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How long does Victoza last in the fridge? Victoza (liraglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes, requires careful storage to maintain its effectiveness. Unopened pens stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C remain stable until the expiry date. Once opened, Victoza can be kept refrigerated or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days, after which it must be discarded. Understanding proper storage guidelines ensures this medication retains its therapeutic potency for optimal blood glucose control. This article provides comprehensive guidance on Victoza storage, signs of degradation, and practical tips for safe handling at home and whilst travelling.
Quick Answer: Unopened Victoza pens last until the expiry date when refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, whilst opened pens must be used within 30 days regardless of storage location.
Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is licensed for adults and children/adolescents aged 10 years and above with type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Unopened Victoza pens should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C and will remain stable until the expiry date printed on the label. It is crucial to keep unopened pens in their original packaging to protect them from light. Never freeze Victoza, and if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately, even if it subsequently thaws.
Once opened and in use, a Victoza pen can be stored in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to one month (30 days). After this 30-day period, the pen must be disposed of safely, even if it still contains medication. This time limit applies regardless of whether the pen has been stored in the fridge or at room temperature throughout its use.
Patients should write the date of first use on the pen label to track when the 30-day period expires. This practice helps prevent inadvertent use of medication beyond its safe storage period. The cap should be replaced on the pen after each injection to protect the medication from light. Following these storage guidelines ensures that liraglutide maintains its therapeutic potency and effectiveness in controlling blood glucose levels.
Source: MHRA/EMC Victoza (liraglutide) 6 mg/mL Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet
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Correct storage of Victoza is fundamental to preserving the medication's stability and ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes. The storage requirements differ depending on whether the pen is unopened or in active use.
For unopened Victoza pens:
Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C
Keep in the original carton to protect from light
Do not freeze; discard if accidentally frozen
Check the expiry date regularly and do not use beyond this date
Store away from the freezer compartment to prevent accidental freezing
For opened (in-use) Victoza pens:
May be refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) or kept at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C)
Must be used within 30 days of first use
Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect from light
Do not store with the needle attached
Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight
Use a new needle for each injection and never share pens
The active pharmaceutical ingredient, liraglutide, is a peptide that can degrade when exposed to temperature extremes or light. Refrigeration helps maintain the medication's stability, and the 30-day in-use limit is specified by the manufacturer to ensure both safety and efficacy.
Storage location matters: avoid placing Victoza near the freezer compartment or cooling elements where temperatures may drop below 2°C. Similarly, do not store pens in car glove compartments, windowsills, or bathrooms where temperature fluctuations are common. The manufacturer's storage instructions should be followed precisely to maintain medication quality and safety throughout the treatment period.
Sources: MHRA/EMC Victoza SmPC, NHS Medicines A-Z: liraglutide, Victoza Patient Information Leaflet
Improper storage of Victoza can compromise the medication's stability, potentially reducing its therapeutic effectiveness and, in some circumstances, creating safety concerns.
Temperature-related degradation is the primary risk with incorrect storage. When liraglutide is exposed to temperatures above 30°C, the medication may begin to degrade. This can result in reduced biological activity, meaning the medication may not adequately lower blood glucose levels as intended. Patients using compromised Victoza might experience unexplained hyperglycaemia or loss of glycaemic control despite adherence to their dosing schedule.
Freezing presents a different problem. According to the manufacturer's guidance, frozen Victoza must never be used, even after thawing. The medication's efficacy cannot be guaranteed after freezing, and there is no reliable way to assess whether the drug remains therapeutically active.
Extended storage beyond 30 days after first use raises concerns about both potency and quality. The manufacturer specifies the 30-day in-use period based on stability testing, and this timeframe should not be exceeded.
Light exposure can also affect liraglutide over time, which is why the medication is supplied in a light-protective container and should be stored with the pen cap on.
If you suspect your Victoza has been stored incorrectly, do not use it. Contact your GP surgery or diabetes team for advice. A community pharmacist may be able to arrange an emergency supply in line with UK regulations, or advise on next steps. If you experience persistent high blood glucose levels after using potentially compromised medication, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Seek urgent medical help (NHS 111 or 999) if you develop symptoms of severe hyperglycaemia such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness or dehydration.
Sources: MHRA/EMC Victoza SmPC, NHS guidance on hyperglycaemia
Recognising when Victoza has deteriorated is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy. Several visual and circumstantial indicators suggest the medication should not be used.
Visual inspection is essential. Victoza should appear as a clear and colourless solution. Examine the liquid in the pen cartridge carefully. If you observe any of the following, the pen must be discarded:
Cloudiness or turbidity in the solution
Particles, crystals, or floating matter visible in the liquid
Discolouration (any tint, yellowing, or colour change)
Unusual consistency (thickening or separation)
Circumstantial factors that indicate the pen should not be used include:
The pen has been frozen at any point (even if subsequently thawed)
More than 30 days have elapsed since first use
The pen has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C for extended periods
The expiry date printed on the label has passed
The pen has been stored without its cap for prolonged periods, with significant light exposure
There is visible damage to the pen or cartridge
Functional issues may also signal problems. If the dose selector does not move smoothly or if the injection mechanism feels abnormal, do not use the pen. According to the Patient Information Leaflet, you should perform a flow check before the first use of each new pen (not before every injection) by dialling a small test dose and pressing the injection button until a drop appears at the needle tip.
If you have any doubt about your Victoza pen's integrity, err on the side of caution. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance, and do not use the questionable pen. Your healthcare team can advise on obtaining a replacement and disposing of the suspect medication safely in a sharps bin.
Sources: Victoza Patient Information Leaflet, MHRA/EMC Victoza SmPC
Travelling with Victoza requires advance planning to maintain proper storage conditions whilst away from home. Whether travelling domestically within the UK or internationally, several practical strategies can help ensure your medication remains effective.
For short journeys (day trips or overnight stays), an insulated medication travel bag with a cool pack provides adequate temperature protection. However, ensure the cool pack is not frozen solid, as direct contact with frozen elements could freeze the Victoza pen. Place a barrier (such as a cloth or bubble wrap) between the cool pack and medication. Victoza can remain at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days once opened, so brief periods outside refrigeration during travel are acceptable.
For longer trips or holidays, consider these strategies:
Request a small refrigerator in your hotel room when booking accommodation
Use a medical-grade cooling case designed for insulin and similar medications
Carry Victoza in hand luggage when flying—never place it in checked baggage where it may freeze in the aircraft hold
Bring a letter from your GP explaining your need to carry injectable medication and needles
Pack more pens than you anticipate needing to account for potential loss or damage
Carry original packaging and a copy of your prescription
Airport security considerations: Victoza and associated supplies (needles, alcohol wipes) are permitted in hand luggage. Inform security officers that you are carrying diabetes medication. The original packaging with your name and prescription label helps facilitate security screening.
Temperature monitoring is particularly important in hot climates. Avoid leaving Victoza in cars, direct sunlight, or near heat sources. If travelling to destinations where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, maintaining refrigerated storage becomes more critical.
Time zone changes may affect your injection schedule. Consult your diabetes specialist nurse or GP before travelling across multiple time zones to adjust your dosing regimen appropriately.
Sharps disposal while travelling: Carry a travel sharps container for used needles. Never dispose of needles in general waste. Follow local regulations for safe disposal of medical sharps at your destination.
Sources: NHS guidance on travelling with medicines, Victoza Patient Information Leaflet, UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance on carrying medicines
No, Victoza must never be used if it has been frozen, even after thawing. The medication's efficacy cannot be guaranteed after freezing, and frozen pens must be discarded immediately according to manufacturer guidance.
Victoza should appear as a clear and colourless solution. If you observe cloudiness, particles, discolouration, or any change in consistency, the pen must be discarded and should not be used.
Once opened, Victoza can be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature below 30°C for up to 30 days. Refrigeration is not mandatory for in-use pens, but the 30-day disposal limit applies regardless of storage method.
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.
