Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?

Key Points

• Mounjaro needs refrigeration, but it stays good at room temperature for up to 21 days
• Your medication can lose potency if it gets too hot or freezes, so temperature control matters
• Keep your pens in their original box in a stable part of your refrigerator for best results
• Fly with Mounjaro in your carry-on luggage. If you’re driving, consider a medication cooler box (like one for insulin)

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been a gamechanger for people with type 2 diabetes, helping with blood sugar control and weight loss. However, since it’s a protein-based medication, it is temperature-sensitive.

If you’re planning to take Mounjaro, learn how to store it safely and what to do if you need to travel.

Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?

Unopened Mounjaro pens should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (~ 35°F to 46°F), according to Lilly, the manufacturer of the drug. However, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days. So, if you need to travel or you’re dealing with a temporary refrigerator breakdown emergency, your medication will be okay.

The once-weekly injectable will begin to expire more quickly if left outside at higher temperatures.

Why does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?

Medications, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and insulin, require refrigeration because they are more sensitive to temperature changes. If Mounjaro freezes or is subject to heat or light, its chemical structure could change, potentially reducing its strength or creating harmful byproducts.

How to store Mounjaro safely: key tips

1. Do not store Mounjaro near the cooling unit in your refrigerator, as this is the coldest part of the fridge. Also, try not to store your Mounjaro pens near the door, where they may not get as cool as they need to be
2. Do not freeze your Mounjaro pens or vials. If you find your medication frozen, do not use it, even if you thaw it out
3. It’s best to store your Mounjaro in its original box
4. Avoid keeping Mounjaro in warm environments like your bathroom

How to travel with Mounjaro

Got some travel coming up? Here’s how to take your Mounjaro with you without worrying about it during the entire trip.

As mentioned earlier, Mounjaro can be stored outside at room temperature for up to 21 days. So, you can hit the road with it and put it in a refrigerator in your hotel or wherever your destination is.

• If you’re flying, it may be better to take Mounjaro with you in your carry-on luggage, as the cargo area for checked baggage is not temperature-controlled. Consider carrying your prescription or a letter from your doctor in case of an enquiry from the TSA. If you're flying internationally, check the specific entry requirements for both your destination and any countries you'll pass through during your journey
• If you’re driving, you can put the pens or vials in your car, preferably in a cooler box. You can use ice packs, but do not put the Mounjaro directly on them (to prevent freezing)

If you think your medication may be exposed to higher temperatures (greater than 86°F), get inspired by people who travel with insulin. Consider purchasing a cooling medical box or an insulin cooler made for travel.

💡 Tip: Schedule a few reminders on your phone to remember to take your Mounjaro with you when you leave.

Start losing weight on Mounjaro. Find a registered dietitian who is covered by your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if my Mounjaro freezes?

If your Mounjaro freezes, discard the pen or vial and use another one. Do not thaw and use the drug since freezing alters the chemical structure of the medication, and it may not be safe to use.

What happens if Mounjaro gets too warm?

If Mounjaro (tirzepatide) gets exposed to temperatures above 86°F, the medication may become unsafe for use. In such cases, throw the medication away and use another pen or vial.

Is it safe to use Mounjaro if it smells or changes color?

It is not safe to use Mounjaro if it smells, if there is a change in color, or if it looks cloudy.

1. Do you need to let Mounjaro warm up before injecting?

Eapen, MD, says, "You do not have to let Mounjaro warm up before use, but if you do not like injecting cold medicine straight from the refrigerator, you could leave it out for 20-30 minutes before you take it."

How to inject Mounjaro?

Mounjaro can be injected in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It’s important to press the button on the injector pen for 10 seconds and listen for two clicks. For enhanced comfort, you could consider removing Mounjaro from the refrigerator approximately 20-30 minutes before your dose. Rotating injection sites each week can help minimize skin irritation and prevent complications.

Get a personalized Mounjaro diet plan made just for you.

Find a registered dietitian who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.