GLP-1 Medication Storage: Why Pharmacies Are Investing in Backup Power for Refrigeration
The rapid growth of GLP-1 medications has significantly changed inventory management for many pharmacies. As prescriptions for GLP-1 therapies continue to rise, pharmacies are storing larger volumes of high-value, temperature-sensitive products than ever before. Protecting that inventory requires strict adherence to refrigerated storage requirements and, increasingly, a reliable plan for backup power.
GLP-1 medications must typically be stored between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Any temperature excursion outside that range can jeopardize product integrity. When refrigeration fails due to a power outage, pharmacies may be forced to discard inventory that cannot be verified as safe.
What makes this risk more serious is the dollar value involved.
Depending on product mix and volume, a single pharmacy refrigerator containing GLP-1 medications can easily hold $50,000 to over $150,000 worth of inventory. In higher-volume locations, that number can climb even further. Because these medications are high-demand and high-cost, inventory levels are often substantial to avoid supply disruptions.
A brief outage that compromises product temperature can therefore represent not just an operational issue — but a six-figure financial exposure.
The Risk to GLP-1 Cold Storage During Power Outages
Pharmacy-grade refrigerators are designed to maintain stable temperatures, but they depend entirely on uninterrupted electrical service. During a grid failure, internal temperatures begin to rise, sometimes more quickly than anticipated depending on ambient conditions and door usage.
For pharmacies storing GLP-1 medications, even a short outage can trigger temperature excursions that require documentation, manufacturer consultation, or product disposal. Insurance may not fully offset losses, and the process itself can disrupt patient continuity of care.
As GLP-1 medications become a larger share of pharmacy revenue, refrigeration reliability is no longer a secondary consideration. It is directly tied to financial stability.
Why Battery Backup Is Being Used for GLP-1 Refrigerators
Traditional gas generators have long served as emergency power solutions, but they require manual setup, fuel management, and ongoing maintenance. In contrast, a properly engineered battery backup system can provide automatic power the moment an outage occurs.
For GLP-1 refrigerator backup power, battery systems offer immediate transfer without startup delay. They operate quietly, require no fuel storage, and can be designed to maintain refrigeration for multiple hours until utility power is restored.
Battery backup for GLP-1 storage is particularly valuable in areas experiencing grid instability, severe weather events, or planned power shutoffs.
Proper Sizing for GLP-1 Pharmacy Backup Power
Refrigeration systems draw both continuous operating power and short-term surge power when compressors start. A GLP-1 refrigerator backup system must account for these electrical characteristics, as well as the number of units operating simultaneously and the desired runtime.
At Medi-Products, we evaluate real-world load data to design battery backup systems that protect pharmacy refrigeration without unnecessary oversizing. The objective is straightforward: maintain temperature control, protect inventory value, and ensure uninterrupted service.
Protecting GLP-1 Inventory Is Protecting the Business
As GLP-1 medications continue to drive pharmacy revenue nationwide, reliable cold storage protection is becoming a strategic investment. When tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars can be tied up in a single refrigerator, backup power is a practical business decision.
For pharmacies expanding their GLP-1 offerings, planning for refrigeration backup power is a proactive step toward protecting both inventory and long-term profitability.
Contact Medi-Products today for a free no-obligation emergency power assessment by filling out the form below or calling 1.800.765.3237.
