Semaglutide is a medication known for managing type 2 diabetes and assisting with weight management. It functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Often, semaglutide is provided in a powdered form, requiring reconstitution before it can be used. Understanding the correct methods for reconstituting and storing this medication is important for its effectiveness and safety.
Understanding Semaglutide Reconstitution
Reconstitution is the process of transforming a powdered medication into a liquid solution suitable for injection. For semaglutide, this typically involves mixing the dry, sterile powder with a specific sterile diluent, most commonly bacteriostatic water. This diluent contains a preservative that helps inhibit bacterial growth within the solution.
The purpose of supplying semaglutide in powdered form is often to maintain its stability during storage and transport. Once reconstituted, the medication becomes an injectable solution, allowing for precise dosing. This preparation step is common for medications more stable as a powder.
Duration of Reconstituted Semaglutide Stability
Once semaglutide powder has been mixed with bacteriostatic water, its stability is limited. Reconstituted semaglutide should typically be used within 28 days when stored under refrigeration. Some guidelines may extend this to 30 days, depending on the specific formulation and manufacturer instructions.
Store the reconstituted solution in a refrigerator at a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). This temperature range helps preserve the medication’s potency and prevents its degradation. Always check the solution before each use; it should remain clear and colorless.
For compounded semaglutide, the beyond-use date (BUD) when refrigerated can extend up to 60 days, but this can vary based on the compounding pharmacy’s formulation and preservatives.
Factors Influencing Reconstituted Semaglutide Stability
Several factors can impact how long reconstituted semaglutide remains stable and effective. Temperature plays a significant role; semaglutide is a protein-based medication sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Freezing the solution can damage its delicate peptide structure, rendering the medication ineffective.
Similarly, exposure to excessively high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of the semaglutide molecule, leading to a loss of potency. This is why refrigeration is generally recommended for reconstituted forms. Semaglutide is also sensitive to light, and prolonged exposure can contribute to its degradation.
The type of diluent used is also a factor. While bacteriostatic water contains preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth, using preservative-free sterile water significantly reduces the stability of the reconstituted solution, often limiting its usability to just 24 hours. Contamination introduced during the reconstitution process, such as from unsterile practices or repeated piercing of the vial stopper, can also compromise the solution’s integrity and safety.
Best Practices for Handling Reconstituted Semaglutide
Maintaining the effectiveness and safety of reconstituted semaglutide requires adherence to specific handling and storage practices. After mixing, the solution should always be stored in a refrigerator at the recommended temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). It is important to never freeze the medication, as this can destroy its active components.
To protect the medication from light, it should be stored in its original vial or packaging, which often provides light protection. When reconstituting, it is important to use sterile techniques, including thoroughly washing hands, cleaning work surfaces, and using new, sterile needles and syringes for each dose. Gently swirling the vial to dissolve the powder is recommended, rather than shaking vigorously, to avoid damaging the medication.
Before each injection, visually inspect the reconstituted semaglutide solution. It should be clear and free of any discoloration or particulate matter. If any changes are observed, the medication should be discarded. Always consult and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare provider, as guidelines can vary slightly between products. Labeling the vial with the date of reconstitution can help track its usability period.