Does Zepbound (tirzepatide) need to be refrigerated?
Key highlights
- Store Zepbound in the refrigerator between 36°F-46°F, keep the Zepbound pens in the original carton, and never freeze Zepbound or use Zepbound pens if frozen (even if they have thawed out).
- Zepbound can be stored at room temperature up to 86°F for up to 21 days. Do not use the medication if it’s been stored outside of the fridge for longer than 21 days.
- Do not expose Zepbound to extreme temperatures (below 36°F or above 86°F).
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 receptor agonist) subcutaneous injection approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in patients with obesity or overweight with at least 1 weight-related condition in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. It is sold as a single-dose pen that doesn’t require mixing or handling needles.
Similar to Mounjaro which is a brand name prescription drug approved for type 2 diabetes that shares the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, Zepbound is a once-weekly injection that is supplied in pre-filled pens that need to be refrigerated and can be left outside of the refrigerator for up to 21 days.
Does Zepbound need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should store Zepbound in the refrigerator. According to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, Zepbound should be kept in the refrigerator in its original container between 36°F and 46°F, preferably in the middle of the fridge without any other items on top, to allow for sufficient airflow and cooling.
Do not store Zepbound on the fridge door or drawers as these areas may have less airflow and temperature variations. Do not store Zepbound under the air vent of your refrigerator as that may cause freezing. Do not freeze Zepbound. If the pen has been frozen, throw it away and use a new pen.
After taking Zepbound out of the refrigerator to inject the medication, it is not necessary to warm it up to room temperature and you can immediately inject it into your stomach, upper arm, or thigh.
Zepbound can also be stored at a controlled room temperature (unrefrigerated) in a controlled environment for up to 21 days but should never be exposed to temperatures above 86°F. For example, do not store Zepbound pens in your bathroom, near a stove, or in your vehicle during the summer. If you are aware that the medication was exposed to temperatures above 86°F, throw the medication away. If you are unsure if the medication was exposed to high temperatures or light, do not use it and contact the pharmacy or manufacturer to determine if the medication is still safe to use. Some potential red flags that your Zepbound pens may have been exposed to high temperatures include:
- The ice packs in the package you received from the mail order pharmacy are completely melted.
- The carton or pens feel warm to the touch.
- The medication has an unusual smell or odor.
- The medication in the pen’s window appears discolored, cloudy or has particles floating in it.
Once you have stored Zepbound at a controlled room temperature (unrefrigerated), do not return Zepbound to the refrigerator and discard the medication if you don’t use it within 21 days of taking it out of the refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I miss a dose or want to change my dosing schedule?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, within 96 hours (4 days) of the day you were supposed to take it. If more than 4 days have passed, skip your missed dose and take the next dose on your next scheduled day. You should not take 2 doses of Zepbound within 3 days (72 hours) of each other.
To change the day of the week you want to take Zepbound, make sure there are at least 72 hours (3 days) between doses.
How should I store Zepbound?
Zepbound should be stored in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F), in its original box. Do not put any items on top of the medication. Do not store Zepbound on the fridge door or under the air vent of your fridge. Do not freeze Zepbound. Zepbound can also be stored outside of the fridge for up to 21 days. Keep Zepbound out of the reach of children.
What happens if Zepbound is frozen?
Do not use Zepbound pens after they have been frozen, even if they thaw out. Throw the frozen pens away in a sharps container. Freezing the medication can cause the medication to break down and cause the medication to be less effective.
Does Zepbound require refrigeration before use?
Yes, it is recommended to store Zepbound in the fridge until it’s time to use it as Zepbound pens can only be used for up to 21 days once stored outside of the fridge (unrefrigerated).
Is refrigeration required for Zepbound storage?
No, Zepbound can also be stored outside of the fridge at room temperature for up to 21 days. Discard the medication after 21 days.
How long does tirzepatide last in the fridge?
Tirzepatide lasts until its expiration date when stored properly in the fridge.
Can Zepbound be stored at room temperature (out of the refrigerator)?
Yes, Zepbound can be stored at a controlled room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 21 days. Discard the medication after 21 days and use a new pen.
If you are not sure how long Zepbound has been stored out of the fridge, contact your healthcare provider or Eli Lilly for assistance.
How long is Zepbound good for?
When Zepbound is stored correctly in the refrigerator, it can be used until its expiration date. When stored outside of the fridge (unrefrigerated), it can be used for up to 21 days.
How can I travel with Zepbound?
If traveling with Zepbound, you can take the medication with you and the medication can remain unrefrigerated for up to 21 days. Keep the medication in the original carton to protect it from light and ensure it is stored in a temperature-controlled environment such as the vehicle’s main cabin when driving or your carry-on bag when flying.
If traveling by car, do not store the medication in the glove box, sides of the doors, or trunk.
If traveling by plane, do not store the medication in checked-in luggage. Store the medication in its original box with the prescription label on it, and its supplies (ice packs and alcohol swabs) in your carry-on bag.
If traveling for less than 21 days, you can likely travel without ice packs and store your Zepbound pens unrefrigerated. If the temperature at your destination is above 86°F, you may want to travel with ice packs to protect the Zepbound pens from the heat.
Once arriving at your destination, put the medication in the fridge as soon as possible.
Note that every country has different rules when it comes to bringing medication so make sure to check in advance to ensure that you are complying with all of the requirements.
How to save money on Zepbound
Zepbound is an expensive weight loss medication without adequate insurance coverage. If you have commercial insurance coverage, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 per Zepbound prescription by using the manufacturer’s copay savings card.
Alternatively, compounded tirzepatide (same active ingredient as Zepbound) is currently available through the NiceRx Weight Loss Program at significant savings.
Bottom line
It is essential to understand how to store the medication to use it safely. It is highly recommended to store Zepbound pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. If needed, the pens can be stored at a controlled room temperature (unrefrigerated) up to 86°F for up to a maximum of 21 days. Whether the pens are stored in the fridge or unrefrigerated, always make sure that the pens are stored in their original container to protect them from exposure to light.
Do not freeze Zepbound and throw the medication away if it was ever frozen, even if it has been thawed out. Do not expose Zepbound to high temperatures above 86°F. If you are traveling, always keep the pens in a temperature-controlled environment and do not store them in places like checked luggage on a plane or the trunk of your vehicle.
If you have questions about Zepbound storage, seek medical advice from your pharmacist or healthcare professional.
