Does Semaglutide Expire? Storage Guidelines and Shelf Life Explained
Semaglutide
Brandee Nielsen
•
7 mins read
•
Compounded Semaglutide is a widely used medication for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. To ensure its effectiveness, proper storage and awareness of its shelf life are crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore how to store semaglutide correctly, its expiration timeline, and what to watch for before use. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the medication remains safe and potent throughout your treatment.
Semaglutide and it's mechanism of action
Semaglutide belongs to the class of medicines called Incretin mimetics, which also includes other drugs such as exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and dulaglutide. These drugs act by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, delaying gastric emptying, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and decreasing appetite. The most significant mode of action of semaglutide includes its binding to the GLP-1 receptors, which helps in regulating appetite and satiety. It also triggers the pancreas to release an adequate quantity of insulin when blood sugar levels are too high, which is extremely important for allowing the sugar to move out of the blood and into the tissues where it is needed for energy.
Appropriate storage of Semaglutide and reasons for doing so
Semaglutide is very important to store properly in order for it to remain effective.
The right storage helps in preserving :
It's potency,
Ensuring continuity in its chemical composition
Prohibiting bacterial growth that could cause infections due to unwanted immune reactions or side effects.
Storing semaglutide at the right temperature and conditions protects its safety and effectiveness.
Things to check before use
Before administering semaglutide, it should be visually inspected for :
Discoloration of the components in the vial.
Particulate matter and changes in appearance, including cloudy, grainy, or thickened appearance.
Storage instructions and information such as the expiry date can also be found on the medication label. The typical storage recommendations are as follows :
Semaglutide should be stored between 36-46°F (2-8°C), typically by refrigeration.
It should be protected from direct sunlight and stored away from humid environments.
When handling the vial, it’s important to handle it gently without vigorous shaking, which can damage the medication.
Expiration
Another important factor is the shelf life of compounded semaglutide.
Once opened, semaglutide should be used within 30 days to maintain full potency and effectiveness.
If unopened, it can last up to 30 days at room temperature, provided it is stored away from direct sunlight and humid conditions.
Once semaglutide has been opened, it should not be used for more than 30 days, even if kept in the refrigerator, as its potency will gradually diminish over time.
Optimal storage conditions for Semaglutide
To ensure semaglutide remains effective for as long as possible, it should always be stored under optimal conditions.
This includes :
Keeping the vial in the refrigerator
Keeping the vial away from direct sunlight and in an area with low humidity.
Never freeze semaglutide, and avoid placing it directly next to the cooling element inside the refrigerator.
Always tighten the cap to prevent contamination and exposure to air.
Lastly, always inspect the peptide inside the vial before each use. It should be clear and colorless. Any changes in its appearance could indicate that the medication has degraded or become unsafe to use.
Always contact your physician if you observe anything irregular or bothersome about your product.
Current version
Oct 3, 2024
Written by
Brandee Nielsen
Fact checked by
Dr. Jonathan Hinds (MD, FACEP, Certified Physician)
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Does Semaglutide Expire? Storage Guidelines and Shelf Life Explained
Semaglutide
Brandee Nielsen
•
7 mins read
•
Compounded Semaglutide is a widely used medication for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. To ensure its effectiveness, proper storage and awareness of its shelf life are crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore how to store semaglutide correctly, its expiration timeline, and what to watch for before use. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the medication remains safe and potent throughout your treatment.
Semaglutide and it's mechanism of action
Semaglutide belongs to the class of medicines called Incretin mimetics, which also includes other drugs such as exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and dulaglutide. These drugs act by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, delaying gastric emptying, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and decreasing appetite. The most significant mode of action of semaglutide includes its binding to the GLP-1 receptors, which helps in regulating appetite and satiety. It also triggers the pancreas to release an adequate quantity of insulin when blood sugar levels are too high, which is extremely important for allowing the sugar to move out of the blood and into the tissues where it is needed for energy.
Appropriate storage of Semaglutide and reasons for doing so
Semaglutide is very important to store properly in order for it to remain effective.
The right storage helps in preserving :
It's potency,
Ensuring continuity in its chemical composition
Prohibiting bacterial growth that could cause infections due to unwanted immune reactions or side effects.
Storing semaglutide at the right temperature and conditions protects its safety and effectiveness.
Things to check before use
Before administering semaglutide, it should be visually inspected for :
Discoloration of the components in the vial.
Particulate matter and changes in appearance, including cloudy, grainy, or thickened appearance.
Storage instructions and information such as the expiry date can also be found on the medication label. The typical storage recommendations are as follows :
Semaglutide should be stored between 36-46°F (2-8°C), typically by refrigeration.
It should be protected from direct sunlight and stored away from humid environments.
When handling the vial, it’s important to handle it gently without vigorous shaking, which can damage the medication.
Expiration
Another important factor is the shelf life of compounded semaglutide.
Once opened, semaglutide should be used within 30 days to maintain full potency and effectiveness.
If unopened, it can last up to 30 days at room temperature, provided it is stored away from direct sunlight and humid conditions.
Once semaglutide has been opened, it should not be used for more than 30 days, even if kept in the refrigerator, as its potency will gradually diminish over time.
Optimal storage conditions for Semaglutide
To ensure semaglutide remains effective for as long as possible, it should always be stored under optimal conditions.
This includes :
Keeping the vial in the refrigerator
Keeping the vial away from direct sunlight and in an area with low humidity.
Never freeze semaglutide, and avoid placing it directly next to the cooling element inside the refrigerator.
Always tighten the cap to prevent contamination and exposure to air.
Lastly, always inspect the peptide inside the vial before each use. It should be clear and colorless. Any changes in its appearance could indicate that the medication has degraded or become unsafe to use.
Always contact your physician if you observe anything irregular or bothersome about your product.
Current version
Oct 3, 2024
Written by
Brandee Nielsen
Fact checked by
Dr. Jonathan Hinds (MD, FACEP, Certified Physician)