If you use an injectable medicine, how you store it and carry it matters. Heat, cold and light can affect some medicines, and traveling adds a few extra steps. This guide covers general storage guidance found on official FDA labels, tips for airport security from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and how to get rid of used needles safely.
Always follow the instructions that come with your own medication. Storage rules differ from one product to another. Your pharmacy label, Medication Guide and Instructions for Use are the final word. If you are not sure about something, ask your pharmacist or clinician.
Storing your medicine at home
Many injectable medicines need to be kept cold. To show what official guidance looks like, here is how the FDA labels for two injectable medicines, Wegovy® and Zepbound®, describe storage.
Keep it in the refrigerator
Both labels say to store the pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
Do not freeze
Both labels say not to freeze the medicine. The Zepbound® instructions say that if a pen has been frozen, you should throw it away and use a new one.
Protect it from light
Both labels say to keep the medicine in its original carton to protect it from light. The Wegovy® label says the pen must stay in its carton until it is time to use it.
Time out of the refrigerator
Some products allow a limited amount of time out of the refrigerator. The number of days and the highest allowed temperature differ by product. For example:
- The Wegovy® label says that, if needed and before the cap is removed, the pen can be kept between 46°F and 86°F (8°C and 30°C) for up to 28 days.
- The Zepbound® label says a single-dose pen or vial can be kept unrefrigerated at up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it should not go back in the refrigerator. It should be thrown away if not used within 21 days.
These two examples show why it is so important to read the instructions for your own medicine. Other medicines, including compounded medicines, come with their own storage directions.
Handle with care
The Zepbound® instructions note that the pen has glass parts. If you drop it on a hard surface, do not use it. The Wegovy® instructions say to keep the pen cap on until you are ready to inject, since a pen stored without its cap may no longer be sterile. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Traveling with injectable medicine
Plan before you go
Before a trip, check how long your medicine can be out of the refrigerator and what temperature range it needs. Then think about how you will keep it in that range while you travel. Your pharmacist can help if you have questions.
Getting through airport security
TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols "in reasonable quantities for your trip." You must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. TSA lists liquid medicines as allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
A few tips from TSA:
- Speak up first. Before screening begins, tell the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids or medications.
- Bring needles with your medicine. Unused syringes are allowed when they are with injectable medicine. You must declare them at the checkpoint.
- Label your medicine. TSA recommends, but does not require, labeling medicine to help screening go smoothly.
- Cooling packs are allowed. Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs and other accessories used to keep medically necessary items cool may be brought to the checkpoint frozen, partly frozen or melted.
TSA notes that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. If you would like help getting ready for screening, TSA Cares offers support for travelers with medical conditions.
Disposing of used needles and pens
The Wegovy® instructions say to put a used pen in a sharps disposal container right away and not to throw it in your household trash. For needles and other sharps, the FDA recommends a two-step process:
- Place all needles and other sharps in a sharps disposal container right after you use them.
- Dispose of the used container according to your community guidelines.
If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps container, the Wegovy® and Zepbound® instructions say you may use a household container that is:
- Made of heavy-duty plastic
- Able to close with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid that keeps sharps from coming out
- Upright and stable during use
- Leak-resistant
- Labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside
The FDA advises against throwing loose needles in the trash, flushing them down the toilet or putting them in recycling bins. It also says not to reuse sharps containers. Depending on where you live, disposal options may include drop-off sites at doctors' offices, hospitals, pharmacies or police and fire stations, household hazardous waste sites, mail-back programs and special pick-up services. There may also be state or local laws about how to throw away used needles.
When you are away from home, the FDA suggests carrying a small, travel-size sharps container in case other options are not available.
Questions to ask your pharmacist or clinician
- What temperature range does my medicine need?
- How long can it be out of the refrigerator?
- What should I do if it gets too warm or freezes by mistake?
- How should I pack it for a long trip?
- Where can I drop off a full sharps container near me?
When to get help
If you have signs of a serious allergic reaction after an injection, such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.
The bottom line
Most injectable medicines come with clear storage directions. The labels shown here call for refrigeration between 36°F and 46°F, no freezing and protection from light, with limits on time out of the refrigerator. When you fly, declare your medicine and supplies to TSA. Put used needles in a sharps container and follow your local disposal rules. Above all, follow the instructions that come with your own medication.