Refrigerator. Yes, a refrigerator is what you need to keep compounded semaglutide stored properly.
However. It’s not as simple as just tossing it in there. There are a couple of other things to keep in mind when storing compounded semaglutide.
These are:
- Refrigerator temperature should be between 36°F and 46°F / 2°C and 8°C
- Do not put the compounded semagultide in the freezer
- Permit short exposure to room temperature during administration.
- Store semaglutide in a high-quality insulated bag while traveling
- Use gel or specialized cooling packs
Aside from these, compounded semaglutide has a Beyond-Use Date (BUD) of up to 60 days.
Understanding Compounded Semaglutide
What we know about compounded medicines is that they are customizable.
The same goes for compounded semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide is the customized version of semaglutide. It's important to note that compounded semaglutide isn’t FDA-approved, unlike semaglutide.
Compound pharmacists mix and modify ingredients according to your needs. They listen to your problem and the obstacle you are facing with regular commercial drugs. What they do is they make a formulation (such as different dosages or delivery methods) for you.
Common uses of compounded semaglutide are:
- It regulates glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Manage patients with ingredient allergies or dosage adjustments.
Importance of Proper Storage
Compounded semaglutide does not have the same shelf life as those with FDA approval. You will need to be careful how you store and use it. Using an expired compound semaglutide can be life-threatening.
What to do during the storage process:
- Store in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F / 2°C and 8°C).
- Avoid freezing to prevent damage to the molecular structure.
- Limit the time medicines are kept at room temperature.
- Keep the compounded semaglutide in its original packaging.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Any medications will go bad if left unattended, even if not in proper storage. Compounded semaglutide is no different. The surrounding environment will say how much it will stay effective and safe.
Without stretching any further, here are the things you can do.
Refrigeration Requirements
Refregetor storage is what you will need to store your compounded semaglutide. This will intake all the goodness without spoiling. Just turn the temperature to between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Perfect!
Why are we keeping the solution in the fridge? Here’s why:
- Slowing the chemical reaction
- Active ingredients won’t break
- Keep the effectiveness intake
- No bacteria or mold growing on the liquid
- Stop the contamination
Moving on, there are a few placement tips as well. You can't just put down the compounded vial in the fridge. It has to be in a perfect place.
What to do then? Do these:
- Store the medication in the middle or lower sections of the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from the cooling element.
- Do not put the compounded semagultide in the freezer.
- Keep it in its original container or vial.
- Avoid placing it on the refrigerator door.
What if there's a power outage? Well, at that time, place it in a cooler with an ice pack. Please do not leave it in direct contact with ice or water.
Room Temperature Exposure
First of all, no compounded semaglutide should be kept at room temperature.
Secondly, if you genuinely need it out of the refrigerator, the time should be minimal.
There should be only occasional brief exposure to room temperature. Not frequently!
Here is the information on duration limits:
- Allow brief room temperature exposure during administration.
- Some compounded versions may have limited stability at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for 60 days.
- Keep compounded semaglutide out of direct sunlight.
Reasons for saying “No” to room temperature exposure are:
- If left out for too long, semaglutide may lose its potency.
- Reduced effectiveness in controlling blood sugar or weight loss.
- Discoloration or changes in texture.
Freezing Risks
The pharmacist's instructions say to store compounded semagultide in the refrigerator, not in the freezer. There is a difference. You don’t want your vial to turn into ice, right?
Freezing can irreversibly damage semaglutide’s molecular structure. Once the molecules are damaged, what is there to help your needs? It is now an ineffective and dangerous compounded semaglutide.
What are the other reasons for saying that freezing is harmful? These are:
- The peptide structure can degrade.
- Loss of biological activity.
- It may no longer function as intended
- No effect on blood sugar control or weight management results
Let's say you have accidentally frozen your compounded semaglutide. What now? You can follow these proper actions:
- Do not use if the medication has been accidentally frozen.
- Discard it immediately
- Consult the pharmacy or healthcare provider for a replacement.
Shelf Life and Expiration
Like every other medication, compounded semaglutide will run out its life. After carefully searching, we found the shelf life.
Compounded semaglutide typically has a BUD that varies by formulation and compounding pharmacy. Always refer to the label for exact usage dates. [Source: FDA Updates Guidelines on Compounding Tirzepatide| Pharmexec]
Also, the shelf life we mentioned can fluctuate. How you store the compounded semaglutide indicates how long it will be effective. The compounding formulation and technique also influence the shelf life.
However, consult with your pharmacist. They will fix a shorter or longer beyond-use date. Their knowledge in compounding and ingredients will set a time.
Understanding Beyond-Use Dates (BUD)
The Beyond-Use Date (BUD) is the final date that a compounded medication remains safe and effective. It represents the date after which the medication should not be used.
BUD is for compounded semaglutide. They don’t have any expiration dates. Expiartions dates are for commercially manufactured drugs.
Compounded semaglutide has a Beyond-Use Date (BUD), which means it doesn’t last very long. This is mainly because a lot of these formulations don’t have preservatives or stabilizers to help keep them stable.
Several factors affect the stability and efficacy of compounded semaglutide:
- Pharmacies use different formulations, stabilizers, and preparation methods
- The sterility and purity of ingredients impact stability
- Sterile compounding minimizes contamination risk and prolongs BUD.
- Lower temperatures usually extend the BUD.
Typical Shelf Life of Compounded Semaglutide
Shelf life depends on whether the medication is kept under ideal conditions:
6 details about compounded semaglutide shelf life:
- Typical BUD is up to 60 days when stored properly between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Some compounding pharmacies may recommend a shorter or longer duration.
- Follow the BUD listed on the pharmacy label.
- Decreased stability at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C).
- Compounded formulations should be outside the refrigerator for only a few hours during use.
- Some versions may have a short-term stability
Best Practices for Managing BUD and Expiration
- Check the pharmacy label for BUD and storage instructions.
- Mark the first-use date to track storage time.
- Discard unused medication after the BUD, even if it appears unchanged.
- Consult your pharmacist if uncertain about stability after improper storage.
Traveling with Compounded Semaglutide
Let’s say you left your house but need your compounded semaglutide. You can’t take the refrigerator on public transportation.
However, you cannot expose the vial to extreme temperatures.
For this kind of situation, you need to have proper preparation. Traveling with compounded semaglutide requires extra care and effort. Since this medication requires refrigeration, careful planning is necessary.
Here is what you need to do:
Preparation Steps
1. Use of Insulated Bags
- Store semaglutide in a high-quality insulated travel bag
- Maintain the required temperature range (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C).
- Select a bag with thermal lining for temperature-sensitive medications.
2. Inclusion of Cool Packs
- Use gel or specialized cooling packs
- Keep the medication cold.
- Avoid direct contact with ice to prevent freezing
- Wrap the vial or pen in cloth or use a separate compartment.
- Check TSA or airline regulations for carry-on medications with approved cooling packs.
Duration Considerations
When planning a trip with compounded semaglutide, it’s essential to know how long you’ll be gone.
This will help you figure out how to keep your meds at the right temperature. For short trips, try to limit how long they’re at room temperature. If traveling longer, ensure you can refrigerate them at your destination.
1. Short Trips (Under 4–6 Hours)
- Store semaglutide in its original container.
- Put it in an insulated bag with cold packs.
- Ensure the medication does not come into contact with direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Use a temperature monitor to ensure it stays within a safe range.
2. Extended Travel (Over 6 Hours or Overnight Stays)
- Arrange refrigeration at your destination.
- Call ahead to confirm that a refrigerator is available.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, request a mini-fridge with a temperature setting that remains within the required range.
- Avoid units with poor temperature regulation.
- Use airport lounge refrigerators or a portable medical-grade travel cooler for long-haul flights.
- When traveling internationally, check customs regulations for carrying prescription medications.
- Always keep a doctor’s note or a copy of the prescription for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does compounded semaglutide need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they do. You need to put your prescribed compounded semaglutide in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F / 2°C and 8°C).
How long does compounded semaglutide last in the fridge?
Compounded semaglutide generally has a Beyond-Use Date (BUD) of 90 days.
What happens if compounded semaglutide is not refrigerated?
It will lose all its effectiveness, the molecular structure will start to break, and the liquid will become discolored.
Can compounded semaglutide be stored in the freezer?
No, compounded semaglutides shouldn’t be stored in the freezer. Freezing can cause irreversible damage to semaglutide’s molecular structure.
How to travel with compounded semaglutide?
Pack your compounded semaglutide in an insulated bag with ice packs, or take a cooler with you.
What happens if you use expired semaglutide?
You can experience the side effects of using expired semaglutide. It can lead to a severe infection.
