The weight-loss injections Wegovy and Saxenda from the Danish manufacturer Novo Nordisk have caused a major stir in the world of medicine and health and have triggered a real hype. These injections aim to significantly support people with obesity in weight loss.
The American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has developed the active ingredient tirzepatide, and since April 2024, a weight-loss injection with this ingredient has also been approved in the EU under the brand name Mounjaro.
This weight-loss injection offers a promising solution for people with excess body weight, and the correct storage of GLP-1 medications is crucial for their effectiveness and safety.
In Germany, summers are becoming increasingly hot, and it is important to take special precautions to protect the active ingredients from heat.
High temperatures can impair the stability and effectiveness of GLP-1 medications, just like with insulin, which can lead to a diminished therapeutic effect and potential safety risks.
How do weight-loss injections work against obesity?
GLP-1 medications, known as weight-loss injections for obesity, are an innovative approach to support weight reduction and treat type 2 diabetes. They mimic the effect of the body's own hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is produced in the gut and plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. The GLP-1 active ingredient increases the feeling of satiety, curbs appetite, and reduces food intake, making it an effective tool for overweight and obesity.
The weight-loss injection represents a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity by helping people lose significant weight. The injection, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is also available in the European Union for adults with obesity and a BMI of 27 or higher. According to studies, patients on Wegovy were able to lose up to 15 percent of their body weight compared to a placebo.
Despite their effectiveness and the possibility of costs being covered by statutory health insurance, there is also criticism, including potential side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Nevertheless, experts and the German Society for Endocrinology show great interest in this new treatment option for people suffering from obesity and associated comorbidities, such as high blood sugar levels, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.
If you would like to know more about the mode of action of the different preparations and find out which weight-loss medication is suitable for you, read our article: Which weight-loss medication is the right one for me?
We provide information here on special precautions for travel or transport to ensure that the medicine is stored optimally while on the go, to guarantee its effectiveness and your weight-loss success.
Weight-loss injections: Challenges in the hot summer or when traveling on vacation
Since continuous use is recommended for most affected individuals, it is important to ensure the correct storage of the medication even while on vacation and traveling.
Storage of the weight-loss injection
The recommended storage temperature for the preparations Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, or Ozempic is between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, which is typically the temperature of a household refrigerator.
Store the medications in the middle section of the refrigerator and not in the door to avoid temperature fluctuations, and leave them in their original packaging to protect them from light.
Avoid exposing the medications to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can impair their effectiveness.
Shelf life and expiration dates
GLP-1 medications have a limited shelf life and must be used before their expiration date. The expiration date is indicated on the packaging and should be strictly observed by you. After this date has passed, the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical can no longer be guaranteed, and there is a risk that the medication may become less effective or even unsafe.
Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of expired medications properly.
The weight-loss injection during transport and travel
When transporting and traveling with GLP-1 medications, special precautions are necessary to ensure that they remain cool throughout the duration of the trip. Here are some tips to ensure this:
Use of ice packs: Use ice packs or special cooling containers to keep the medications at the recommended temperature during transport. Make sure that the medications do not come into direct contact with the ice packs to prevent freezing.
Suitable containers: Invest in insulated medication bags or containers specifically designed for the transport of temperature-sensitive active ingredients. These containers provide additional protection against temperature fluctuations.
Checking the storage temperature: To be sure, use a portable thermometer to check the temperature in the container regularly and ensure that the medications remain within the recommended temperature range.
Travel preparations: Plan your trip in advance and inform yourself about storage options at your destination. Ensure that you have access to a refrigerator if temperatures above 30 degrees are to be expected at your vacation spot and your accommodation does not have air conditioning, so that the medications can be stored safely upon arrival. Ask in advance at the reception about available storage options on-site.
By following these storage and transport tips, you can ensure that your GLP-1 medications retain their full effectiveness and that your treatment proceeds successfully, even during the hot summer months or while traveling.
Frequently asked questions:
How are weight-loss injections delivered by the pharmacy in the summer?
Our partner pharmacies take precautions to ensure that the medications do not exceed the temperature limits recommended by the manufacturer during transport, especially during the summer months.
The medications are shipped in specially insulated packaging that helps to keep the temperature constant and protect them from outside temperatures. In addition to the insulated packaging, ice packs are used to keep the medications cool during transport. These ice packs ensure that the temperature inside the package remains in the safe range.
To ensure the effectiveness of the medications, our partner pharmacies also pay attention to the delivery time and method. We contact you to schedule the delivery date. If compliance with the temperature requirements cannot be guaranteed (e.g., on particularly hot days), the pharmacy will ship the delivery at a later time.
To ensure that the medications are stored cool at your home after arrival, you should take a few precautions:
Availability: Ensure that you or another person are at home at the time of delivery to receive the package directly. This way, you can put the medications in the refrigerator immediately.
Advance information: If you are not at home, inform the pharmacy or the delivery service in advance to arrange an alternative delivery option. The packages can be sent to a post office or parcel locker.
These measures ensure that your GLP-1 medications arrive at your home safely and effectively, even during the hot summer months.
What happens if my weight-loss injection is exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time?
If GLP-1 medications are exposed to high temperatures for a long period, this can have several negative effects on their stability and effectiveness:
Chemical decomposition: High temperatures can alter or destroy the chemical structure of the active ingredients. This causes the medication to lose its effectiveness and possibly no longer achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
Change in physical properties: Heat can affect the physical properties of the medication. For example, liquids can separate or crystals can form, which alters the consistency of the medication and makes the injection difficult or impossible.
Increased risks and side effects
In addition to the loss of effectiveness, GLP-1 medications that have been exposed to high temperatures can also increase the risk of unwanted side effects:
Unpredictable reactions: Chemically unstable or decomposed medications can trigger unpredictable reactions in the body. This can lead to new or increased side effects that would not occur if stored correctly.
Risk of infection: For liquid medications that are injected subcutaneously (directly under the skin), there is an increased risk of infection if the solution is contaminated by heat.
Take immediate measures
If you suspect that your GLP-1 medications were exposed to high temperatures, you should take immediate measures:
Checking the medications: Inspect the medication for visible signs of damage such as discoloration, cloudiness, or crystal formation by looking through the inspection window of the injection pen.
Contact the pharmacy or doctor: Describe the situation and ask whether the medication can still be used safely or if it must be replaced. You can contact SoLean customer service via email or phone.
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Disposal of damaged medications: If you are advised no longer to use the medication, dispose of it properly.
How can you tell if the weight-loss injection is damaged by heat?
With GLP-1 medications, there are specific signs that can indicate possible heat damage:
Visual inspection of the solution: Look closely at the solution in the syringe or pen through the inspection window. Watch for cloudiness, flocculation, or discoloration. A normal solution should be clear and free of particles. Also, pay attention to any change in the consistency of the solution. If it is thicker or thinner than usual, this could be a sign of chemical changes due to heat.
Control of the injection device: Inspect the injection pen or syringe itself. Check whether the solution has changed in consistency or if there are crystals or residues inside the device.
Consultation with specialist staff: If you have uncertainties or notice any changes, contact a pharmacy or your doctor immediately. They can check the medication and tell you if it can still be used safely.
The medication was already delivered today, but it was no longer chilled; instead, it measured 20°C. Can I still use the product now?
If you are at all uncertain, the following always applies: Contact us and we will clarify the situation with our partner pharmacies or the medical team. We are here for you!
The medication can be stored at room temperature below 30°C for 6 weeks without its effectiveness being impaired. In the case of fast shipping, i.e., if delivery occurs within 1 to 3 working days, the medication can be stored in the refrigerator after receipt, and the expiration date indicated on the packaging remains valid. However, if delivery of the medication takes longer after shipment due to delays, the storage duration of 6 weeks at room temperature (below 30°C) stated in the patient information leaflet applies.
How do I handle the weight-loss injection during time zone changes?
When traveling across different time zones, you do not need to worry about administering the weight-loss injection at the exact same time. The most important rule is that the injection is administered once weekly. Here are some tips to ensure that the treatment continues correctly even with time zone changes:
Maintain the weekly interval: Ensure that you continue to apply the weight-loss injection in a weekly rhythm. The exact time is less important as long as you maintain the weekly interval.
Adjustment to the new time zone: Continue the injections at your usual time in the new time zone. For example, if you normally administer the injection on Monday morning, do so in the new time zone on Monday morning.
Flexibility: It is not necessary to perform the injection at the exact same time. A shift of a few hours is generally not problematic. Try to administer the injection on the same day of the week to maintain the rhythm.
Conclusion on the correct storage and use of weight-loss injections in summer
The correct storage and use of GLP-1 medications is, alongside the correct dose and regular administration, crucial for their effectiveness and safety while losing weight. In particular, avoiding exposure to heat, but also frost, plays a major role. By complying with the recommended storage conditions and application instructions, you can ensure that your treatment works optimally.
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