Does Zepbound need to be refrigerated?
Reviewed by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro,
Written by Felix Gussone, MD, Ro
last updated: Nov 15, 2023
1 min read
Here's what we'll cover
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in people with overweight or obesity. Like Mounjaro, it is a once-weekly injection that comes in pre-filled pens that need to be refrigerated. We spoke with Dr. Felix Gussone, MD about how to store your Zepbound pen.
Mounjaro Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
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Does Zepbound need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should keep Zepbound in the refrigerator. According to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, Zepbound pens should be stored in a cool dark place, between 36-46° Fahrenheit (2-8° Celsius). Zepbound can be stored at room temperature, meaning unrefrigerated, for up to 21 days, but should never be exposed to temperatures above 86° Fahrenheit (30° Celsius). If you’re traveling, you can take your medication with you and it can remain unrefrigerated and at room temperature for up to three weeks. Zepbound pens should never be frozen.
If you store the pen at room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator, and discard it if you don’t use it within 21 days after taking it out of the fridge. When the medication spends too long out of the refrigerator, the active ingredients can start to break down, making the medication less effective.
When you take a Zepbound pen out of the refrigerator to inject it, it is unnecessary to warm it to room temperature. You can inject the medication into your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh.
When will Zepbound be available?
Zepbound is expected to be available in the U.S. by the end of 2023. In a media briefing, Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said that the company expects to have Zepbound on pharmacy shelves after the Thanksgiving holiday, according to news outlets.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Eli Lilly. (2023). Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection once weekly: Safety Summary, Indication. Retrieved Nov. 9 2023 from https://pi.lilly.com/us/zepbound-uspi.pdf?s=pi
Tirrell, M. (2023). FDA approves Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro for obesity under new name, Zepbound. CNN Health. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/08/health/zepbound-mounjaro-fda-approval-obesity/index.html
How we reviewed this article
Current version
Felix Gussone, MD
Yael Cooperman, MD
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