How to Store Semaglutide Safely
If you’re using semaglutide for weight loss, it is important to understand how to store semaglutide properly.
Proper storage of your semaglutide is key to maintaining the efficacy and the safety of the medication.
This information will differ slightly depending on what type of semaglutide you are using. Here’s what you need to know:
How to store Wegovy and Ozempic pens
Wegovy comes in single dose prefilled pens, so you will only need to understand how to store these prior to use. Ozempic, on the other hand, comes in multiple dose prefilled pens and there are different storage requirements for before and after use.
How to store semaglutide pens before use
Semaglutide pens should be stored in the refrigerator prior to first use. This helps keep the medication stable and safe for use.
Your Ozempic pens must be stored between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius). Wegovy can be stored outside of the refrigerator with the pen cap still on for up to 28 days (46°F to 86°F), but it is recommended that you refrigerate.
How to store semaglutide pens after 1 use
Your Ozempic pens will come with multiple doses, so they will need to be stored between first use and last use.
Once you’ve used your Ozempic pen, store it:
- At room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), OR
- In the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
For best results, it is recommended that the medication be kept refrigerated.
How to store compounded semaglutide
Similar to Ozempic pens, compounded semaglutide will come in a vial with multiple doses.
How to store semaglutide vial before use
Though they may contain different inactive ingredients, compounded semaglutide vials should be stored the same way as the brand name medications unless otherwise stated.
That means you should store it in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius).
How to store semaglutide vial after 1 use
It is recommended that you continue storing semaglutide in the refrigerator even after the first use. Maintain the temperature between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) until the expiration date or recommended length of use.
How long can you store semaglutide?
If you have not yet used your semaglutide, you can store it in the refrigerator until the expiration date (“EXP”) printed on the label. As mentioned above, Wegovy can be stored outside of the refrigerator with the pen cap still on for up to 28 days (46°F to 86°F)—though refrigeration is recommended.
Once you have used your Ozempic pen, it can be kept for 56 days or until the expiration date, whichever comes first. Compounded semaglutide’s shelf life after first use will vary based on the compounding pharmacy and should be noted in the instructions provided.
Remember to mark the disposal date after first use. It is important that you dispose of the pen/vial after the viability period ends, even if there’s still medication left in it.
Where to store semaglutide?
Semaglutide is typically stored in the refrigerator, though there are circumstances where it could be stored at room temperature (which are outlined above). The important things to note:
- Keep Away from Heat and Light: Store your semaglutide away from heat sources and out of direct light to maintain their potency. It is actually recommended that you keep them in their original box while storing to prevent excess light exposure.
- Refrigerator Storage: Do not store your semaglutide medication directly next to the cooling element in your refrigerator. The fridge can be colder in this area and it can make the medication too cold.
Do you know what temperature to store semaglutide?
Below is a chart to show the recommended storage temperatures for semaglutide:
Before First Use | After First Use |
Between 36°F and 46°F | Refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F or Room temperature between 59°F to 86°F |
until expiration date | 56 days or until expiration |
Do you store semaglutide in the fridge?
Yes. Semaglutide should be stored in the fridge until its first use. Remember to keep the medication away from the cooling element and protect it from light exposure.
Can you store semaglutide at room temperature?
If you are using Ozempic or compounded semaglutide, you can store your medication at room temperature (between 59°F to 86°F) for 56 days or until expiration.
If you are using Wegovy (a single-use pen), you have the option to store the pens outside of the refrigerator with the pen cap still on for up to 28 days (46°F to 86°F)
Do you store semaglutide in the freezer?
- You should never freeze semaglutide. This will negatively impact the efficacy and can make the medication unsafe to use.
If your medication has frozen, do NOT use it.
Contact doctor to get your semaglutide prescription online
If you’re ready to get started with semaglutide for weight loss, Heally can help. We make it easy to get your semaglutide prescription online.
Register with Heally today and connect with a semaglutide doctor!
Sources
- Novo Nordisk Ozempic: Using your Ozempic® pen
- Novo Nordisk Ozempic: Ozempic Guide
- Novo Nordisk Wegovy: Wegovy Quickstart Guide