Liquid drug transfer devices including an integral telescopic vial adapter for telescoping from an initial pre-compacted state to a final compacted state. In the initial pre-compacted state, the vial adapter telescopically snap fits on an initially non-punctured intact discrete injection vial leaving its injection vial stopper non-punctured. In the final compacted state, the vial adapter punctures the injection vial stopper. The liquid drug transfer device is used with an intact discrete injection vial release tool for applying a pincers-like compression for convenient release of a non-punctured intact discrete injection vial in the initial pre-compacted state. The vial adapter includes a clamping arrangement for irreversibly clamping same in the final compacted state. The vial adapter precludes release of a punctured discrete injection vial in its final compacted state.