Quick answer: Saxenda needs to be refrigerated before first use at 2°C to 8°C. After opening, pens can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 30 days, but must be discarded afterward, even if not empty.
Saxenda is a prescription injectable medication used to help people lose weight as part of a long-term weight management plan.
It's typically combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity and can be prescribed to adults and teens with obesity or adults with weight-related health issues.
The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is delivered in prefilled injection pens containing 3 mL of medication. Each pen is used with a disposable needle and is self-administered via daily subcutaneous injections.
Saxenda pens are available in packs of 1, 3, or 5, and the pens include a dose selector to ensure you're administering the right amount as prescribed by your doctor.
While it's highly effective, many patients in South Africa are confused about how to store it properly. Studies show that most people do not store their Saxenda pens as recommended, putting the success of their treatment at risk.
Let's break down everything you need to know about Saxenda refrigeration, storage temperatures, what to do after opening a pen, how to travel with Saxenda, and more.
Don't feel like reading? Check out the video we've made on this topic below!
Does Saxenda need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Saxenda does need to be refrigerated, at least before you first use it.
Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is a biologic medication, meaning it's made using living cells. As a result, it's extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and improper storage can cause the medication to degrade, sometimes without any visible signs.
Unlike regular chemical-based drugs, biologics like liraglutide have complex structures that can break down easily when exposed to heat, freezing temperatures, or repeated temperature fluctuations. If the medication loses its stability, it may become less effective or even unsafe to use.
That's why proper storage is critical. Keeping Saxenda at the correct temperature ensures the active ingredient remains stable and continues to work as intended to support your weight loss journey.
Saxenda refrigeration best practices
Even if you follow the temperature guidelines, your home refrigerator may not be ideal unless you're careful. To ensure your Saxenda refrigeration is consistent and effective:
- Store pens in the center of the fridge, not in the door or near the freezer
- Avoid frequent or prolonged opening of the fridge
- Check the temperature regularly to avoid fluctuations
💡 Pro tip: If you've already opened or unrefrigerated your Saxenda pen, refrigerating it again does not reset the 30-day countdown.
How long does Saxenda last in the fridge?
● Unopened pens: Until the expiration date printed on the label (if kept refrigerated).
● Opened pens: Only 30 days, regardless of whether they are stored in the fridge or at room temperature.
Saxenda storage: essential guidelines
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the effectiveness of Saxenda, especially since it contains liraglutide, a temperature-sensitive biologic medication.
Failing to store it correctly can result in decreased potency or even spoilage, jeopardizing your treatment.
Maintaining the right Saxenda storage temperature
According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda:
- Unopened pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
- Do not freeze Saxenda. If the pen has been frozen, it should be discarded.
- Once a Saxenda pen has been opened or removed from the fridge, it can be:
- Kept in the refrigerator, or
- Stored at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C
📌 Important: Whether you refrigerate it again or not, an opened pen must be used within 30 days. After that, even if some medication remains, it should be discarded.
Saxenda storage after opening: fridge or room temperature?
After opening, Saxenda pens don't need to go back in the fridge, but they do need to be stored safely.
⚠️ If your Saxenda pen is exposed to temperatures above 30°C for any extended period, it may no longer be safe or effective. When in doubt, contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor before using it.
Room temperature is totally fine as long as the environment stays below 86°F (30°C).
If you live in a warmer climate or are traveling with Saxenda, take extra precautions:
✅ Keep pens out of direct sunlight
✅ Never leave them in a hot car, near heaters, or on windowsills
✅ Use a medical-grade cooler bag or insulated case
If you need to take your Saxenda on the go, 4AllFamily offers a wide range of innovative, medical-grade cooling solutions designed specifically for temperature-sensitive medications like Saxenda.
Whether you're heading out for a busy day, commuting to work, or catching a flight, 4AllFamily coolers give you peace of mind by maintaining safe storage temperatures for hours, even in hot environments.
For more tips about taking Saxenda on the go, check out this article: 10 Tips for Traveling with Saxenda Pens!
How long can Saxenda stay out of the fridge?
Saxenda is designed with real-life use in mind. Once opened, it can stay out of the fridge for up to 30 days, as long as the room temperature stays between 15°C to 30°C.
This 30-day window gives users more flexibility and makes it easier to stick to their treatment routine while working, traveling, or managing daily life.
After 30 days, even if the pen is not empty, it should be thrown away.
Important Saxenda expiration information
Your Saxenda pen has two expiration dates:
- The date printed on the pen (valid if unopened and stored in the fridge).
- The 30-day window after first use or after it's taken out of the fridge.
💡Pro tip: Track both expiration dates to ensure the medication remains safe and effective.
What happens if you use expired Saxenda?
Using expired Saxenda won't likely poison you, but it probably won't work as intended either.
As a biological drug, Saxenda's active ingredient (Liraglutide) gradually degrades when exposed to time, heat, or improper storage. If it's expired:
- It may lose potency
- Your body may not respond to it effectively
- Your weight-loss progress could stall or reverse
Injecting expired Saxenda may be like injecting a lower dose, or none at all, which can negatively impact your treatment.
How to tell if your Saxenda has gone bad
Saxenda is a colorless liquid. If you notice:
- Cloudiness
- Discoloration
- Particles inside the pen
👉 Don't risk it. If you notice these signs of spoilage in your Saxenda, dispose of the pen and start a new one.
Why storing Saxenda the right way matters
Storing your Saxenda pens properly is crucial to making sure your treatment remains safe and effective.
Whether you're at home or on the go, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines: keep unopened pens refrigerated, use opened pens within 30 days, and never expose them to temperatures above 30°C.
Understanding how Saxenda reacts to heat, how long it lasts after opening, and how to store it while traveling can help you stay on track with your weight-loss journey.
With the right tools, like insulated travel cases from trusted brands, like 4AllFamily, you can confidently store and protect your medication no matter where life takes you.
Key Take Aways:
Be sure to remember these important points:
💉 Refrigerate Unopened Pens: Always store unopened Saxenda pens between 2°C to 8°C.
📆 30-Day Limit After Opening: Once a pen is opened or left unrefrigerated, it must be used within 30 days-even if returned to the fridge.
🌡️ Room Temp Has Limits: Keep opened pens below 30°C and away from heat or direct sunlight.
🧳 Travel Smart: Use medical-grade coolers when traveling to keep your Saxenda safe and effective on the go.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 What has your experience with Saxenda storage been like? We'd love to hear from you! Share your questions, share your personal tips, or tell us what's worked best for you in the comments section below. Your experience might just help someone else stay on track with their treatment, too!
