yes, remove the lightstick !
AFAIK, they are supposed to be in a closed wraping, under controled atmosphere ; if wraping is punctured, they don't have a very long shelf life (at least for the brands I know).

I no longer use those chemical lights : most were dead when I tried to use them, even with a good pakage, and even within the useable date range indicated.

Lithium batteries + LED : much better.... If you are not obliged to leave the lights on site.....