Trulicity (dulaglutide) is commonly prescribed as a non-insulin injectable treatment for type 2 diabetes, aiding in blood glucose control. The efficacy of Trulicity hinges on its storage temperature, with its active component, Dulaglutide, being particularly temperature-sensitive.
Proper storage is crucial to preserve Trulicity's effectiveness. Before use, your Trulicity pens should be refrigerated. Once opened, they can stay at room temperature but must be shielded from heat and used within a limited time frame.
This guide delivers essential tips on storing your Trulicity pens effectively, including safe travel solutions for keeping them cool on the go!
If reading isn't your thing, hit play on the Video about Trulicity Storage below!
What is Trulicity?
Trulicity (Dulaglutide) is an injectable medication used for type 2 diabetes.
It's different from insulin. Dulaglutide, the active drug in your Trulicity pens, belongs to the class of GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, Victoza, Byetta, and the newest weight-loss injection Zepbound. By inhibiting glucagon release, slowing digestion, and stimulating natural insulin production, Trulicity helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes weight-loss.
Trulicity comes in single-dose injectable pens in 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg dosages. It is administered weekly by subcutaneous injections.
Manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company Laboratories, Trulicity requires a medical prescription and should be part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medical supervision.
Trulicity Storage Temperature
Trulicity is particularly sensitive to temperature changes due to its active ingredient, Dulaglutide, a biologic that can degrade quickly if not stored at the right temperature.
According to Eli Lilly, the Manufacturers of Trulicity, Trulicity pens must be stored in the refrigerator, between 2°C and 8°C. When traveling or in-use, Trulicity can stay at room temperature, not exceeding 30°C, for a duration of up to 14 days.
How long can Trulicity be out of the fridge?
As mentioned above, Trulicity can be out of the refrigerator for a maximum of 14 days.
According to the manufacturer, this 14-day room temperature exposure "can be broken up into multiple exposures. There is no limit to the number of room temperature exposures as long as the total time does not exceed 14 days (336 hours)."
However, during this period, Trulicity pens must be protected from heat and maintained at a cool room temperature below 30°C. Direct sunlight and heat sources should be avoided to prevent the medication from degrading. Extended exposure of Dulaglutide to higher temperatures can lead to a rapid loss of potency, rendering the medication ineffective.
Never use a Trulicity pen that's been unrefrigerated for more than 14 days. It is no longer effective nor safe for use.
Related article: Does Victoza Need to Be Refrigerated? How to Store Your Pens?
How long is Trulicity good for?
When properly stored in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C, Trulicity pens are good until their expiration date. Each pen comes with its own expiration date labelled by the manufacturer on the carton box and the pen itself. Expired Trulicity pens should be discarded immediately, as using medication past its expiration date can pose risks to your health.
What happens if Trulicity gets too warm?
If Trulicity gets warm because of heat exposure above 30°C, even briefly, it’s not safe for use and should be discarded.
When Trulicity is exposed to high temperatures, the active ingredient, dulaglutide, which is a biologic protein-based drug, can degrade rapidly. Proteins are sensitive to heat, and high temperatures can cause them to denature or unfold, rendering them ineffective. As a result, the medication may lose its potency and effectiveness.
Can you put Trulicity back in the refrigerator?
Absolutely, you can return Trulicity to the refrigerator after it's been out. It is crucial, however, to limit any temperature changes to preserve the drug’s effectiveness.
What the Manufacturer Says: Eli Lilly and Company specify that the 14-day allowance for room temperature exposure could either be a continuous period or several shorter periods, provided the combined duration doesn’t exceed 14 days (336 hours).
Can you Freeze Trulicity Pens?
No, Trulicity can't freeze. Freezing temperatures can damage the medication's molecular structure, rendering your diabetes injection ineffective. If you suspect that your Trulicity pen has been accidentally frozen, it is essential to dispose of it immediately, even if it appears to have thawed.
To prevent your Trulicity pens from freezing, make sure they are stored safely away from the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
When traveling, use a portable medicine cooler equipped with anti-freeze protection, such as those offered by 4AllFamily. If you find yourself in extremely cold environments, keep your Trulicity pens close to your body, such as in an inside jacket pocket, to use your body heat as a natural protection against freezing. Additionally, never leave your Trulicity pens in a car overnight where temperatures could drop to freezing (below 0°C).
Traveling With Trulicity: Keeping Your Pens Cool On the Go!
Storing your Trulicity pens at home may be straightforward, but keeping them cool while traveling can pose more of a challenge. Nevertheless, it's crucial to ensure they are stored and transported at the correct temperature to preserve their effectiveness during your trip.
So, let's explore some essential tips for safely traveling with your Trulicity pens!
Related article: Traveling with Diabetes: Your Pre-Departure Checklist!
Temperature Excursion for Trulicity
When you're out and about, whether it's to catch a flight, camping, hiking, or sightseeing even for a few hours, carrying your Trulicity pen at the right temperature is vital. Even short periods outside the recommended temperature range can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
Trulicity should ideally be refrigerated, but there's a bit of flexibility for temporary storage: your pens can withstand temperatures up to 30°C for up to a cumulative 14 days.
Therefore, depending on your travel duration — less than or more than 14 days — you’ll need different strategies and travel coolers for refrigeration or temperature control.
- Traveling with Trulicity for less than 14 days.
On trips shorter than 14 days, it’s not necessary to transport your Trulicity pens refrigerated, but they must be protected from heat and kept below 30°C. Always shield them from heat: store them in shaded areas, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never leave your pens in a parked car under the sun.
For destinations where temperatures might exceed 30°C, a medical-grade travel cooler is recommended to ensure your Trulicity pens remain cool and effective throughout your journey.
- Traveling with Trulicity for more than 14 days.
For trips extending beyond two weeks, your must carry your Trulicity pens in refrigerated travel cases that ensure a consistent fridge temperature between 2°C and 8°C. As soon as you arrive at your destination, immediately put your Trulicity pens in the hotel room fridge.
Related article: Traveling with Insulin: How to Keep it Cool or Refrigerated?
Trulicity Travel Cases by 4AllFamily
At 4AllFamily, we are dedicated to supporting travelers dealing with chronic illnesses such as diabetes by providing a variety of top-tier medical travel coolers tailored for medications that need to be transported refrigerated or at a controlled temperature, like Trulicity. Our specially designed travel cases ensure your Trulicity injections stay cool while on the move.
Our most sophisticated portable refrigerators for medications come equipped with integrated temperature sensors and anti-freeze protection. They can operate using batteries, or be USB connected to a car's cigarette lighter, a solar panel, or an external battery pack. So, whether you’re on a road trip, camping, or exploring off the grid, your Trulicity pens will stay safe!
Rather than relying on electricity or ice, some of our coolers employ cutting-edge biogel packs or evaporative cooling technology, guaranteeing that your Trulicity pens are kept cool or shielded from excessive heat wherever you travel.
Traveling by Air with Trulicity Pens
Flying with Trulicity requires some preparation, particularly when navigating through airport security and across international borders with your medical supplies. Here’s what you need to know:
Can You Bring Trulicity on a Plane?
Yes, as a person with diabetes, you are entitled to bring your medical supplies on board. This includes Trulicity pens, insulin, all types of injection devices, preloaded syringes, needles, lancets, glucose meters, blood glucose monitors, test strips, alcohol swabs, pumps, infusion kits, emergency glucagon kits, urine ketone strips, sharps disposal containers, and any necessary liquids or pills for diabetes management.
While not mandatory for domestic flights, carrying a medical certificate or a diabetes travel letter that details your diabetes supplies can smooth the security screening process at both airport authorities and border checkpoints. Although airport authorities generally don’t require such documentation, having it may help avoid delays or issues, especially if security personnel are unfamiliar with your needs.
If traveling internationally, especially to non-English speaking destinations, consider translating your medical documentation. Although most places permit the entry of diabetic medication and supplies without a prescription, it's wise to confirm the specific requirements of your destination beforehand.
Pack Trulicity in Your Carry-On
Always keep Trulicity pens in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage. The conditions in the cargo hold might expose your medication to extreme temperatures, risking damage or loss of effectiveness.
Ensure your Trulicity Travel Case or Cooler is approved for air travel. While homemade coolers might pass security, they are not guaranteed to be compliant, so a medical-grade cooler is recommended for peace of mind. 4AllFamily's medical travel coolers are all approved for air travel.
Related article: Flying With Diabetes: Your Complete Guide to Airport Security!
Share Your Insights With Us!
Do you have tips, questions, or experiences about storing Trulicity or traveling with your injections? Please share them in the comments below! Your insights could be incredibly helpful to others navigating similar journeys. Let’s build a supportive community where we can learn from each other and make traveling with medical conditions a little easier for everyone!
The information presented in this article and its comment section is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have.
