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Does Victoza need to be refrigerated? Understanding proper storage requirements for Victoza (liraglutide) is essential for maintaining its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes. As a biological medicine containing a protein-based active ingredient, Victoza requires specific temperature conditions. Before first use, unopened pens must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Once opened, the storage requirements change, offering greater flexibility whilst maintaining medication stability. This article provides comprehensive guidance on storing Victoza correctly before and after first use, travelling with your medication, and recognising when storage errors may have compromised your treatment.
Quick Answer: Victoza must be refrigerated at 2–8°C before first use, but after opening may be stored either refrigerated or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days.
Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a biological medicine containing a protein-based active ingredient, Victoza requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic effectiveness.
Before first use, Victoza pens must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. The medication should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It is essential never to freeze Victoza, and if the pen has been frozen, it must be discarded and not used, even if it has subsequently thawed. Freezing can denature the protein structure of liraglutide, rendering the medication ineffective.
After first use, the storage requirements change significantly. Once you have used your Victoza pen for the first time, it may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to one month (30 days) or until the expiry date on the label, whichever comes first. This flexibility makes daily use more convenient, as you do not need to inject cold medication, which can be uncomfortable. The pen cap should be kept on when not in use to protect the medicine from light.
It is crucial to write the date of first use on the pen label to track the 30-day period accurately. After 30 days from first use, any remaining medication must be discarded, regardless of how much remains in the pen. Do not store the pen with a needle attached; always remove and safely dispose of the needle after each injection, and use a new needle for each injection. These precautions ensure you are always using medication that maintains its full potency and safety profile.
(Source: MHRA/EMC SmPC: Victoza (liraglutide) – sections 6.4 and 6.6; Victoza Patient Information Leaflet)
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Proper storage of Victoza throughout its lifecycle is essential for maintaining medication efficacy and patient safety. Understanding the distinction between unopened and in-use storage requirements helps ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Unopened Victoza pens should remain refrigerated continuously until needed. Store them:
In the main body of the refrigerator (not the door, where temperature fluctuates)
Between 2°C and 8°C at all times
In the original carton to protect from light exposure
Away from the freezer compartment or cooling elements
With the expiry date clearly visible for regular checking
Never store unopened pens in the freezer, and check regularly that your refrigerator maintains appropriate temperatures. If you notice ice crystals or suspect freezing has occurred, do not use the pen.
Once opened and in use, Victoza offers greater storage flexibility. You may choose to:
Continue refrigerating the pen (2°C to 8°C), which some patients prefer
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), avoiding direct heat sources and sunlight
Keep the pen in a cool, dry place such as a drawer or cupboard
Always replace the pen cap after each injection to protect from light
Do not store the pen with a needle attached; always remove and discard the needle after each injection
Regardless of storage location after first use, the 30-day rule applies strictly. Mark the date of first use clearly on the pen label using permanent marker. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 30 days later to ensure timely disposal. After first use, keep for a maximum of 30 days or until the expiry date, whichever comes first. Even if medication remains and the pen appears normal, the chemical stability cannot be guaranteed beyond this period.
Important storage precautions include keeping Victoza away from direct sunlight, radiators, windowsills, and car glove compartments, where temperatures can exceed safe limits. Always store the medication out of sight and reach of children.
(Source: MHRA/EMC SmPC: Victoza (liraglutide) – section 6.4; NHS Medicines A–Z: Liraglutide (Victoza) storage)
Incorrect storage of Victoza can compromise the medication's therapeutic effectiveness and potentially pose safety risks. Understanding the consequences of storage errors helps patients recognise when medication should be discarded and replaced.
Temperature extremes represent the most significant storage risk. If Victoza is exposed to freezing temperatures, the protein structure of liraglutide can become irreversibly damaged through a process called denaturation. This structural change may render the medication ineffective at controlling blood glucose levels, potentially leading to hyperglycaemia and poor diabetes management. If your Victoza pen has been frozen, do not use it under any circumstances – dispose of it safely and obtain a replacement from your pharmacy.
Exposure to excessive heat (above 30°C) similarly degrades liraglutide. High temperatures accelerate chemical breakdown, reducing potency over time. Medication stored in hot environments such as cars during summer, near radiators, or in direct sunlight may lose effectiveness without obvious visual changes. If you suspect heat exposure, it is safer to replace the pen than risk inadequate glycaemic control.
Extended storage beyond 30 days after first use poses risks even when temperature requirements have been met. According to the manufacturer's instructions, Victoza maintains its stability and sterility for only one month once the seal is broken and the pen is in use. Using medication beyond this period may result in reduced efficacy or increased risk of contamination.
Signs that Victoza may have been compromised include visible particles, cloudiness, or colour changes – the solution should always appear clear and colourless. As stated in the Patient Information Leaflet, only use Victoza if the solution is clear and colourless, without particles. If you notice any changes in appearance, do not use the medication. Additionally, if you experience unexpectedly high blood glucose readings despite regular Victoza use, this may indicate reduced medication potency due to storage issues. Contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse if you have concerns about medication effectiveness or if you have accidentally used improperly stored Victoza.
(Source: Victoza Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – appearance and inspection; MHRA/EMC SmPC: Victoza (liraglutide) – section 6.4)
Travelling with Victoza requires advance planning to maintain proper storage conditions whilst away from home. Whether travelling domestically within the UK or internationally, following specific guidelines ensures your medication remains effective and compliant with regulations.
For short journeys and day trips, an insulated medication travel bag or cool bag with ice packs provides adequate protection. Ensure ice packs do not directly contact the pen to prevent freezing. Room temperature storage (below 30°C) is acceptable for in-use pens, so brief periods outside refrigeration during travel pose minimal risk. However, avoid leaving Victoza in parked cars, where temperatures can rapidly exceed safe limits even on mild days.
For longer trips and holidays, consider these essential preparations:
Calculate the total amount of medication needed, plus extra pens in case of loss or damage
Keep unopened spare pens refrigerated (2–8°C) during travel using an insulated travel case with cool packs
Obtain a letter from your GP confirming your diabetes diagnosis and need for injectable medication
Carry Victoza in hand luggage when flying – never pack it in checked baggage where it may freeze
Bring your own insulated medication travel case with cool packs (with a barrier to prevent freezing)
Research refrigeration availability at your destination (hotels typically accommodate medical storage requests)
Bring the original prescription, packaging and a copy of your repeat prescription slip to facilitate pharmacy access if replacement is needed abroad
Airport security considerations are important for injectable medications. Victoza pens and needles are permitted in cabin baggage, but inform security staff you are carrying medical supplies. The GP letter and original packaging help expedite security screening. Needles should remain capped and stored safely in a travel sharps container. Check destination rules for carrying and disposing of sharps.
International travel requires additional preparation. Check whether your destination country requires specific documentation for importing injectable medications. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) holders travelling in Europe should carry these for potential healthcare access. For non-European destinations, verify travel insurance covers diabetes-related medical needs.
Time zone changes may affect your injection schedule. Consult your diabetes team before travelling across multiple time zones to adjust dosing timing appropriately. Generally, maintaining consistent intervals between doses is more important than strict clock times.
(Source: NHS: Taking medicines abroad; Diabetes UK: Travel and diabetes)
Patients frequently have practical questions about day-to-day Victoza storage and handling. Addressing these common concerns helps ensure safe, effective medication use.
Can I inject Victoza straight from the refrigerator? Yes, refrigerated Victoza is safe to inject, though some patients find cold injections slightly uncomfortable. If you prefer, remove the pen from the refrigerator 15–30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature. Never attempt to warm the pen artificially using hot water, microwaves, or direct heat sources, as this can damage the medication. Remember to use a new needle for each injection.
What if I accidentally left my Victoza pen out overnight? If an in-use pen has been left at room temperature (below 30°C) overnight, it remains safe to use provided it is within the 30-day period since first use. However, if an unopened pen was left unrefrigerated, you should contact your pharmacist or the manufacturer for specific advice. Unopened pens should be stored at 2–8°C as directed in the SmPC, and any deviation from these storage conditions should be assessed individually. When in doubt, contact your pharmacist rather than risk using potentially compromised medication.
How should I dispose of expired or damaged Victoza pens? Used, expired, or damaged pens should be disposed of according to local regulations. Use a prescribed sharps bin for needles and follow local (GP/council) collection arrangements or pharmacy return services. Some pharmacies do not accept loose sharps, so check your local disposal options. Never throw pens or needles in household waste or recycling bins. Remove the needle and dispose of it in a sharps container before returning the pen.
Can I share my Victoza pen with someone else? No, never share Victoza pens, even if you change the needle. Pen-sharing poses serious infection risks, including transmission of blood-borne viruses. Each pen is for single-patient use only.
What if I'm unsure whether my Victoza has been stored correctly? If you have any doubt about storage conditions – whether due to power cuts, refrigerator malfunction, or uncertainty about temperature exposure – it is safer to obtain a replacement pen than risk using compromised medication. Contact your GP surgery or diabetes specialist nurse for guidance. They can provide a new prescription if needed and offer advice about monitoring your blood glucose more frequently until you resume properly stored medication. Your safety and optimal diabetes control are paramount, and healthcare professionals would rather you seek clarification than use medication of uncertain quality.
(Source: MHRA/EMC SmPC: Victoza (liraglutide) – section 6.4; NHS Medicines A–Z: Liraglutide)
No, never use Victoza if it has been frozen. Freezing denatures the protein structure of liraglutide, rendering the medication ineffective. Discard any frozen pen and obtain a replacement from your pharmacy.
After first use, Victoza may be kept for up to 30 days when stored either refrigerated (2–8°C) or at room temperature (below 30°C). After 30 days, discard any remaining medication regardless of how much is left in the pen.
Yes, Victoza pens and needles are permitted in cabin baggage. Carry a letter from your GP confirming your diabetes diagnosis and need for injectable medication, and keep Victoza in its original packaging to expedite security screening.
All medical content on this blog is created based on reputable, evidence-based sources and reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep content up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
DisclaimerThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns. Use of the information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use.
