Quick answer: Trulicity needs to be refrigerated, but it can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 14 days if kept below 30°C. Proper Trulicity storage is essential because factors such as temperature, exposure to heat, and expiration dates can impact its effectiveness.
It is estimated that about 4.2 million adults in South Africa are living with diabetes, and the vast majority with Type 2 diabetes. Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps manage type 2 diabetes. While it isn't the same as insulin, it also helps control blood sugar levels.
Trulicity belongs to the GLP-1 drug class, which includes Ozempic, Victoza, and Byetta.
It helps regulate blood sugar by reducing glucagon release, slowing digestion, and stimulating natural insulin production.
Since Trulicity is temperature-sensitive, proper storage is essential to keep it effective. But does it always need to be refrigerated? What happens if it gets too warm? And how long can Trulicity stay out of the fridge?
In this guide, we'll cover:
- Whether Trulicity needs to be refrigerated
- How long it can stay at room temperature
- How long it lasts in the fridge
- What happens if it gets too hot
Let's get started!
In a hurry? Check out our video on Trulicity storage and refrigeration tips!
Does Trulicity need refrigeration?
Yes! Trulicity is a temperature-sensitive medication that must be refrigerated before use and kept away from heat during use.
Its active ingredient, dulaglutide, is a biologic drug that can degrade quickly if left unrefrigerated or exposed to high temperatures. Proper storage is essential to ensure its effectiveness.
Trulicity Storage Instructions
Trulicity manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, recommends the following storage guidelines to keep your Trulicity pen safe and effective:
- Keep your Trulicity pen refrigerated (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze it.
- Do not use the pen if exposed to freezing temperatures, as it may no longer be effective.
- Trulicity can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 14 days. After that, it should be discarded.
Extreme temperatures can break down the medication, reducing its effectiveness or making it unsafe to use. If your pen has been frozen, left out too long, or exposed to high heat, it's best to replace it.
Keep reading for more information about specific storage and temperature scenarios in the following sections.
Related article: How to Properly Store and Refrigerate Ozempic in all Situations?
How long does Trulicity last in the refrigerator?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, Trulicity remains effective until its expiration date, which is printed on the carton and the pen itself. Keeping it within this temperature range helps preserve its potency and ensures you get the full benefits of the medication.
To ensure Trulicity is safe to use and effective:
- Always check the expiration date before using your Trulicity pen.
- Do not use expired Trulicity, as it may not work as intended and could put your health at risk.
- Discard expired or improperly stored pens immediately-do not attempt to use them even if they appear normal.
How long can Trulicity be unrefrigerated?
If Trulicity is kept out of the refrigerator, it can remain stable at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 14 days.
This means that during this time, the medication should still be effective as long as it is not exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight.
However, once the 14-day period has passed, the medication may begin to degrade, reducing its ability to control blood sugar levels effectively.
For these reasons, it's essential to:
✅ Track how long Trulicity has been out of the fridge
✅ Use Trulicity within 14 days if stored at room temperature.
✅ Avoid placing it near heat sources such as stoves, radiators, or inside a hot car.
✅ Discard the pen after 14 days at room temperature, even if it looks fine.
If you're unsure whether your Trulicity pen is still safe to use, check the expiration date and storage history.
When in doubt, it's best to replace it with a new one to ensure you're getting the full benefits of your medication.
Related article: Does Victoza Need to Be Refrigerated? Storage Guidelines.
Is Trulicity left out of the fridge overnight still safe?
When Trulicity is left out of the fridge overnight, the cold chain is broken, and it's considered unrefrigerated.
While Trulicity can generally be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days, the length of time it spends at room temperature and the ambient temperature play crucial roles in its safety and effectiveness.
For example, if the room temperature stays below 30°C overnight, Trulicity should still be safe to use as long as it remains at room temperature doesn't exceed 14 days.
However, if the room temperature exceeds 30°C, the medication is no longer considered safe, as high heat can significantly affect its stability and effectiveness. Later in the article, we'll explore how temperature affects Trulicity.
It's essential to monitor the temperature where your medication is stored and avoid leaving it where temperatures can rise, such as in a car or near heat sources.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your medication, always discard any Trulicity pens that have been exposed to temperatures over 30°C or have been left out for more than 14 days.
Can Trulicity be refrigerated after being at room temperature?
Yes, you can put Trulicity back in the refrigerator after your injection, especially if it's been out for a short time. However, it's crucial to avoid frequent temperature changes to keep the medication effective.
While it's best to use Trulicity within 14 days of it being at room temperature, returning it to the fridge can help extend its shelf life if needed.
According to the manufacturer, the total time Trulicity spends at room temperature should not exceed 14 days (336 hours). This can be one continuous period or several shorter exposures, as long as the total time at room temperature doesn't exceed 14 days.
How does temperature affect Trulicity?
Temperature can significantly impact the effectiveness of Trulicity. Exposure to high heat or freezing temperatures can cause the medication to degrade, reducing its ability to control blood sugar and potentially making it unsafe to use.
Here are a few different scenarios where temperature impacts Trulicity:
What happens if Trulicity gets hot?
If Trulicity is exposed to temperatures above 30°C, even for a short period, it becomes unsafe and should be discarded.
High heat can cause the active ingredient, dulaglutide, to degrade quickly. Since dulaglutide is a biologic, protein-based drug, it is highly sensitive to heat.
The protein can denature or unfold when exposed to high temperatures, rendering the medication ineffective. This degradation can happen rapidly, even with brief exposure, causing the medication to lose its potency and effectiveness.
Can you inject Trulicity cold?
Yes, you can inject Trulicity straight from the fridge, but it may cause more pain or a stinging sensation during the injection due to the cold temperature.
To reduce discomfort, it's recommended to let your Trulicity pen sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it. This helps make the injection more comfortable while still keeping the medication effective.
Related article: Can You Inject Cold Insulin Straight from the Fridge?
What happens if Trulicity freezes?
Trulicity should never be frozen. Freezing temperatures can damage the molecules, rendering the medication ineffective. If you suspect your Trulicity pen has been frozen, even if it has thawed afterward, dispose of it immediately.
To prevent freezing, always store your Trulicity pens away from the freezer compartment in your fridge and ensure they never come into direct contact with ice.
If you're traveling with Trulicity and using a portable medicine cooler, ensure it has anti-freeze protection, like the ones from 4AllFamily.
For those living in or traveling to extremely cold weather destinations, keep your pens in an inside pocket. Your body's warmth should help prevent freezing. Never leave your Trulicity pens in a car overnight when temperatures could drop below 0°C.
How to tell if Trulicity is safe to use
To determine if Trulicity is safe to use, you need to consider how it has been stored and whether it has been exposed to extreme temperatures.
Key factors, such as temperature exposure, expiration dates, and signs of damage, can help you assess whether your Trulicity pen is still effective and safe for use.
Does Trulicity expire?
Yes, Trulicity does expire, and it actually has two expiration dates to keep track of.
- The first expiration date is printed on the pen itself. It is valid as long as the pen has been stored in the fridge and typically occurs about a year after purchase.
- The second expiration date applies once the pen has been removed from the fridge. Trulicity can only be used for 14 days at room temperature after being removed from refrigeration. Be sure to monitor both expiration dates to ensure you never use expired Trulicity pens.
Signs Trulicity has gone bad
❌ Changes in appearance: If the solution in the pen appears discolored, cloudy, or has visible particles, it may be spoiled and should not be used.
❌ Damaged packaging: If the pen or packaging is visibly damaged, cracked, or compromised, it could indicate that the medication has been exposed to improper conditions, affecting its effectiveness.
❌ Temperature exposure: If the pen has been stored outside the recommended temperature range (either frozen or exposed to heat above 30°C/86°F), it may have degraded and should be discarded.
❌ Expired date: If the expiration date on the pen or packaging has passed, the medication may no longer be effective and should be disposed of.
If you notice any of these signs, it's best to dispose of the pen safely and consult your healthcare provider for a replacement.
What are the risks of using expired Trulicity?
Using expired Trulicity doesn't pose an immediate risk of poisoning or acute harm, but the primary concern is that dulaglutide, the active ingredient, may have lost its potency or become ineffective.
As a result, using expired Trulicity can undermine your treatment, leading to unstable blood sugar levels. This instability can, over time, increase the risk of serious diabetes complications.
To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, it's crucial to follow Trulicity's storage instructions and monitor the expiration dates carefully. Never use expired Trulicity to maintain optimal health and blood sugar control.
Proper disposal of Trulicity pens
Dispose of your Trulicity self-injectable pens in a designated sharps container to ensure safe disposal.
In South Africa, you can dispose of your Trulicity self-injectable pens in a medically approved sharps disposal container, available online or at most pharmacies.
If you don’t have access to one, you can use a strong plastic container like an empty laundry detergent bottle with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid. Clearly label it “Sharps – Do Not Recycle” and keep it out of reach of children and pets. When full, return it to your pharmacy or local clinic for safe disposal, as required by South African healthcare waste regulations.
Related article: How to Dispose of Insulin Needles, Pens, Syringes, and Vials?
Following Trulicity storage guidelines for safe and effective use
To wrap things up, proper storage and handling of Trulicity are essential to maintain its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels.
By following the guidelines for refrigeration, temperature exposure, and monitoring expiration dates, you can ensure your medication stays potent and safe to use. Never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you're unsure about the condition of your medication.
Key Takeaways:
❄️ Refrigerate Trulicity - Keep it in the fridge (2°C to 8°C) until use.
🕒 14 Days at Room Temperature - Trulicity can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days, but no longer.
🌡️ Avoid Heat - Exposure to temperatures above 30°C can degrade the medication.
🔴 Watch for Expiry Dates - Always check both fridge and room temperature expiration dates.
💉 Dispose Safely - Use a designated sharps container or an alternative to dispose of pens safely.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 Have you encountered any challenges with storing or using Trulicity? Share your experiences or any helpful tips in the comments below. Your insights could be valuable to others managing their diabetes care!
