Title: Saxenda and Refrigeration: What's the Deal?
RxSaxenda, a popular weight loss aid, is a chilled subcutaneous injection that healthcare providers often prescribe to aid some individuals in shedding pounds. After initial use, keep the Saxenda pens uncapped in the refrigerator, but discard them after 30 days.
This medication contains the active ingredient liraglutide, classified under GLP-1 agonists, similar to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining Saxenda's effectiveness.
Correct Storage Methods for Saxenda
When first acquiring new Saxenda pens, store them snugly in the refrigerator, keeping temperatures between 32°F and 45°F (0°C to 7°C). Ensure the medication remains secure within its original packaging to safeguard it from light exposure within your refrigerator.
Avoid placing Saxenda anywhere near the cooling element, as freezing damages the medication. If a pen becomes frosty, never administer it, even if it thaws out later.
Upon opening a Saxenda pen, store it at comfortable room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Remember, keep it away from extreme temperatures above 86°F (30°C). If Saxenda is exposed to temperatures beyond this range, dispose of it according to local regulations, using an FDA-approved method.
Consequences of Not Refrigerating Saxenda
If there's a suspicion that unopened Saxenda has basked in temperatures up to 86°F (30°C), use it or toss it within 30 days. If the medication's temperature exceeds 86°F (30°C), throw it away. Cloudy medication is unsafe to use.
Can Saxenda be left unrefrigerated?
Never store Saxenda pens at room temperature. Preserving them in the cooler extends their lifespan.
Avoid keeping Saxenda nestled within your refrigerator's door, as consistent temperature fluctuations ensue, which might harm Saxenda's efficacy.
Unopened Saxenda's Shelf Life in the Fridge
As long as unopened Saxenda resides in the refrigerator, it remains potent until its stated best-before date, usually noted on the packaging. Dispose of unopened but expired medication as well.
The expiration date guarantees the medication is both effective and safe for use. Discard any medication past its expiration date.
What happens if expired Saxenda is administered?
Avoid ever injecting expired Saxenda.
Expired Saxenda carries two expiration dates. The first, on the packaging, addresses the medication's freshness in its unopened, refrigerated state. The second, inscribed on the pen, marks 30 days after the first use of the pen.
After reaching the pen's 3-milligram (mg) daily dosage, a Saxenda pen should last for one week.
After proper storage in the refrigerator, Saxenda can help individuals struggling with obesity and weight management achieve weight loss. However, improper storage can compromise the medication's effectiveness, leading to suboptimal results. In a pharmacy setting, healthcare providers might recommend Saxenda as an alternative to traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, due to its effectiveness and potential impact on overall fitness.
