Semaglutide is a type of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help control blood sugar levels by stimulating the natural release of insulin and decreasing appetite. It’s also used for weight management in people with obesity.
Compounded semaglutide is a medication that is customized specifically for an individual patient by a compounding pharmacy and is usually delivered in a vial or pen form for injection.
If you’ve been prescribed compounded semaglutide, you might be wondering about its storage requirements. As with many medications, proper storage is essential for maintaining the semaglutide’s effectiveness and ensuring its safety. The following guide provides information on whether or not compounded semaglutide needs to be refrigerated and other storage tips.
Compounded Semaglutide Not Refrigerated – Is It Safe?
The short answer is no. Compounded semaglutide should be refrigerated if dispensed as a liquid solution for injection. This is because liquids are more prone to degradation and bacterial growth at room temperature.
Unused and unopened semaglutide vials should be stored at temperatures from 36-46°F (2-8°C). This means once you receive your semaglutide, it should be promptly placed in the refrigerator until use. Doing so ensures that you maintain control over the storage temperature and that your medication doesn’t get exposed to extreme temperatures or sunlight.
Shipping Compounded Semaglutide Vials
Previously, once your compounded semaglutide order was labeled by the pharmacy team, the vials would be placed in temperature-controlled packaging to ensure that they remained within the recommended temperature range during transit. Like most pharmacies, this is how we used to ship our orders here at University Compounding Pharmacy.
However, shipping compounded semaglutide no longer requires a temperature-controlled shipping service.
How We Ship Your Compounded Semaglutide
Although pharmacies have traditionally used temperature-controlled packaging to ship compounded semaglutide, University Compounding Pharmacy can now ship compounded semaglutide without using such packaging.
This is thanks to recent studies that have shown the medication’s stability at higher temperatures for a short period of time. In fact, studies show that semaglutide injections will be viable even if exposed to temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C) for up to three days.
Even if your vials are warm when they arrive, they can still be safely used as long as they are promptly transferred to refrigerated conditions of 36-46°F (2-8°C) once received.
Storing Semaglutide At Home
How you store your compounded semaglutide at home is critical for maintaining its effectiveness and safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always store your unopened semaglutide in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Exposing your semaglutide to direct sunlight or other heat sources can affect the medication’s potency.
- Once opened, continue storing it in the fridge and make sure to use it within 30 days.
- Keep your semaglutide out of reach of children and pets.
- Check your semaglutide before use for any discoloration or unusual changes in appearance. If you notice anything out of the ordinary (such as a cloudy appearance), do not use the medication.
- If you need to dispose of any unused or expired semaglutide, do not toss it in the garbage or flush it down the toilet. Either follow the specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist or bring it back to your pharmacy for proper disposal.
How To Travel With Semaglutide
If you plan to travel and need to take your compounded semaglutide with you, here are some tips to ensure safe storage:
- Keep your unopened vials in a cooler bag or insulated container while traveling. For example, a small, insulated lunch bag with an ice pack or a thermos filled with cold water can help keep your medicine cool.
- If you’re flying, it’s best to pack your medication in your carry-on luggage to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures in the cargo hold.
- If you are unsure about storage during your trip, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further guidance.
Pack Extra Medication
Be sure to take more than enough medication when traveling in case of any unexpected delays or changes in your itinerary. Aim to bring at least a few extra days’ worth of medication, just in case. Doing so will ensure you’ll have the medication you need if your travel plans change unexpectedly.
Also, if one of your vials gets damaged or lost, you’ll have extras to use during your trip. Be sure to keep your medication in its original container with the prescription label attached for easy identification.
Store Your Semaglutide Properly
It’s always important to store your semaglutide properly, especially when traveling. This means keeping it in a cool place and away from direct heat sources. Bring along an insulated bag or even a small cooler with an ice pack to keep it at the recommended temperature range. However, even while traveling, you should place your semaglutide in a refrigerator the moment you have access to one.
Carry Your Doctor’s Note With You
To be safe, you should request a letter from your healthcare provider if you plan to travel with semaglutide. This note should explain the nature of your medication and why you need it. It can also serve as proof that it is prescribed by a licensed medical professional and not an illegal substance.
This could come in handy if airport security or customs officials ask for an explanation or documentation during your travels.
Is Compounded Semaglutide’s Potency Affected By Its Temperature?
Yes and no. A lot depends on the ingredients. The thing about compounded medications is that their potency and shelf life can vary depending on the compounding process and ingredients used. However, University Compounding Pharmacy takes great care to ensure the quality and stability of our compounded semaglutide.
According to recent studies, compounded semaglutide has been shown to remain stable at higher temperatures than originally thought. This means that even if your medication arrives warm, it should not compromise its potency or effectiveness.
However, for optimal results and safety, we still recommend storing your semaglutide at the recommended temperature range of 36-46°F (2-8°C), which means that you should store it in a refrigerator when possible.
How To Get Compounded Semaglutide
If you and your healthcare provider have decided that compounded semaglutide is the best option for your needs, obtaining a prescription is simple.
University Compounding Pharmacy specializes in compounding medications, including semaglutide, which means we can provide you with a customized version of this medication that meets your specific requirements. We are PCAB Certified, meaning we adhere to strict quality and safety standards in our compounding process.
To get started, request a prescription from your healthcare provider and have them specify University Compounding Pharmacy as the preferred pharmacy. From there, our team will work closely with you and your provider to create a compounded semaglutide that meets your individual needs.
We also offer convenient shipping options to ensure you have access to this medication, no matter your location.
Need to request a prescription for compounded semaglutide? Learn how we can help you on this page.
