What GLP-1 Vials Look Like and How to Read the Prescription Label

Starting GLP-1 therapy—or transitioning to a new formulation—is an exciting step, but let’s be honest: opening that package for the first time can be a little confusing. What are you looking at? Where’s the important info? Don’t worry—we’ve got you! This quick guide will show you what your GLP-1 vials actually look like, what to expect when they arrive, and how to find and read your prescription label so you can feel confident and ready to go.

What’s Inside Your GLP-1 Prescription Package

When your package arrives, you’ll typically find:

• A small vial (or multiple vials) labeled with the GLP-1 peptide name

• A prescription label from the pharmacy

• Alcohol swabs or other injection supplies (depending on your pharmacy)

• A storage instruction sheet (often includes refrigeration info and expiration date)

• An ice pack

Note: The vial may be smaller than expected — that’s normal. GLP-1 medications are very concentrated, and only small amounts are needed per dose.

What GLP-1 Vials Actually Look Like

Here’s what to look for when identifying a typical GLP-1 vial:

• Clear or amber glass with a rubber stopper

• Often packed in a sealed bag or padded sleeve for temperature protection

     

Where to Find the GLP-1 Prescription Label

Your GLP-1 prescription label can usually be found on:

• The outer packaging or shipping envelope

• Or directly on the vial, depending on your compounding pharmacy

Look for these important details:

• Your name

• Medication name

• Dosage and injection instructions

• Pharmacy contact info

• Expiration date

Why the GLP-1 Prescription Label Matters

Understanding your GLP-1 prescription label ensures safe and accurate dosing. Here’s what you need to know:

Concentration Matters
The concentration is typically listed as something like 10mg/mL. That means for every 1 mL (milliliter), there are 10 mg of medication.

Your dose is in milligrams.
Your injection amount is in milliliters.

If your label says to draw up 0.25 mL, that means draw to the 25 mark on an insulin syringe — commonly referred to as “25 units.” However, please know that “units” are not your dose. Your actual dose is the number of milligrams you’re taking each week. Read more about medication dosing here.

Concentrations Can Change
If your provider changes your dose, the amount you need to draw up may change. Or, if your pharmacy changes the formulation, the concentration might change — even if your dose stays the same. Always check the label. And, if you’re not sure, ask your provider.

Expiration and Shelf Life
Use your medication before the expiration date.
Once opened, most pharmacies recommend discarding the vial after 28 days. This is due to possible bacterial contamination and reduced potency over time. Some medication (like Zepbound) arrives in single use vials that must be discarded after first use.  Do I Really Have to Throw Away My Medicine After 28 Days?

Final Tips for Safe Use

Keep your vial refrigerated when you receive it. Don’t worry if the ice pack is melted when it arrives — just store it in the fridge once you open the package. Glp-1s are safe and effective to use at ambient temperatures for a week or more.