How to store Mounjaro
Medically reviewed by
Dr Clair GraingerLast reviewed: 07 May 2026
Mounjaro is an effective weight loss medication that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Mounjaro can help people lose on average 22.5% of their initial body weight at the highest dose over 72 weeks. Storing it correctly is key to its effectiveness.
Here, we walk you through the best ways to store your Mounjaro pens to help you get the best results, including the storage temperature and whether you need to keep them in the fridge.
How to store Mounjaro
How you need to store your Mounjaro pens depends on whether they are currently in use. All unused Mounjaro pens should be stored in the fridge until they are needed, whereas opened pens can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature.
To store unused Mounjaro pens, you should:
- keep them in the fridge between 2 to 8°C
- keep them in their original packaging, which clearly displays the expiry date
- avoid putting unused or used pens in the fridge door, as this is where the temperature is most likely to fluctuate
- not freeze the pens, so keep them away from the cooling element
- only keep unused pens up until the expiry date – do not use them after this
For any Mounjaro pen you are currently using (opened), you should:
- store the pen either at room temperature (not above 30°C) or in the fridge between 2 to 8°C
- keep the open pen away from heat or freezing temperatures
- make sure the pens are out of the sight and reach of children and pets
- dispose of the used pen 30 days after it was first used or after receiving 4 weekly doses, whichever is first
| Open Mounjaro pens | Unopened Mounjaro pens | |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated? | ✓ (or room temperature) | ✓ |
| Temperature | Up to 30°C | 2 to 8°C |
| How long does it last? | Maximum 30 days after first use | Until the expiry date on the box |
Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?
Yes, unused or unopened Mounjaro pens must be kept in the fridge until they are first used. This makes sure the medication remains stable, potent, and effective, and also prevents it from degrading as a result of heat or light exposure.
Once a Mounjaro pen has been opened, it can be stored in the fridge, or you can keep it at room temperature
When storing Mounjaro in the fridge, it is recommended that you:
- store it in its original box to protect it from light
- keep it away from the freezer compartment to avoid freezing
- avoid storing it in the fridge door where the temperature is less likely to remain stable
How long does Mounjaro last in the fridge?
Unopened Mounjaro pens can last in the fridge for up to 24 months or until the expiry date that is printed on the packaging, whichever is sooner.
Any opened Mounjaro pens stored in the fridge will last up to 30 days from the date they are first used.
What happens if I leave Mounjaro out of the fridge?
If you leave an open Mounjaro pen out of the fridge, it will be fine to use for up to 30 days as long as the temperature remains below 30°C.
If you have left an unused Mounjaro pen out of the fridge, you will have 30 days to use it before it needs to be disposed of.
Can I put Mounjaro back in the fridge if it reaches room temperature?
Yes, you can:
- open Mounjaro pens can be stored either at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 30 days
- unopened Mounjaro pens that have reached room temperature will need to be opened and used within 30 days – they can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge
If an unopened pen has been stored out of the fridge and reached room temperature, and you do not intend to use it within 30 days, you should dispose of it carefully. It cannot be put back in the fridge and used after 30 days.
I left my Mounjaro out of the fridge overnight - what should I do?
If you left a used Mounjaro pen out of the fridge overnight, it should still be fine to use as long as the room temperature did not exceed 30°C. You can just put it back in the fridge as soon as you remember.
If the Mounjaro pen you left out of the fridge has not been opened, you will have 30 days to use it before it needs to be thrown away.
Mounjaro only remains stable and safe to use out of the fridge for 30 days. You may be able to use all 4 doses in the pen, depending on how many are left in your current one.
Mounjaro expiration dates - how long does Mounjaro last?
The Mounjaro pen, also known as the Mounjaro KwikPen, has a shelf life of up to 24 months. Unused Kwikpens can be stored in the fridge until the expiry date printed on the box or on the pen itself.
The expiry date is printed in a month and year format (MM/YYYY) and represents the last day of that month. So if the expiry date is 03/2027, you have until 31st March 2027 (31/03/2027) to use it.
Open Mounjaro pens must be used within 30 days of your first injection or after 4 consecutive weekly doses.
What should my Mounjaro pen look like?
Before using the Mounjaro KwikPen, you should check what the liquid inside looks like by looking through the dose window. The liquid should be colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use the pen if the liquid is:
- cloudy
- discoloured
- frozen
- contaminated with particles or debris
Travelling with Mounjaro
It is possible to travel with Mounjaro, but there are a few things you will need to consider before you go to make sure your medication remains effective.
Check the medical regulations of the country you’re travelling to
If you are travelling abroad, it is important that you check the medical regulations of the country you are planning to visit, as you may not be able to take certain medications with you or may only be allowed to take restricted amounts.
Take your prescription with you
You may need to provide proof that you need certain medications when you arrive at your destination. Make sure you have a medical certificate, prescription, or doctor’s note with you before you travel. You can find out what you will need to provide before you travel to help avoid any delays or confusion.
Order enough medication for your trip
Before you go, make sure you have enough medication to last for your entire trip, as it is unlikely you will be able to get access to it if you run out while abroad.
Do I need to keep Mounjaro cold while I travel?
Yes, you will need to keep any unused Mounjaro pens cold while travelling. They will need to be kept between 2 to 8°C to stay effective. However, a used pen can stay out of the fridge if the temperature does not exceed 30°C and it is not left out for more than 30 days.
You should store Mounjaro in the following ways when travelling:
- Travel with unopened Moujaro pens in a cool bag, with a freezer pack if necessary, and transfer the pens to the fridge as soon as you arrive at your destination
- Keep the pen in its original box to protect it from light and moisture.
- Do not store Mounjaro pens in the bathroom or cooking area to protect them from temperature changes.
- Do not store Mounjaro pens in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 30°C.
If you are going to be travelling for less than 30 days with an already opened pen, you do not need to keep it cold when travelling, but it must not be exposed to temperatures below 2°C or above 30°C.
If you are going to be away for more than 30 days or have any questions about storing Mounjaro safely while travelling, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more advice.
Can I take Mounjaro on a plane?
Yes, you can take Mounjaro on a plane, but it must be stored in your carry-on luggage and not in the hold, where it may freeze.
You will need to store your Mounjaro KwikPen and needles in a clear, plastic bag and out of your carry-on luggage when going through security. It can help to contact your airline in advance, as they may be able to store your medication in the aircraft’s fridge during your flight.
FAQs
Can I store Mounjaro in a cooler or ice pack?
Yes, using a cool bag is a great way to travel with your Mounjaro pens to keep them at the right temperature. If you use an ice pack, keep the medication away from it so that it does not freeze. Wrapping a tea towel around the ice pack can help.
What happens if Mounjaro freezes?
If Mounjaro freezes, whether in use or not, you must throw it away straight away, even if it has defrosted, because freezing permanently damages the tirzepatide molecules. You will need to start a new Mounjaro KwikPen.
How do I safely dispose of Mounjaro?
To safely dispose of the Mounjaro needles, you will need to use a sharps bin or disposal container. You must never throw the needles into your household rubbish.
Once you have finished with the Mounjaro KwikPen, it can be thrown in your household rubbish if you have removed the needle or in the sharps bin.
If you are unsure about how to safely dispose of Mounjaro, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice
What should I do if my Mounjaro has gone bad?
If the liquid in the Mounjaro pen is cloudy, discoloured, has been frozen, or has particles in it, or the pen has been damaged, do not use it. Dispose of the pen properly and get a new one.
Sources
- How should the Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPen® be stored?, Lilly [accessed 17 March 2026]
- Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen, electronic medicines compendium (emc) [accessed 17 March 2026]
- Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen user manual, emc [accessed 17 March 2026]
- Tirzepatide, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) [accessed 17 March 2026]
- Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity, New England Journal of Medicine [accessed 17 March 2026]