Victoza® (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss in some individuals. Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Victoza is a temperature-sensitive biological drug. Proper storage is essential to preserve its effectiveness and ensure patient safety.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about storing Victoza—before opening, during use, at home, and while traveling.
Table of Content
- Why Does Victoza Need to Be Refrigerated?
- How to Store Victoza (Unopened Pens)?
- How to Store Victoza After Opening (In-Use Pens)?
- What Happens If Victoza Is Not Refrigerated?
- How Long Can Victoza Be Out of the Fridge?
- How to Store Victoza Safely at Room Temperature
- How Long Does Victoza Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Is Victoza Good For? Does It Expire?
- Can You Freeze Victoza?
- What Happens If Victoza Gets Too Warm?
- What Is the Shelf Life of Victoza?
- Storing Victoza While Traveling
- Victoza Storage Quick Reference Chart
- How to Tell If Your Victoza Has Gone Bad?
- And much more!
❄️ Why Does Victoza Need to Be Refrigerated?
Victoza is a peptide-based medication. Peptides can degrade or lose their biological activity when exposed to improper temperatures. Storing Victoza at the recommended temperature:
- Maintains its chemical stability
- Ensures consistent blood glucose-lowering effects
- Reduces risk of side effects due to inactive or degraded compounds
🧊 How to Store Victoza (Unopened Pens)?
When you pick up your Victoza from the pharmacy, the pens are usually refrigerated and kept in insulated bags. Once you get home:
- Store in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
- Keep the pen in the original carton to protect it from light
- Place pens on a middle shelf, not near the freezer compartment
- Do not freeze. If a pen has been frozen, throw it away—even if it looks normal
Shelf Life (Unopened):
Until the expiration date printed on the packaging, as long as it’s kept in the fridge.
Related Artical: How to Properly Store Ozempic: A Complete Guide with FAQs
🌡️ How to Store Victoza After Opening (In-Use Pens)
Once you start using a Victoza pen:
- Do not refrigerate again; it should be kept at room temperature
- Acceptable temperature range: Below 86°F (30°C)
- Keep away from heat, direct sunlight, or humid areas
- Never use a microwave or heating pad to warm a cold pen
Use-By Timeline (Opened Pen):
Use within 30 days of first injection. Discard the pen after 30 days—even if it still contains medicine.
💡 Tip: Write the “first use” date on the pen or box as a reminder.
⚠️ What Happens If Victoza Is Not Refrigerated?
Improperly stored Victoza may lose potency and fail to control blood sugar or support weight loss. This could lead to:
- Reduced drug effectiveness
- Worsening blood glucose levels
- Possible need for dose adjustment
Even if the pen looks fine, don’t use Victoza that has been outside the proper temperature range for too long.
⏱️ How Long Can Victoza Be Out of the Fridge?
Once you start using Victoza:
- It can be stored at room temperature (≤30°C or 86°F) for up to 30 days.
- After 30 days, discard the pen—even if insulin remains.
💡 Tip: Write the date of first use on the pen to track the 30-day window.
🏠 How to Store Victoza Safely at Room Temperature
When in use (after the first injection), store Victoza pens at room temperature, but follow these rules:
- Keep below 30°C (86°F)
- Avoid storing in humid places like bathrooms
- Never store in a car or near heat-producing devices
- Do not put the used pen back into the refrigerator
🧪How Long Does Victoza Last in the Fridge?
- Unopened Victoza pens can be kept in the fridge until the expiration date on the label.
- Once opened, the pen can stay unrefrigerated for 30 days. Do not use beyond that period.
- Do not freeze, and do not use if you suspect freezing has occurred.
📅 How Long Is Victoza Good For? Does It Expire?
Yes, Victoza has an expiration date.
| Pen Status | Storage Temperature | Use-By Time |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened | 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F) | Until printed expiration date |
| Opened | ≤30°C (≤86°F) | 30 days after first use |
🔎 How to Tell If Your Victoza Has Gone Bad
Even if the pen looks fine, temperature exposure may have already compromised the medication. Watch for:
- Discoloration or cloudiness (Victoza should be clear and colorless)
- Unusual smell
- Poor blood sugar control
- Pen was left in a hot car, near a heater, or frozen
When in doubt, don’t use it.
❓ FAQ
💬 Can I refrigerate Victoza after opening it?
No. Once the pen is in use, keep it at room temperature. Fluctuations from fridge to room temp and back can degrade the medication.
💬 Can I travel with Victoza?
Yes. Use insulin travel coolers or temperature-controlled pouches to keep Victoza within the safe range. Carry it in your carry-on bag and avoid direct sun or heat during travel.
💬 How can I tell if Victoza has gone bad?
- Cloudy appearance or color changes
- Pen was left in extreme heat or frozen
- Blood sugar not responding to injections
- Pen feels unusually warm or cold
When in doubt, don’t use it.
✅ Final Thoughts
“Store unopened Victoza pens in the refrigerator. Once opened, keep at room temperature and use within 30 days. Never freeze or expose to high heat.”
Proper storage protects your health and helps Victoza work effectively. Follow these tips to ensure every dose delivers the results you need.
Always check both the printed expiration date and the date of first use.
❄️ Can You Freeze Victoza?
Absolutely not. Freezing will destroy the drug’s structure.
If your Victoza pen has been frozen—even briefly:
- Do not use it
- Throw it away immediately
- Get a replacement from your pharmacy
To prevent freezing:
- Never place Victoza directly against freezer walls or ice packs
- Avoid using poorly regulated refrigerators
🌡️ What Happens If Victoza Gets Too Warm?
Exposure to heat above 30°C (86°F) can damage the active ingredient in Victoza. This may result in:
- Decreased effectiveness
- Unexpected blood sugar changes
- The need to discard the pen
Check your medication if:
- It was left in a hot car
- You’ve been in a heatwave or without AC
- It feels warm to the touch
If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution—discard and replace.
📦 What Is the Shelf Life of Victoza?
| Condition | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened | 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F) | Until printed expiration |
| Opened (in use) | ≤30°C (86°F) | 30 days |
| Frozen | — | Discard immediately |
🏖️ Storing Victoza While Traveling
Traveling with Victoza requires extra attention to temperature control:
✈️ Air Travel:
- Always carry Victoza in your carry-on luggage
- Avoid putting it in checked baggage (can freeze during flights)
- Use a temperature-controlled pouch or insulin cooler
- Carry a backup pen if traveling for longer than 30 days
🚗 Road Trips or Hot Weather:
- Do not leave Victoza in a car, even for short periods
- Use a cooling case (e.g. FRIO or Tempkinsulin) to keep it below 86°F
- Avoid placing the pen near vents, windows, or heaters
Checklist:
- Insulated travel case
- Thermometer to monitor storage temperature
- Backup pen and prescription
- Cold packs (if needed), but avoid direct contact with pen
📦 Victoza Storage Quick Reference Chart
| Status | Storage Temperature | Use-By Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened pen | 36°F – 46°F (2°C – 8°C) | Until expiration date |
| Opened/in use | ≤ 86°F (30°C) | 30 days from first use |
| Frozen | — | Discard immediately |
| Exposed to heat | > 86°F (30°C) | Discard if prolonged exposure |
🔎 How to Tell If Your Victoza Has Gone Bad
Even if the pen looks fine, temperature exposure may have already compromised the medication. Watch for:
- Discoloration or cloudiness (Victoza should be clear and colorless)
- Unusual smell
- Poor blood sugar control
- Pen was left in a hot car, near a heater, or frozen
When in doubt, don’t use it.
❓ FAQ
💬 Can I refrigerate Victoza after opening it?
No. Once the pen is in use, keep it at room temperature. Fluctuations from fridge to room temp and back can degrade the medication.
💬 Can I travel with Victoza?
Yes. Use insulin travel coolers or temperature-controlled pouches to keep Victoza within the safe range. Carry it in your carry-on bag and avoid direct sun or heat during travel.
💬 How can I tell if Victoza has gone bad?
- Cloudy appearance or color changes
- Pen was left in extreme heat or frozen
- Blood sugar not responding to injections
- Pen feels unusually warm or cold
When in doubt, don’t use it.
✅ Final Thoughts
“Store unopened Victoza pens in the refrigerator. Once opened, keep at room temperature and use within 30 days. Never freeze or expose to high heat.”
Proper storage protects your health and helps Victoza work effectively. Follow these tips to ensure every dose delivers the results you need.
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