soon as you arrive at your destination.

It is recommended to keep the pens or vials in the main interior of the vehicle and not in the trunk. If you need to make long stops on your trip, bring the medication with you and do not leave it in the car for an extended period of time to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

How to save on Mounjaro

You can save on Mounjaro with the Mounjaro Savings Card and pay as little as $25 for a 1-month (28-day supply) or 3-month (84-day supply) prescription of the drug if you have commercial insurance that covers the drug.

A 1-month prescription includes four injection pens and 3-month prescription includes 12 injection pens, for once-weekly administration.

Patients with commercial insurance coverage for Mounjaro must have a prescription according to FDA-approved product labelling. The Savings Card can help you save a maximum of up to $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription; the card can be used for up to 13 prescriptions per year.

Patients whose commercial insurance does not cover Mounjaro must have a prescription consistent with FDA-approved product labelling. They can save up to $473 off a 1-month (28-day supply) prescription containing 4 pens. Card savings offer a maximum monthly savings of up to $473 and a separate maximum annual savings of up to $2,365 per calendar year. You can use the card for up to 5 prescription fills every year.

Moreover, compounded tirzepatide costs a fraction of the brand name Mounjaro. You can get it through the NiceRx Weight Loss Program; compounded tirzepatide costs only $449 for a 1-month supply.

Bottom line

Mounjaro is a type 2 diabetes drug with the active ingredient, tirzepatide. It helps regulate blood glucose levels and is also prescribed for off-label weight loss, like Ozempic. The medication comes in single-dose pens that must be discarded after use. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, recommends keeping the injection in the refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C – 8°C). When stored properly, Mounjaro pens are good for use until the expiration date written on the packaging. If unavoidable, keep the injection at room temperature for up to 21 days. However, you must not use it in case the drug is left on the shelf for more than 21 days or has been exposed to high temperatures. You can transfer Mounjaro injections back to the fridge, but the 21-day rule applies even if the medication was left out for a day only. Do not freeze Mounjaro. Moreover, getting the Mounjaro Savings Card or buying compounded tirzepatide (same active ingredient as Mounjaro and Zepbound) reduces the cost significantly.