From the Research
Tirzepatide left at room temperature from Saturday morning to Monday evening (approximately 60 hours) is likely no longer effective and should not be used. Once removed from refrigeration, compounded tirzepatide should only remain at room temperature for a maximum of 24 hours according to standard handling guidelines for GLP-1 receptor agonists 1. The medication contains proteins that begin to degrade when exposed to warmer temperatures for extended periods, which compromises its effectiveness and safety. The molecular structure of tirzepatide becomes unstable beyond the recommended storage conditions, potentially reducing its glucose-lowering capabilities and weight management benefits. If your tirzepatide has been left out for this duration, you should dispose of it properly and obtain a new prescription. To prevent this issue in the future, store tirzepatide in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C), and only remove it shortly before administration. If you're traveling, use a cooler with ice packs to maintain proper temperature. Some key points to consider:
- Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes 2.
- The efficacy and safety of once-weekly tirzepatide as compared with semaglutide, a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist, are unknown 2.
- Tirzepatide was noninferior and superior to semaglutide with respect to the mean change in the glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to 40 weeks 2.
- The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal and were primarily mild to moderate in severity in the tirzepatide and semaglutide groups 2. However, the provided studies do not directly address the storage conditions of compounded tirzepatide, but based on the standard handling guidelines for GLP-1 receptor agonists, it is recommended to store tirzepatide in the refrigerator and limit the time it spends at room temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recommended storage conditions to ensure the effectiveness and safety of tirzepatide. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, it is always better to err on the side of caution and prioritize the safety and efficacy of the medication. Thus, if tirzepatide has been left out for an extended period, it is recommended to dispose of it properly and obtain a new prescription.