Can You Use Expired Semaglutide?
Using expired semaglutide is not recommended for many reasons, including:
- Reduced Effectiveness
- Medications have expiration dates on their labels that display the time frame they should be used by to ensure they maintain their full potency and are still safe to use. It may not help curb your food cravings or keep you feeling full anymore and make it much harder for you to stick to smaller portions and healthy foods. Using expired semaglutide beyond the labeled date can result in poor blood sugar control or stall your weight loss progress. This can happen because the active ingredients can degrade over time and reduce their effectiveness.
- Safety Concerns
- Besides a reduction in how well the medication works, using expired semaglutide may pose safety risks. Chemical changes can take place within medication, which can lead to unexpected side effects or adverse reactions. Sometimes medications that are expired do not become harmful, but it is not worth taking the chance. To ensure your safety, it is best to pay attention to the date of expiration and toss it out if the semaglutide’s expiration date has passed.
- Risk of Contamination
- Injectable weight loss medications like semaglutide need to be kept sterile, and using expired semaglutide that is past its expiration date increases the risk of contamination. Once opened, the vials are more susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth, and injecting contaminated semaglutide can lead to infections or other serious health issues. It is critical to your health and your results that you use the medication within its recommended timeframe and store it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
What Is Semaglutide’s Shelf Life If Unopened?
The shelf life of unopened compounded semaglutide can vary depending on the storage conditions, added ingredients, and the compounding pharmacy you use. When stored properly in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F, most unopened compounded semaglutide vials can remain stable and effective for up to 120 days from the compounding date. It is important to pay attention to the expiration date on your specific compounded semaglutide and the accompanying storage directions because it may differ from the name brand version.
Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, as this can accelerate the medication’s degradation. Before you use the medication, check the appearance of the vial and the liquid inside for changes in color or consistency or any signs that it may be compromised. If it is cloudy or you see particles floating around inside, you should not use it, and you should follow the instructions and protocol previously provided by your doctor if this were to occur.
What Happens If My Semaglutide Vial Was Left Out Of The Fridge?
Most compounded semaglutide remains safe and effective if left out of the fridge for up to 30 days, but it will depend on the exact formulation of your medication. Make sure to read the recommended storage directions on your exact medication, and if you have any doubts or concerns, contact your doctor or weight loss team.
Disposal of Expired Semaglutide
If you find that your semaglutide has passed its expiration date do not use it, even if it looks clear and unchanged. Using expired semaglutide is not worth the risk and should be disposed of using proper protocol. To dispose of it safely, follow the local guidelines for medication disposal in your state or consult your pharmacist for guidance. Some medications are on the approved FDA flush list and can be discarded into the toilet and flushed, but others are not. Proper disposal helps prevent accidental use and also helps to protect the environment.
If You Are Unsure, Contact Your Doctor
If you are uncertain about the viability of your semaglutide or have concerns regarding its effectiveness, consult your doctor or weight loss team. They can offer guidance on whether the medication is safe to use and discuss the potential risks associated with using expired semaglutide and the best way to dispose of expired medication. Your doctor can also help you with a new prescription if necessary to make sure your weight loss journey continues to be safe, effective, and uninterrupted.
Where Can I Find Out More About What Happens If You Use Expired Semaglutide?
Dr. Angelina Postoev and her team of professionals at MySlimMed can answer any questions you may have about expired semaglutide and ensure that you understand the expiration dates and the directions for storing your semaglutide vials.
MySlimMed offers doctor-supervised weight loss with compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. With our convenient virtual or in-person consultation access, getting medical help with your weight loss journey is just a few simple steps away.
Contact us to set up a consultation to find out if weight loss meditation is right for you, and if approved, you can sign up for our discount subscription service and have your medication shipped to your door every month.
