Semaglutide is an injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s sold under the brand names Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. Doctors sometimes also prescribe Ozempic “off-label” for weight management.

Semaglutide pens should be stored in the refrigerator when unopened. After you open the medication, you can put it back in the fridge. It’s also fine to keep semaglutide at room temperature, but only for a limited time. This time depends on which brand of medication you’re using, so it’s important to read the package instructions carefully.

Storing your medication at the proper temperature helps it stay safe and effective. Here’s what you should know about Wegovy and Ozempic refrigeration and storage guidelines.

How Are Semaglutide Injections Packaged?

There are a few different ways you may receive Wegovy or Ozempic. It depends on your medication, your dose, and how you order it. You might take a smaller amount when you’re first starting out, and then increase the dose according to your doctor’s recommendations after a few weeks.

Wegovy comes in single-use pens with preset doses, so you use a new pen every time you take a dose. Ozempic pens have separate needles that you will attach. You will adjust the pen to the correct dose, inject your dose, remove the needle, and recap the pen until your next use.

Receiving Your Prescription Safely

Your doctor can send a semaglutide prescription to your local pharmacy. You’ll pick it up in person, as with other types of medication. It’s also possible to fill your prescription through the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. The NovoCare pharmacy can ship a 90-day supply of Wegovy or Ozempic to your home.

Whether you’re picking up semaglutide at the pharmacy or receiving it in the mail, it should be at the proper temperature (between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit) when you get it. If there’s any damage to the packaging or the medication doesn’t feel cold, talk to the pharmacist or call NovoCare to find out if your medication is still safe to use.

Be sure to place your medication in the refrigerator as soon as you receive it. Be careful not to freeze it or store it directly near the refrigerator’s cooling element. If you’re picking it up in person, make home your next stop, or bring a cooler with ice packs in the car. Don’t risk leaving your new package of semaglutide in a hot car or directly in the light of your car windows.

If you’re having your medication shipped to you, the delivery will be scheduled for a specific day. If you won’t be home to receive the package, you can have it sent to your local pharmacy. The pharmacy will keep it at the right temperature until you’re able to pick it up.

How To Store Semaglutide Pens After the First Use

Once you open a Wegovy or Ozempic pen and use it, the rest of the prefilled pen can be stored with the pen cap on, refrigerated, or unrefrigerated. Be careful to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. Never freeze semaglutide or leave it in direct sunlight.

It’s important to be mindful of your prescription’s expiration date. Wegovy pens are good until their expiration date if refrigerated, or they can be left in their original carton at room temperature for up to 28 days. Ozempic pens should be discarded after 56 days from the time they’re opened, whether they are refrigerated or at room temperature.

Make a note on your calendar so you remember when to throw out expired medication. If you’re not sure if your medication has been stored safely, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional.

Additional Safety Tips

Be sure to dispose of semaglutide pens and needles carefully. You can use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. You can also use a household container, as long as it meets the following requirements. It should be:

• Sealable, with a tight lid that won’t fall off or let anything fall out
• Labeled as containing hazardous waste
• Made of heavy-duty plastic
• Resistant to leaks
• Able to sit upright and stable

Semaglutide is just one injectable weight loss medication. If you’re prescribed another type, such as tirzepatide (Zepbound), be sure to read the specific storage instructions that come with it. Most have similar storage requirements, but you should verify the requirements for the particular drug you’re prescribed. It’s important to keep whatever medication you’re taking at the proper temperature and use it correctly to get the benefits you hope for.

It’s normal to have a learning curve when starting a new prescription medication, especially an injection. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have any doubts or questions.

Join the Conversation

On MyObesityTeam, people share their experiences with obesity, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are you familiar with Wegovy and Ozempic injection storage guidelines? Let others know in the comments below.