Zepbound is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient tirzapetide. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and it’s approved for weight management and to treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Zepbound comes as single-dose, disposable prefilled pens, multidose, single pens, or single-dose vials. All forms should generally be kept in the refrigerator. But if you take them out of the fridge, they shouldn’t be put back in.
According to the drug’s manufacturer, unopened Zepbound should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It should never be frozen. It’s also important to store the pens or vials in their original packaging to protect them from light.
Exposure to extreme temperatures (either too hot or too cold) can make the active ingredient, tirzepatide, break down. Proper storage can maintain the safety, strength, and effectiveness of the medication.
If stored correctly, the medication should last until its listed expiry date, which may be up to 2 years from the date of manufacture. You can find the expiration date for Zepbound on the side of the medication. Check the label on the pen or vial for the expiration date.
While Zepbound should generally be stored in the refrigerator, it is safe to store Zepbound out of the fridge at room temperature, usually 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), for a maximum of 21 days, as long as temperatures don’t exceed 86°F (30°C). This means there’s no need to worry if you’ve accidentally left Zepbound out overnight.
In fact, you may find it best to let Zepbound come to room temperature before injecting it, although this isn’t required. This can help to reduce discomfort when you’re injecting the medication.
You can also store Zepbound unrefrigerated if you need to travel with the medication, although you may prefer to store it in a cooler or an insulated bag while you travel.
However, it’s important to note that if you’ve taken Zepbound out of the fridge, it shouldn’t be put back in. This is because temperature fluctuations can also cause tirzepatide to break down and become less effective. If Zepbound has been out of the fridge for longer than 21 days, it must be discarded.
If you have any further questions about Zepbound’s storage, reach out to a healthcare professional. You can also read this overview article for more information on Zepbound, including details on its uses and side effects.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.