\n It\u2019s estimated that 2.5 million people in the UK are now using weight loss jabs. As searches for \u201chow to store Wegovy\u201d rise by 44%, experts are warning that dropping temperatures can put these sensitive medications at risk. While the injection pens are delivered in chilled containers, if temperatures drop too low, the medicine can be damaged.\n<\/p>\n
\n Pharmacist Jason Murphy says: \u201cColder weather can pose a significant risk to those taking weight loss injections, as this can negatively affect storage conditions.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Your medication can be significantly affected when temperatures are not correctly maintained. Understanding the storage instructions when using any prescribed medication is vital to keep it in optimal condition.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWeight loss injections are protein-based biological medications. These are drugs derived from living organisms, such as bacteria, mammalian cells, or yeast. They are complex, large molecules and are produced through biotechnology, making them sensitive to temperature variations and extreme highs and lows. Extremely cold temperatures or freezing can damage their protein structure, harming their medicinal effect, and making them potentially dangerous to use.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis is because freezing damages the medication at a molecular level, as the active ingredients within weight loss injections are delicate peptide molecules with complex three-dimensional structures that are inherently sensitive to temperature extremes.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Freezing causes the formation of ice crystals within the liquid, and these crystals disrupt and rupture the peptide structures. Therefore, if you think your weight loss jab is or has been frozen, dispose of it immediately, as defrosting won\u2019t help to rectify the irreversible structural damage, and the altered molecules will no longer bind effectively to the body’s GLP-1 receptors, significantly reducing or eliminating the medication’s effectiveness.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt is vital to store weight loss injections in a refrigerator (2-8\u00b0C or 36-46\u00b0F) to ensure they stay in the best condition. Bear in mind that weight loss injections can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days (some injections, such as Wegovy, are 42 days, so always check with your prescriber or refer to the patient information leaflet).\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Jason, who is a weight loss expert at Chemist4U<\/a> has also shared advice for those travelling this winter: \u201cFor those heading on holiday or travelling during the winter season, remember to pack your injections in your carry-on, since the baggage hold on a plane can plummet to below-freezing temperatures. If you are worried about travelling in chilly temperatures, you could put the pen in an insulated container to prevent it from getting too cold.\n<\/p>\n \n The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for parts of our region.<\/p>\n Snow showers and ice may cause disruption tomorrow, Saturday 3 January.<\/p>\n For more information, including advice on how to stay safe visit – https:\/\/t.co\/HHoplleWFx<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SAcPRv9nF5<\/a>\n <\/p>\n