An NHS pharmacist has issued a crucial warning to UK tourists traveling with Mounjaro, a popular weight loss medication. Peter Thnoia, a weight loss specialist at NHS pharmacy PillTime, stresses the importance of proper storage during transit to maintain the drug’s effectiveness.
Mounjaro should be kept below 30 degrees Celsius once in use. For travelers heading to warmer destinations, Peter recommends using cooling pouches or cold packs to keep the medication within a safe temperature range. “Your medication probably arrived with cool packs—freeze and reuse them while traveling,” he advises.
He also cautions against placing Mounjaro in checked luggage, explaining, “In the hold, you have no control over temperature conditions and no access to your medication if needed.” Keeping the medication in your hand luggage allows for a more stable environment and peace of mind throughout your journey.
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Most weight loss injections, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, require refrigeration between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius before use. However, hotel fridges can vary widely in temperature and may sometimes freeze the medication, which can compromise its effectiveness. If uncertain, storing the medication in a cool, shaded area of the room may be safer.
The lifespan of Mounjaro and Wegovy pens depends on their expiration date. If a pen expires before it has been fully used, patients should consult their prescriber. To avoid wastage, it’s advisable to only order what you need—generally one pen per month, with weekly injections.
Before each injection, always inspect the pen for damage and ensure the medication is clear and free from particles or cloudiness to confirm it is safe for use.