Recently, a surge of telemedicine companies has started offering up to a full year’s supply of compounded tirzepatide. This comes on the heels of the FDA announcing an end to the shortage of the drug, and it’s clear that people are rushing to stockpile. It’s hard not to notice the red flags when telemedicine companies suddenly offer such long-term supplies. While it’s understandable why people want to stock up, especially given the fear of future shortages, it’s important to approach this situation with caution. If you’re one of the many people considering buying a year’s supply, here are five critical steps I would take to ensure you’re staying as safe as possible while managing such a large amount of compounded medication.
1. Check the Best-By Dates
It might seem obvious, but with compounded medications coming from a variety of pharmacies, it's essential to verify the best-by date on each vial you receive. Each pharmacy may have its own way of compounding and storing the medication, meaning not all batches are identical. If you see someone online claiming, "Oh, it’s good for X amount of time," remember that their supply could be entirely different from yours. Always double-check that the best-by dates cover the time it will take for you to use each vial—especially if you’re receiving 12 vials for the entire year.
2. Monitor Your Refrigerator’s Temperature
A huge part of maintaining your medication’s effectiveness is proper storage. This means keeping it between 36°F and 42°F. If your refrigerator has wild temperature swings, it could damage your medication. For this reason, I highly recommend investing in a Wi-Fi-enabled temperature gauge that can alert you via phone if your fridge starts acting up. You’ll want to know immediately if the temperature goes outside the safe zone—especially when you have a year’s worth of medication at stake.
3. Rotate Your Compound Tirzepatide Properly
Next, set up a solid rotation system for your medication. Once you puncture a vial, it’s important to use it entirely before starting a new one. Every time you puncture a multi-use vial, you introduce contaminants, so you want to make sure you use it up as quickly as possible, typically within 28 days. Each puncture increases the risk of contamination, and most multi-use vials should only be punctured four times before being discarded. By having a rotation system, you minimize potential harm and ensure your medication stays as effective as possible.
4. Label Each Vial Upon Opening
This might seem small, but it’s a game changer. Mark each vial with the date you open it. If you open a vial in October, and then accidentally grab another one next time, you don’t want to return to that October vial in January. Having a labeling system ensures that you never mistakenly reuse an old, punctured vial long after its safety window has passed.
5. Split Up Your Supply
If you have the ability, split your supply between different refrigerators in your home. Why? If one refrigerator fails while you're on vacation or away for an extended time, you won’t lose an entire year’s worth of medication. Keeping your stockpile split between two fridges acts as a safeguard against losing everything all at once due to a single appliance failure.
Why Branded Medications Aren't the Same Concern
Some might wonder why I’m not as concerned with people stockpiling branded medication. Well, the difference is that branded medications have been clinically tested with standardized preservatives. The compounds used in compounded tirzepatide, on the other hand, can vary greatly depending on the pharmacy, and not all pharmacies follow the same procedures or maintain the same quality controls. This variability introduces more risk, which is why it’s crucial to follow these steps to ensure your safety.
Important Note: This is Not Medical Advice Please remember that this article is not intended to serve as medical advice. Before making any decisions about your medications, always consult with your healthcare provider and your pharmacist. It is essential to read and follow the labels on your medication carefully to ensure proper use and storage. Medication management should always be supervised by a medical professional who understands your individual health needs.
Share and Stay Safe
If you’re considering stockpiling compounded tirzepatide, or know someone who is, I hope you found these tips helpful. Please share this article with others who might benefit from it! And if you’re interested, I’ve also included a link to an Amazon affiliate product—a Wi-Fi temperature monitor for your fridge. It’s a small investment that can save you from losing valuable medication. Stay safe, and I’ll catch you in the next article!
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