Planning to Travel?

If you’re flying or travelling in warm weather, keep your pen cool with an insulated pouch or mini medical cooler. Don’t leave it in a hot car, direct sun, or anywhere it could heat up beyond 30°C (86°F).

If your destination has a fridge, great, store it like you would at home. If not, just keep it in a cool, dark place and use it within the 30-day window.

What About After the Last Dose?

Once you’ve used all four doses in your pen, it’s time to safely dispose of it in a sharps bin, never in household waste. If you don’t have a sharps bin yet, ask your prescriber or local pharmacy. They’ll be able to provide one or tell you where to get it.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room.

The “Golden Dose” myth

After your fourth injection, you might notice there’s still a good amount of liquid left in the pen. Some users call this the “Golden Dose”, and social media is full of influencers showing you how to extract it with a manual syringe.

Here’s the truth: That leftover liquid is meant to be there. The pen is designed this way intentionally; the extra volume ensures that each of the four dialled doses delivers accurately, even with small mechanical losses. It’s part of the manufacturing process, not a bonus shot.

And as tempting as it might be to try and access it, please don’t.

Manual syringes you can buy online are often:

❌ Not sterile

❌ Not approved for medical use

❌ Made with low-quality, painful needle tips

❌ Sold without any safety regulations

Trying to extract that leftover medication can lead to injury, infection, underdosing, or contamination, and it goes directly against manufacturer guidance.

⚠️ Bottom line: There is no extra dose. There’s just leftover liquid that isn’t meant to be used. Stick to the four dialled doses. Follow the instructions. And when your pen is done, it’s done.

You deserve safe, effective treatment, not risky workarounds.

Quick Summary:

✅ Keep unused pens in the fridge (2°C to 8°C)

✅ Never freeze

✅ Once in use, store in the fridge or at room temp (under 30°C) for up to 30 days

✅ Check for cloudiness or particles before use

✅ Travel smart, keep it cool

✅ Dispose of used pens in a sharps bin

That’s it, simple, but essential. You don’t need a lab coat or a special fridge drawer. Just a cool head, a decent fridge, and a little confidence.

And if in doubt? Always check the leaflet that came with your medication, or ask your prescriber. Better safe than sorry (or wasteful).