Britons who take weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro could face a hidden risk as temperatures soar this summer.
These increasingly popular injections, available via the NHS for eligible patients, require careful temperature control to remain safe and effective.
In light of blistering temperatures last week and soaring searches for "When will the heatwave end?", digital health platform Numan has warned that exposure to heat can compromise medication efficacy.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
The experts advised treating the jab just as you would store insulin
|PA
"With temperatures set to soar again this summer, it's crucial we raise awareness about safe medication storage," said Clinical Director at Numan Danielle Brightman.
Numan recommends several protective measures for these temperature-sensitive medications.
First, patients should transport their injection pens in properly insulated medical containers rather than makeshift ice packs that could accidentally freeze the medication.
"We recommend treating your weight-loss pen the same way you'd treat insulin or any critical medication," the company advised. "When in doubt, don't risk it. Speak to a healthcare professional and arrange a replacement."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Even brief exposure poses risks; just 10 minutes in a parked vehicle or on a sun-exposed kitchen surface could cause heat damage when the medication is outside its original packaging or not refrigerated.
After opening, these medications have different shelf lives when kept below 30°C. Wegovy remains viable for six weeks, while Mounjaro must be discarded after 30 days.
Patients should maintain storage in cool, shaded areas away from heat sources, windows, and radiators.
When travelling, Numan advises using TSA-compliant insulated pouches with cooling gel packs, keeping medications in hand luggage rather than checked bags.
These cooling gel sleeves can also offer protection during outdoor activities like festivals or beach visits, keeping the medication at safe temperatures for hours.
Cooling gel sleeves can also offer medical protection while enjoying the beach weather
|PA
Additional precautions that can be deployed include using digital fridge thermometers to ensure consistent 2-8°C storage before first use, setting phone reminders to check storage conditions, and avoiding placement near kitchen appliances or steam sources.
Manufacturers specify that unopened pens require refrigeration between 2-8°C, while opened pens can tolerate room temperatures up to 30°C. Beyond this threshold, the active ingredients may lose potency or become unsafe.
"Heat damage isn't always obvious, but it can have a huge impact on effectiveness and safety," Ms Brightman explained.
The medications also serve broader health purposes beyond weight management, assisting regulation of metabolic function, lowering type 2 diabetes risk, and helping in managing conditions including PCOS and insulin resistance.
However, these therapeutic benefits depend entirely on maintaining the medications' integrity through proper storage.