Can I use expired Saxenda? No, using expired Saxenda is not recommended and contradicts approved product guidance. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. As a biological peptide medication, it has strict expiry requirements: unopened pens must be used before the printed expiry date, whilst opened pens must be discarded after 30 days, even if solution remains. Expiry dates ensure the medication's potency, sterility, and safety profile. Using expired Saxenda risks reduced effectiveness and potential safety concerns. Always check both the printed expiry and calculate 30 days from first use, discarding based on whichever date comes first.
Quick Answer: No, expired Saxenda should not be used as it may have reduced effectiveness and compromised safety.
Saxenda (liraglutide 6 mg/ml) is a prescription medicine used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. As a biotechnology-derived peptide medication, Saxenda has specific storage requirements and expiry dates that must be strictly observed to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
The expiry date printed on your Saxenda pen refers to the last day of the month shown, provided the pen has been stored correctly and remains unopened. This date is determined through rigorous stability testing conducted by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, and approved by regulatory authorities. After first use, the pen must be discarded after 1 month (30 days), even if some solution remains or the printed expiry is later, as stated in the Saxenda Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) and Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
Using expired Saxenda is not recommended and contradicts the approved product information. The expiry date is not arbitrary—it represents the point beyond which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the medication's potency, sterility, or safety profile. Biological medications like Saxenda are particularly susceptible to degradation over time, which can result in reduced therapeutic effect or potential safety concerns.
Patients should always check both the printed expiry date and calculate 30 days from first use, discarding the pen based on whichever date comes first. If you're unsure about your Saxenda's status, consult your GP or pharmacist rather than risk using a potentially compromised medication.
The primary risk of using expired Saxenda is reduced efficacy, meaning the medication may not work as intended for weight management. Liraglutide, the active ingredient, is a peptide that degrades over time, particularly when exposed to temperatures outside the recommended range or after the expiry date. This degradation can significantly diminish the drug's ability to activate GLP-1 receptors, which are responsible for reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving glycaemic control.
When Saxenda loses potency, patients may not achieve their weight management goals despite adhering to their prescribed regimen. This can lead to frustration, delayed treatment outcomes, and potentially the need for alternative interventions. From a clinical perspective, using ineffective medication wastes valuable treatment time and may impact the patient's motivation to continue with lifestyle modifications that complement pharmacotherapy.
Beyond reduced effectiveness, there are potential safety considerations with expired biological medications. While there is limited evidence regarding specific adverse reactions from expired Saxenda, it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidance on expiry dates to ensure optimal safety and efficacy.
Additionally, expired Saxenda may have compromised sterility, particularly if the pen has been opened for more than 30 days. Bacterial contamination becomes a risk with any injectable medication stored beyond its use-by period. If you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain at the injection site, or develop a fever, seek medical advice promptly as these could indicate an infection.
The MHRA advises that all expired medicines should be disposed of safely through a pharmacy take-back scheme rather than used. If you've inadvertently used expired Saxenda and experience unusual symptoms, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. You can also report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
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Start HereChecking whether your Saxenda has expired requires attention to three key factors: the printed expiry date, the date of first use, and the physical appearance of the solution. Start by locating the expiry date printed on the pen label, which appears in a month/year format (e.g., "EXP 08/2024"). This date indicates the medication is safe to use until the last day of that month, provided it remains unopened and properly stored.
However, the 30-day rule after opening is equally critical and often overlooked. When you first use a new Saxenda pen, write the date on the pen label immediately. Calculate 30 days forward from this date—this becomes your true expiry date if it falls before the printed expiry. For example, if you opened a pen on 1st March with a printed expiry of June 2024, you must discard it by 31st March, not in June. Many patients find it helpful to write both the "opened on" date and the "discard by" date directly on the pen.
Visual inspection is another important check. Before each injection, examine the Saxenda solution through the pen window. According to the PIL, it should be clear and colourless or almost colourless. Do not use the pen if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles. These changes indicate the medication has degraded and should not be injected.
Additionally, check that the pen mechanism functions smoothly. If the pen has been dropped, frozen, or exposed to heat, it may be damaged even if not expired. When in doubt, err on the side of caution—dispose of questionable pens through your pharmacy and obtain a replacement. Your pharmacist can provide disposal containers and guidance on the Yellow Card Scheme if you suspect a product quality issue.
Correct storage is essential to maintain Saxenda's therapeutic properties throughout its shelf life. Before first use, unopened Saxenda pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, away from the freezer compartment. Never freeze Saxenda—if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately, even if it subsequently thaws, as freezing irreversibly damages the liraglutide molecule and renders the medication ineffective and potentially unsafe.
Keep unopened pens in their original carton to protect them from light, which can accelerate degradation. Store the pens towards the back of the refrigerator rather than in the door, as the door experiences greater temperature fluctuations when opened frequently. Ensure the refrigerator maintains a stable temperature—use a refrigerator thermometer if you're uncertain, as some older models may have inconsistent cooling.
Once you begin using a Saxenda pen, storage requirements change slightly. The in-use pen may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days. Many patients prefer room temperature storage for comfort during injection, as cold medication can cause more injection site discomfort. However, if you live in a particularly warm climate or during summer months, refrigeration may be preferable to prevent exposure to temperatures above 30°C.
Always keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect from light. Never store Saxenda with the needle attached, as this can cause leakage, contamination, and air ingress. Remove and safely dispose of the needle after each injection in a sharps bin, which can be obtained from your pharmacy.
When travelling, use an insulated medication travel case with ice packs (ensuring the pen doesn't touch ice directly) to maintain appropriate temperatures. For air travel, carry Saxenda in hand luggage with your prescription, as hold luggage may freeze. If you're travelling to hot climates, plan your storage carefully—hotel room safes or mini-fridges can help maintain appropriate temperatures. The NHS provides guidance on travelling with medicines that applies to Saxenda users.
If your Saxenda has expired or is approaching expiry, contact your prescribing clinician promptly to arrange a replacement prescription. In the UK, Saxenda is primarily available through private prescription for weight management. However, liraglutide 3 mg may be available in the NHS in specific circumstances under specialist weight management services according to NICE Technology Appraisal 664 (TA664), though availability varies locally and supply constraints may apply.
When requesting a new prescription, be prepared to discuss your progress with the medication. NICE guidance on liraglutide for weight management (TA664) recommends that treatment should only continue if patients have lost at least 5% of their initial body weight after 12 weeks of treatment at the maintenance dose of 3 mg daily. Your prescriber will likely want to review your weight loss progress, any side effects experienced, and your adherence to the recommended reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity programme that should accompany Saxenda therapy.
Most prescriptions for Saxenda are issued for one to three months at a time, requiring regular follow-up appointments. This allows your clinician to monitor your response, adjust the dose if needed (Saxenda is titrated from 0.6 mg to 3 mg daily over five weeks), and assess for any adverse effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, which are common with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Prescriptions can be dispensed at community pharmacies or through registered online pharmacies. Costs can vary considerably, so it's advisable to check with dispensing pharmacies for current pricing. Some private health insurance policies may provide coverage for weight management medications in certain circumstances, but this varies significantly between providers.
If cost is prohibitive, discuss alternatives with your GP. The NHS does provide weight management support through local services, including behavioural programmes, dietetic input, and in some cases, alternative weight-loss medications that may be funded. Your GP can refer you to NHS-commissioned weight management services appropriate for your circumstances. Never purchase Saxenda from unregulated online sources, as counterfeit medications pose serious health risks and are not subject to MHRA safety standards.
Once opened, Saxenda pens must be discarded after 30 days, even if solution remains or the printed expiry date is later. Write the opening date on the pen label and calculate 30 days forward to determine your discard date.
Expired Saxenda may have reduced effectiveness for weight management due to peptide degradation. If you experience unusual symptoms after using expired medication, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice and report the incident via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Store unopened Saxenda pens in a refrigerator at 2–8°C, away from the freezer compartment and protected from light. In-use pens may be refrigerated or kept at room temperature below 30°C for up to 30 days, with the cap on when not in use and needle removed after each injection.
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