How to Store Compound Tirzepatide: Fridge vs. Room Temperature

Storing your tirzepatide injections in the refrigerator is crucial to ensure they remain effective.

Medically Reviewed By Mostafa Elhennawy MS, Pharm D

As tirzepatide becomes increasingly prescribed, understanding its specific storage requirements is very important. 

Whether in vials, syringes, or injection pens, tirzepatide injections are highly sensitive to temperature changes. They must be refrigerated prior to use and can only stay out of the fridge for a limited period and under specific conditions.

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Understanding Tirzepatide Composition

Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide designed to mimic the actions of hormones that regulate appetite and insulin use. Its unique chemical structure combines the effects of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, making it highly effective for weight loss and blood sugar management. The stability of its peptide components, which are sensitive to temperature changes, is vital for maintaining its effectiveness.

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Is It Necessary to Refrigerate Tirzepatide?

Yes, tirzepatide needs to be refrigerated. All forms of tirzepatide, including Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded versions, must be refrigerated before use and immediately after purchase from the pharmacy, as soon as you get home. Storing your tirzepatide injections in the refrigerator is crucial to ensure they remain effective. All forms of tirzepatide, including Mounjaro and compounded versions, need refrigeration. It’s essential to know the differences between compounded tirzepatide and Mounjaro to ensure you’re storing your medication correctly.

How to Store Tirzepatide

According to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound and Mounjaro, tirzepatide should be refrigerated at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) and kept in its original carton to protect it from light.  These injections can remain outside the fridge for up to 21 days, provided they are not exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C). For compounded tirzepatide, it’s crucial to follow the specific storage instructions from the compounding pharmacy, as these may vary based on the formulation.

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Tirzepatide Compound Storage Temperature Requirements

Given the critical nature of adherence to storage guidelines for Tirzepatide, it’s imperative to understand the specifics. The sweet spot for storing this medication, as recommended by the manufacturers, lies within a cool range of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

For How Long Can Tirzepatide Last in the Refrigerator?

Tirzepatide injections such as Mounjaro and Zepbound generally have a shelf life of several months when refrigerated, with an expiration date usually set by the manufacturer for about one year after purchase. Compounded tirzepatide may have a shorter shelf life, so it’s important to verify the expiration date on the packaging or inquire directly with the compounding pharmacy. As long as they are stored in the fridge and the cold chain remains intact, your tirzepatide pens and vials should last until their specified expiration date.

Tirzepatide Not Refrigerated? Understand the Results

If tirzepatide, such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, is left unrefrigerated for more than the recommended 21 days, its peptide structure starts to degrade, reducing its potency and effectiveness. This degradation compromises the medication’s ability to manage diabetes or assist in weight loss effectively. It is essential to keep tirzepatide refrigerated to preserve its biological activity and ensure its therapeutic efficacy. 

If tirzepatide is accidentally left out for over 21 days, it should not be used. Always store tirzepatide in the refrigerator, remove it only when ready for use, and regularly check that your refrigerator maintains the correct temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) to ensure the medication’s integrity.

It’s also crucial to know how Zepbound compares to compounded tirzepatide in terms of stability and storage requirements, so you can make informed decisions about its proper care.

For How Long Can You Keep Tirzepatide Out of the Fridge?

Both Mounjaro and Zepbound tirzepatide injections from Eli Lilly can remain out of the refrigerator for up to 21 days. This guideline generally applies to compounded tirzepatide as well, though it’s crucial to verify specific storage instructions from your pharmacy, as shelf life at room temperature can vary based on the formulation and preservatives used.

To ensure you don’t use expired tirzepatide, it’s advisable to mark the date you remove your tirzepatide vial or pens from the refrigerator on the packaging or a calendar. This helps track how long the medication has been unrefrigerated.

Refrigeration vs. Room Temperature Storage

When deciding whether to refrigerate Tirzepatide or keep it at room temperature, consider that refrigeration, as recommended by the manufacturers and supported by numerous studies, ensures the medication retains its structure and efficacy. 

Like many temperature-sensitive medications, Tirzepatide remains stable and effective in cooler environments, preserving its potency for effective weight loss management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Freeze Tirzepatide?

No, Tirzepatide should not be frozen. Freezing the medication can damage its structure and reduce its effectiveness. If Tirzepatide is accidentally frozen, it must be disposed of immediately, even after it has thawed.

When Does Tirzepatide Expire?

The “official” expiration date labeled on the pen or vial by the manufacturer, indicating up until when tirzepatide is good when consistently stored in a refrigerator.

What is the Shelf Life of Tirzepatide?

The shelf life of tirzepatide, when refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), ranges from several months to a year, as indicated by the manufacturer’s expiration date on each pen or vial. Once removed from the fridge, tirzepatide can only be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days.

Key Takeaways

Refrigeration is Crucial: Tirzepatide, including brands like Mounjaro and Zepbound, must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) to maintain its effectiveness and stability. It can only be kept out of the fridge for up to 21 days under specific conditions. Temperature Sensitivity: The peptide structure of tirzepatide is highly sensitive to temperature changes; improper storage can lead to degradation of the medication, reducing its potency and efficacy.

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