How to store compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide
FDA says: "Injectable GLP-1 drugs require refrigeration as indicated in their package inserts." It recommends against using one that arrives warm, and says to discard a multiple-dose vial within 28 days after first use, even if the compounder allows longer. A compounded vial has no FDA-approved label, so the pharmacy's label decides the rest. Sellers do not all say the same: one tells buyers of one product to freeze it, others say a frozen vial must be thrown out, and 5 say their medicine holds up out of the cold.
What FDA says
FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss, current as of Oct 1, 2026. Word for word.
- “Injectable GLP-1 drugs require refrigeration as indicated in their package inserts.”
- “FDA has received complaints that certain compounded GLP-1 drugs have arrived warm or with inadequate ice packs to keep the drug at recommended storage temperatures.”
- “The agency recommends patients not use any injectable GLP-1 drug that arrives warm or with insufficient refrigeration, as this can affect the drug’s quality.”
- “Generally, FDA recommends that vials containing multiple doses of sterile medications be used within 28 days after the first use because there is an increased risk of contamination after 28 days.”
- “Discard the vial within 28 days after the first use, even if medication remains in the vial.”
- “Do not continue using medication from the vial after 28 days, even if instructions from the compounder say the medication can be used for longer than 28 days.”
- “Always use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each dose.”
The CDC gives the same 28 days for any multi-dose vial: “Once a multi-dose vial is opened (e.g., needle-punctured) the vial should be dated and discarded within 28 days unless the manufacturer states another date for that opened vial.” and “The beyond-use-date should never exceed the manufacturer's original expiration date.” (CDC: clinical safety for injections).
What the approved products' labels allow
FDA reviewed these limits for those products. They do not transfer to a compounded vial, which has a different maker and can have a different formula.
“If needed, each single-dose pen or single-dose vial can be stored unrefrigerated at temperatures not to exceed 30°C (86°F) for up to a total of 21 days.”
Zepbound · FDA label, effective Aug 28, 2026
“If needed, each single-dose pen or single-dose vial can be stored unrefrigerated at temperatures not to exceed 30°C (86°F) for up to a total of 21 days.”
Mounjaro · FDA label, effective Aug 27, 2026
“If needed, prior to the pen or syringe cap removal, the pen can be kept from 8°C to 30°C (46°F to 86°F) up to 28 days.”
Wegovy · FDA label, effective Jun 18, 2026
“After first use of the OZEMPIC pen, the pen can be stored for 56 days at controlled room temperature 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) or in a refrigerator 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).”
Ozempic · FDA label, effective Jun 1, 2026
In the fridge: what sellers say
On this they agree.
“Store between 36°F and 46°F.”
GobyMeds · as stated on gobymeds.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Compounded tirzepatide must be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C–8°C).”
Precision Telemed · as stated on precisiontelemed.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Keep your vials in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F, away from direct light and heat, and do not freeze them.”
AgelessRx · as stated on agelessrx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Store refrigerated (36–46°F / 2–8°C) at all times, including before first use.”
Pepti · as stated on hellopepti.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Store at 36–46°F (2–8°C) in the original carton.”
Raeliva · as stated on raeliva.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Keep your vial refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F.”
System Labs · as stated on systemlabs.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Store your medication refrigerated between 36°F–46°F, away from direct sunlight.”
Ozari Health · as stated on ozarihealth.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“These medications should be stored in the refrigerator between doses.”
CoreAge Rx · as stated on coreagerx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Refrigerate unused GLP-1 medication (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]), but not near the cooling element.”
OrderlyMeds · as stated on orderlymeds.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Yes, keep compounded tirzepatide in the refrigerator but do not freeze it.”
NiceRx · as stated on nicerx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
In the freezer: they do not agree
The approved products' labels say not to freeze them. One seller tells buyers of one product to do the opposite, and it explains the product differs. Your vial's label decides.
“Freeze your vials when they arrive.”
Its tirzepatide and glycine vials from Empower Pharmacy.
PreventiveMD · as stated on preventivemd.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Do not freeze.”
GobyMeds · as stated on gobymeds.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Do not freeze.”
Precision Telemed · as stated on precisiontelemed.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Never freeze a vial. Freezing can ruin the medication, and a vial that has been frozen should not be used.”
Trimi · as stated on trytrimi.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“If your medication freezes or is exposed to extreme heat, discard it and contact our team for a replacement.”
Raeliva · as stated on raeliva.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Do not use the medication if it is frozen.”
NiceRx · as stated on nicerx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Do remember to keep it out of direct sunlight and never freeze it.”
Healthy Living Clinic · as stated on healthyliving.clinic, read Nov 6, 2026
“Keep vials refrigerated at 36–46 °F, never freeze them, and follow the beyond-use date printed on the label.”
Rx.com · as stated on rx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
How long a vial lasts: what sellers say
Two different clocks: the date on the label, and FDA's 28 days from the first use. The earlier one applies.
“After you first puncture the vial, you can use it for up to 28 days.”
PreventiveMD · as stated on preventivemd.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Other Empower vials run about 45 to 60 days. These run 90 to 120 because they’re frozen.”
How long its vials are good for before they are opened, by the date on the label.
PreventiveMD · as stated on preventivemd.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Use a vial within 28 days of the first dose, or by the label’s date if sooner, then discard what’s left.”
NexLife · as stated on nexlife.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“For compounded GLP-1 medicine supplied in a multidose vial, FDA advises discarding the vial within 28 days after first use, even if medicine remains or compounder directions allow longer.”
Surfbound Health · as stated on surfbound.co, read Nov 6, 2026
“A fresh vial ships every 28 days on your refill schedule, so you're always well inside the beyond-use date on your label.”
Pepti · as stated on hellopepti.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“It's important to check the date on each medication vial or pen and to not inject any medication beyond the “Beyond Use Date”.”
Ivim Health · as stated on ivimhealth.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“In contrast, compounded tirzepatide usually has a shorter shelf life (30 to 45 days).”
Compared with prefilled pens.
NiceRx · as stated on nicerx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Always follow the directions on your current prescription and pharmacy label.”
Wellmedr · as stated on wellmedr.com, read Nov 6, 2026
If it gets warm: sellers and FDA differ
FDA recommends against using one that arrives warm. Some sellers tell buyers it is fine, citing tests we cannot check.
“A temperature excursion study conducted by our pharmacy partners confirmed that your medication remains fully potent for at least 72 hours (3 days) during shipping, even without cold packs or refrigeration.”
OrderlyMeds · as stated on orderlymeds.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“In warmer months, ice packs may be melted upon arrival; as long as your order arrives within 48 hours, your medication is perfectly viable and safe.”
AgelessRx · as stated on agelessrx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“This medication was designed to be unrefrigerated for shipment and has been tested to be stable in extreme temperatures, however it should be taken inside and put in the refrigerator the day of delivery to ensure longevity and freshness of the product.”
Enhance.MD · as stated on enhance.md, read Nov 6, 2026
“Tirzepatide remains stable for short periods at room temperature, so it doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Traveling with it.
Healthy Living Clinic · as stated on healthyliving.clinic, read Nov 6, 2026
“Medication is stable at room temperature for limited periods during travel.”
Traveling with it.
Raeliva · as stated on raeliva.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“If a delivery arrives warm or a vial is left out, contact the dispensing pharmacy before using or discarding it.”
Trimi · as stated on trytrimi.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“FDA advises not using an injectable GLP-1 medicine that arrives warm or without adequate refrigeration.”
Surfbound Health · as stated on surfbound.co, read Nov 6, 2026
Mixing it yourself
The sellers we read describe vials that arrive ready to use. FDA says it has warned companies over products falsely labeled “for research purposes” or “not for human consumption.”
“Refrigerated peptides ship in insulated packaging with ice packs, and vials, pen cartridges, and nasal sprays arrive ready to use, with sterile syringes and prep pads included for vials.”
Pepti · as stated on hellopepti.com, read Nov 6, 2026
““Research use only” vials or powders aren’t made for people, and a seller that skips the prescription isn’t selling medicine.”
NexLife · as stated on nexlife.com, read Nov 6, 2026
Tablets and drops
What sellers of compounded medicine that is not injected say.
“You can usually store oral tirzepatide at room temperature.”
Direct Meds · as stated on directmeds.com, read Nov 6, 2026
“Store at room temperature in the original medication packaging.”
Its under-the-tongue tablets.
MangoRx · as stated on mangorx.com, read Nov 6, 2026
Common questions
Does compounded semaglutide need to be refrigerated?
FDA: "Injectable GLP-1 drugs require refrigeration as indicated in their package inserts." A compounded vial has no approved insert, so follow the pharmacy's label. The sellers we read who state a temperature give 36°F to 46°F. Tablets and drops are different. FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
Does compounded tirzepatide need to be refrigerated?
FDA: "Injectable GLP-1 drugs require refrigeration as indicated in their package inserts." A compounded vial has no approved insert, so follow the pharmacy's label. The sellers we read who state a temperature give 36°F to 46°F. FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
How long is a compounded vial good for after you open it?
FDA: "Generally, FDA recommends that vials containing multiple doses of sterile medications be used within 28 days after the first use because there is an increased risk of contamination after 28 days." It adds: "Discard the vial within 28 days after the first use, even if medication remains in the vial." and "Do not continue using medication from the vial after 28 days, even if instructions from the compounder say the medication can be used for longer than 28 days." The date printed on the vial, its beyond-use date, can come sooner: then that date applies. FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
Can you use a compounded vial after 28 days?
FDA says no, even if there is medicine left and even if the instructions you were given say otherwise: "Do not continue using medication from the vial after 28 days, even if instructions from the compounder say the medication can be used for longer than 28 days." FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
What does BUD mean on a compounded vial?
Beyond-use date, the date on a compounded vial's label. Ivim Health tells buyers "to not inject any medication beyond" it, and PreventiveMD says "Your vials are good until the beyond-use date printed on the label, frozen or not." After the first use, FDA's 28 days can end it sooner. What sellers state
Does compounded semaglutide expire?
Sellers say each vial carries a beyond-use date on its label, and the spans they state differ. Once opened, FDA's limit is 28 days. NexLife, stating both, says: "Use a vial within 28 days of the first dose, or by the label's date if sooner, then discard what's left." What sellers state
How long can compounded tirzepatide or semaglutide stay out of the fridge?
No FDA-reviewed answer exists for a compounded vial: FDA does not review these products, and nothing we found publishes a tested limit that applies to every pharmacy. The approved products' labels give their own limits, which were tested on those products only. Zepbound: If needed, each single-dose pen or single-dose vial can be stored unrefrigerated at temperatures not to exceed 30°C (86°F) for up to a total of 21 days. Mounjaro: If needed, each single-dose pen or single-dose vial can be stored unrefrigerated at temperatures not to exceed 30°C (86°F) for up to a total of 21 days. Wegovy: If needed, prior to the pen or syringe cap removal, the pen can be kept from 8°C to 30°C (46°F to 86°F) up to 28 days. Ozempic: After first use of the OZEMPIC pen, the pen can be stored for 56 days at controlled room temperature 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) or in a refrigerator 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Some sellers report tests by their own pharmacy partners, and we cannot check those. Ask the pharmacy that made yours. What sellers say
What should I do if my compounded GLP-1 arrived warm?
FDA: "The agency recommends patients not use any injectable GLP-1 drug that arrives warm or with insufficient refrigeration, as this can affect the drug’s quality." It says it has received complaints of compounded GLP-1s arriving warm or with too few ice packs. Contact the pharmacy or telehealth seller: FDA tells patients to contact the compounder or the telehealth platform with questions. Some sellers tell buyers a warm delivery is fine, and those statements are below. FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
Can you freeze compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?
One seller tells buyers of one tirzepatide product to freeze it on arrival, and several others say never to, and to throw out a vial that froze. The labels of the approved products say not to freeze them or use them if frozen. A compounded formula can differ from those, so do what your own vial's label says, and ask the pharmacy if it says nothing. Who says what
Do you have to mix compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Not by the sellers we read: they describe vials that arrive ready to use, with the strength on the label. If you were sold powder to mix yourself, check what it is. FDA: "FDA has warned companies that have illegally sold unapproved drugs containing semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, survodutide or mazdutide that are falsely labeled “for research purposes” or “not for human consumption.”" Ask the pharmacy named on the label, and if there is none, do not use it. What sellers say about it
Can you mix semaglutide and tirzepatide, or take both?
No approved label allows it. Zepbound's says: "Coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is not recommended." Wegovy's says the same of semaglutide. Mixing two vials in one syringe is not something any source we read describes as safe. What every label says on taking two
Can I bring compounded tirzepatide on a plane?
TSA: "TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection." Liquid medications are allowed in carry-on and checked bags by the same page. What your vial's label allows for time out of the fridge still applies. TSA: liquid medications
We read the pages of 89 sellers of compounded GLP-1s on Nov 6, 2026. What is here is what they state, in their words, and not a test we ran. This page does not recommend how to store a medicine: the label on your vial and your pharmacy do.