At SemaPen, we’re committed to providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your weight loss journey. In this blog post, we’ll demystify medicine expiry dates, discuss their importance, and explain recent updates regarding the extended use beyond the printed expiry date for Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) 2.5mg KwikPen®.
What Exactly is an Expiry Date?
Have you ever wondered what the expiration date on your medication means? It’s not just a random number! An expiry date indicates the last date the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug. Beyond this date, the effectiveness of the medicine can diminish, and there might be a risk of harmful side effects. Expiry dates are determined through rigorous stability testing, ensuring the medicine maintains its intended quality under specific storage conditions.
Why Should You Care About Expiry Dates?
Let’s dive into why these dates matter.
Potency: Did you know the active ingredients in medications can degrade over time? This can reduce their effectiveness. In the case of weight loss medicine, the medicine may not be as effective as it could be.
Safety: Chemical changes in expired medications can lead to the formation of harmful compounds. Ensuring your medication is within its expiration date protects you from potential side effects.
Regulatory Compliance: Using medications within their expiry date is not just a recommendation; it’s a regulatory requirement to ensure patient safety and the efficacy of treatment.
What’s New with Mounjaro’s Expiry Dates?
You might be wondering, “Are there any updates I should know about?” Absolutely! At Semapen, we want to keep you informed about the latest developments in your medication. Recently, there has been an extension to the shelf life of certain batches of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) 2.5mg KwikPen®. Originally, these batches had a shelf life of 9 months, but new stability data has supported an extension to 14 months, approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Which Mounjaro Batches Are Affected?
Curious if your medication is part of this update? The affected Mounjaro® 2.5mg KwikPen® batches are:
- Batch D712074: Extended from 05-2024 to 10-2024
- Batch D720751: Extended from 09-2024 to 02-2025
- Batch D720957: Extended from 09-2024 to 02-2025
These batches have undergone thorough testing to maintain their safety, potency, and efficacy until the new expiration dates. Patients can confidently use these medications until the end of the extended expiration date without concerns.
How Can You Maximise Your Medicine’s Shelf Life?
Wondering how to keep your medication effective for as long as possible? Here are some tips:
- Keep it Cool and Dry: Store medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and moisture can accelerate the degradation of active ingredients.
- Original Packaging: Always keep your medications in their original packaging. It protects them from environmental factors and provides important information like the expiration date.
- Avoid Bathroom Storage: The bathroom is often humid, which can affect the medicine’s stability. A better option is a dedicated medicine cabinet in a dry area of your home.
Have More Questions?
For any concerns or more detailed information about your medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or your healthcare provider. At Semapen, we strive to keep you informed with the most current updates regarding weight loss medications. With the recent update allowing extended use beyond the printed expiration date for certain batches of Mounjaro® 2.5mg KwikPen®, you can continue your journey towards better health with confidence. Stay informed, stay safe, and continue making strides in your weight loss journey with Semapen and Mounjaro®.
Interested in reading more about Mounjaro? Check out our blogs here
References
Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHPC). Mounjaro® 2.5mg KwikPen® Extended Use Beyond Printed Expiry Date. Eli Lilly and Company. April 8, 2024.