NHS Pharmacist Sounds Alarm for Brits Using Mounjaro in 36°C Heat: Five Essential Tips to Ensure Its Effectiveness

AS the UK faces record-breaking temperatures today, many may be unaware of how heat can affect their medication.

Mounjaro and Wegovy users have been warned that their weight loss treatment could be rendered useless this week.

As temperatures reach 36C today, it is important to store your medication correctly Temperature above 30C can render Mounjaro ineffective

Pharmacists have urged those on weight loss medications such as Mounjaro to store their pens away from direct sunlight, as temperatures are forecast to reach 36C today (June 25).

This is because the treatment is rendered ineffective above 30C, according to Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U – an online pharmacy.

He said: “When it comes to heat damage, an overheated pen can look completely normal.

“That’s why keeping your pen below 30 degrees is so important. You can’t always rely on a visual check to tell you if something’s gone wrong, so you have to rely on what temperature you think the pen may have got to.”

Keep it chilled – not frozen

Instead, medical advice encourages users to store pens in a cool place – such as in the fridge – prior to leaving the house.

This way the medication will maintain a much more stable temperature throughout the day and take longer to heat up.

However, if you are placing Mounjaro in the fridge, it is equally important to double-check how cool it is.

This is because the weight-loss medication becomes unusable if it freezes.

Peter Thnoia, NHS weight-loss pharmasist, advises: “If you are going to store Mounjaro in the fridge, take a moment to check your temperature settings and where you’re storing them.

“If the medication freezes, it should not be used, even after thawing, so make sure your temperature settings aren’t too low and avoid placing the jabs at the back of the fridge or next to the freezer compartment where it’s typically colder.”

Use a cold pack

If travelling through this current spell of hot weather, it is inevitable wherever you store your medication will heat up.

But, using a medical travel pouch or cool bag with cooling inserts, is a simple way to make sure your medication remains at the optimal temperature.

In a pinch, ice packs will also help to transport your medication safely.

Keep away from direct sunlight

Both pharmacists advise that Mounjaro and Wegovy should be kept away from direct sunlight at all times.

This includes storing your medication in your vehicle or on a windowsill.

By keeping your pen in its original packaging, it will remain protected from light as well as heat.

Stay hydrated

Lastly, as the Met Office extends its red weather alert until tomorrow, it is especially important that users continue regularly hydrating throughout the day – and drink plenty of water.

Thnoia recommends: “I’d recommend sipping water often and staying out of the sun.

“Don’t wait until you feel dehydrated to start drinking water, keep on top of your fluid intake throughout the day and you should be able to reduce your risk of dehydration and feel much more comfortable, even during periods of heat.