Semaglutide is a medication prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and to aid in chronic weight management. It functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. This medication is typically administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device, though an oral tablet form is also available.
Understanding Medication Expiration Dates
The expiration date found on a medication package signifies the precise point up to which the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug. This date is not arbitrarily chosen; it is the result of rigorous stability testing conducted under various environmental conditions. Manufacturers perform these tests to ensure that the medication’s active ingredients and inactive components remain effective and safe when stored as directed.
For legal and liability reasons, manufacturers do not provide recommendations about the stability of drugs past their original expiration date. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends against using medications beyond their expiration date due to potential risks. Once the expiration date has passed, there is no longer a guarantee that the medication retains its full strength or remains safe to use.
Impacts of Using Expired Semaglutide
When semaglutide passes its expiration date, the chemical stability of its active ingredient diminishes. This degradation means the medication may no longer deliver the intended therapeutic dose, reducing its effectiveness. For individuals using semaglutide for type 2 diabetes, this loss of potency could result in inadequate blood sugar control. Similarly, for those using it for weight management, the medication might not effectively curb appetite or promote fullness, potentially hindering weight loss progress.
Using expired semaglutide may also introduce safety concerns. The drug’s chemical composition can change over time, and its safety profile is no longer guaranteed. Injectable medications like semaglutide also carry an increased risk of contamination, including bacterial or fungal growth, which could lead to infections if injected.
Safe Handling and Disposal of Semaglutide
Proper storage of semaglutide maintains its stability and effectiveness until its expiration date. Unopened semaglutide pens should typically be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C), protected from light. Once opened, some formulations of semaglutide can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a specified period. Oral semaglutide tablets, however, should be stored at room temperature, protected from moisture.
If semaglutide has expired or is no longer needed, dispose of it safely. Injectable semaglutide pens, needles, and vials should be placed in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container immediately after use. If a commercial sharps container is not available, a sturdy, heavy-duty plastic container with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle, can be used.
Never dispose of semaglutide pens, needles, or vials in regular household trash or recycling, as this can lead to accidental punctures or injuries. Many pharmacies offer medication take-back programs for proper disposal, and some manufacturers also provide return containers. Follow local community guidelines for disposing of full sharps containers.