Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated? Storage guidelines explained

Key Points

• Ozempic should be refrigerated (36°F–46°F or 2°C–8°C) before first use to maintain its effectiveness
• After first use, Ozempic can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 56 days
• Never freeze Ozempic pens or expose them to temperatures above 86°F
• If an unopened Ozempic pen is accidentally left at room temperature for less than 24 hours, it's likely still safe to use

If you've recently been prescribed Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight management, you probably have questions about how to store it properly. Getting the storage requirements right is important. t ensures your medication works effectively and lasts as long as possible.

Let's explore everything you need to know about Ozempic refrigeration and storage, including what to do if you accidentally leave your pen out.

Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?

The short answer is yes, Ozempic does need to be refrigerated – but there are some important exceptions.

Before first use

Before you start using an Ozempic pen, you should keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This temperature range keeps the medication stable and fully effective until the expiration date printed on the pen.

Refrigeration slows down any breakdown of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), making sure your medication stays potent until you need it.

After first use

Here's where things get way more flexible: After you've used an Ozempic pen for the first time, you have two storage options:

You can either keep it at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 56 days (8 weeks), or continue refrigerating it, but still use it within 8 weeks of first use.

Once you've taken your first dose, you can just store your pen at room temperature if that's more convenient. Many people actually prefer this since injecting room-temperature medication feels more comfortable than cold medication.

Whether you refrigerate or not, you'll need to throw away all Ozempic pens 56 days after first use, even if there is still medicine left. After this time, the medication's effectiveness can't be guaranteed.

Why temperature matters for Ozempic

Why temperature is such a big deal for Ozempic? Semaglutide, the active ingredient, is actually a modified protein molecule. And just like the proteins in food, it's sensitive to its environment.

Ozempic can stay at room temperature for a while because the manufacturer has thoroughly tested it and confirmed it stays potent during this period. Research shows injectable semaglutide remains stable for 56 days once opened.

But proteins break down when they get too warm. Studies on similar medications show that heat speeds up the breakdown process. For instance, insulin (another injectable protein) loses 5-8% of its potency at body temperature (98.6°F) after just 1-3 months.

That's why keeping Ozempic below 86°F is so important – higher temperatures can degrade it, making it less effective at controlling your blood sugar or helping with weight loss.

Can you freeze Ozempic?

On the flip side, freezing your Ozempic is just as bad. When an Ozempic pen freezes, the delicate protein structure gets permanently damaged, kind of like how freezing changes the texture of some foods. Once this happens, thawing won't fix it.

If you think your pen might have frozen, don't use it. It's best to throw it away and use a new pen to make sure you're getting the full benefit of your medication. Be sure your fridge is at the right temperature to prevent accidental freezing.

What if I accidentally left my Ozempic out?

Oops! You forgot your Ozempic pen on the counter overnight or left it in your bag all day. Don't panic! Here's what you need to know:

For unopened pens

If you left an unused Ozempic pen at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C), there are two scenarios:

For less than 24 hours: It's likely still perfectly fine to use. Just put it back in the refrigerator and make a mental note of the date to ensure you use the pen within 8 weeks.

For more than 24 hours: Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for their recommendation. They'll probably suggest using that pen first and starting the 56-day countdown from when it was first left out.

For pens already in use

If you left your current pen (that you've already started using) at room temperature, this is no problem. As long as it didn't get hotter than 86°F and you're still within the 56-day usage period, the pen is still safe to use.

Remember: Ozempic can stay at room temperature for up to 8 weeks after first use, so leaving it out overnight (or even for several days) is completely fine.

What if my Ozempic gets too hot?

Ozempic starts to break down at 86°F / 30°C. If your pen has been left out at high temperatures, it is no longer safe to use. Throw it out and use a new pen from the fridge.

When to throw out Ozempic

You should only be concerned if your Ozempic:

• Was exposed to temperatures above 86°F – like being left in a hot car during summer
• Has been frozen
• Looks different (you’ll see cloudy, discolored, or has particles floating in it)
• Has been stored at room temperature for more than 56 days/8 weeks after first use

In these situations, the safest thing to do is discard the pen and use a new one.

Other GLP-1 medication storage guidelines

While Ozempic is similar to other GLP-1 medications, each medicine has its own guidelines:

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, but is specifically for weight management. Its storage rules are a bit different:

Unopened pens need refrigeration (36°F–46°F), but can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 28 days before use. Since Wegovy comes as single-dose pens, there's no "after first use" storage period like with Ozempic – you just use it once and discard it.

Trulicity (dulaglutide)

This weekly injectable has stricter guidelines. You should refrigerate it until use, and it can only stay at room temperature (≤86°F) for up to 14 days maximum. Trulicity also uses single-dose pens that you'll discard after each injection.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

This newer dual-action medication for type 2 diabetes follows these storage guidelines: Refrigerate until use, and it can be kept at room temperature (≤86°F) for up to 21 days. Like the others, it comes as single-dose pens.

Victoza/Saxenda (liraglutide)

These daily injectable GLP-1 medications fall in the middle: After first use, they can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days. Unopened pens should be refrigerated.

Always check your specific medication's instructions – don't assume they're all stored the same way.

Practical tips for storing Ozempic

Here are some simple recommendations to keep your Ozempic in good shape:

• Write the date on your pen when you first use it. This makes it super easy to track when your 56 days are up. Always keep the pen cap on when you're not using it to protect the medicine from light and contamination.
• Be smart about where you’re storing your pens in the fridge. Keeping them in the fridge door might feel convenient, but the temperature by the door fluctuates a lot. Don’t keep them near the freezer section either, as that area can be prone to freezing. It's also a good idea to keep pens in their original box for extra protection from light.
• Inspect the medication before each injection. Ozempic should be clear, colorless, and free of any floating particles. And never, ever use an Ozempic pen that might have been frozen. If you suspect freezing has occurred, it's safer to just toss it and use a new pen.

Traveling with Ozempic

If you're hitting the road with your Ozempic, keep these travel tips in mind:

If you’re traveling for 8 weeks or less, good news! You won’t need to worry about refrigerating your Ozempic pens. Just ensure they stay within the recommended temperature range.

For longer trips where you'll need unused pens, bring an insulated bag to keep them cool – but don't place them directly on ice packs where they might freeze.

Flying with Ozempic

Always pack your Ozempic in your carry-on bag when flying – never in checked luggage where cargo holds can get too hot or cold. For short trips (under 56 days), you can keep your in-use pen at room temperature without any special equipment.

According to the TSA, “Unused syringes are allowed when accompanied by injectable medication. You must declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.” They recommend *(but don’t require) labeling the medication.

It may also be helpful to carry a letter from your doctor explaining your need for injectable medication, especially for international travel.

Common questions about Ozempic storage

How long can Ozempic be left unrefrigerated?

It’s best practice to use either an open or unopened Ozempic pen within 56 days (8 weeks) of removing it from the fridge.

Can I put an in-use pen back in the fridge?

Yes. You can switch between refrigerating and room temperature storage as much as you want as long as the total time since first use doesn't go beyond 56 days and the pen never freezes.

Does a cold Ozempic injection hurt more?

Some people find that cold medication stings a bit more when injected. If that's you, just take the pen out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes before your injection to let it warm up naturally.

Can improper storage make Ozempic harmful?

Not really – improper storage doesn't typically make Ozempic dangerous or cause new side effects. The main risk is that it just won't work as well. An improperly stored pen might not give you the full effect, which could mean less blood sugar control or reduced weight loss.

How do I know if my Ozempic is still good to use?

Take a quick look at your Ozempic solution before each injection. It should be clear, colorless, and free of floating particles. If you see any changes or have concerns about how it's been stored, play it safe and start with a new pen.

Final thoughts

Storing Ozempic properly is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. While you do need to refrigerate unopened pens, the fact that you can keep your pen at room temperature after you start using it makes life much easier.

Just remember these basics: Refrigerate before first use, keep below 86°F at all times, never freeze it, and use it up within 56 days of opening.

Stick to these straightforward storage guidelines and your Ozempic will work as effectively as possible, helping you reach your health goals without any medication-related setbacks.

Get started on your Ozempic journey with a registered dietitian

The best way to succeed with Ozempic? Partnering with a registered dietitian.

Working with a dietitian sets you up for success with a custom meal plan and ongoing support as you adjust to the medication and start making the necessary changes to achieve lasting results with the medication.

“Ozempic alters your appetite by inducing early-onset satiety and reducing cravings. Normally, if someone overeats, they would feel nauseous, which is a helpful signal from the body that you consumed more food than needed,” says Haley Singer, RD. “With Ozempic, you might feel nauseous eating portions that might not have filled you up in the past. Working with a dietitian is important to ensure you are eating enough food and meeting all your nutrient needs.”

That said, “Ozempic is not a replacement for healthy habits,” says Singer. “If you don't work towards making sustainable lifestyle changes, it will be very challenging to maintain any weight you lose.”

Take the guesswork out of weight loss and partner with a qualified dietitian now.

Ready to start your Ozempic journey?

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The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.