Does Ozempic Need To Be Refrigerated?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with diabetes or an underlying heart disease. Some healthcare providers also prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat obesity.

It's important to store Ozempic properly so it's safe to use. To maximize its effectiveness, refrigerate it before the first use, as heat can decrease its stability.

Storage Requirements for Ozempic

When you pick up your Ozempic medication from the pharmacy, you should place the Ozempic pens in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Your unused Ozempic pens are best kept inside the original box and in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius). This helps ensure that your medication is safe and effective when you use it. 

Where you place the medication in your refrigerator is equally important: 

• Avoid storing your Ozempic pens near the cooling unit or on your fridge door. These areas may expose the pens to extreme or fluctuating temperatures, which can affect how the medication works in your body.
• Your medication may freeze if placed too close to the cooling unit. If your Ozempic accidentally freezes, do not use the medication.

It's also important to keep your Ozempic pens in the original box until you’re ready to inject the medication. This protects your pens from light exposure, which can break down the medication and make it less effective.

How To Store Ozempic After the First Use

Once you’re ready to use your Ozempic prescription, be sure to only remove one pen at a time. It’s important to leave the unused pens in the box and keep them refrigerated so they're ready for use when your previous pen runs out. 

After you’ve successfully injected your first dose, you may have medication left for your next weekly dose. It’s fine to leave the used pen at a room temperature of 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit (15-30 degrees Celsius). You can also place the pen (after safely removing the needle) back into the refrigerator if you prefer. 

The medication left in the Ozempic pen after the first dose generally expires after 56 days. After this, discard any medicine left in the pen because it may not be effective or safe to use. It may be helpful to write the date you first used the pen on the box so you can keep track of when to throw the pen away.

Tips for Traveling While on Ozempic

It’s equally important to keep your Ozempic pens at the right temperatures when traveling. You’ll want to pack your medications and keep them away from extreme heat or cold temperatures while in the air or in the car. Keep in mind: the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) liquids rule doesn’t apply to people traveling with type 2 diabetes medications and supplies.

If you're traveling by air, consider these tips:

• Pack your Ozempic pens in your carry-on luggage, as checked baggage will expose the medication to extremely cold temperatures and may cause it to freeze
• Alert TSA security agents that you have the medication with you
• Use a gel pack to keep your Ozempic pens cold, avoiding direct contact with the medication to avoid freezing

If you travel by car, follow these tips:

• Keep your Ozempic pens with you, and don’t leave them inside a hot car or trunk
• Pack your medication in a cooler with gel packs, avoiding direct contact with the medication to avoid freezing

How To Dispose of Ozempic Pens

If you use Ozempic, you’ll want a "sharps container" to safely discard your used pens and needles. These containers are FDA-approved to properly dispose of sharp medical items that can injure the skin, such as needles, syringes, or EpiPens. You can find these containers at your local pharmacy, medical supply stores, or online. Having a sharps container small enough to travel with is also a good idea. 

Do not throw used Ozempic pens and needles away in the recycle bin or regular trash. This increases the risk of injury or infection to others. For other ways to dispose of your needles safely, check out this resource, which shows you where and how to dispose of your medication based on your location.

What To Do if Your Ozempic Wasn't Refrigerated

Unused Ozempic pens must be kept refrigerated. However, there's no need to panic if you leave your medication out.

Contact your healthcare provider for assistance with the next steps. You may also contact the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk (1-888-693-6742). Your healthcare provider or the manufacturer will help you determine if your Ozempic medication is safe to use and what to do to ensure it is still effective.

Risks of Using Ozempic That Has Not Been Refrigerated

When Ozempic pens are exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures, the medication can break down. This means that it’s not safe to use.

If your unused pens were not refrigerated and your healthcare provider told you they aren't safe to use, it's important to stop using them immediately. Not only is the medication not safe to use, the drug won't be effective in reducing your blood sugar, curbing appetite, or helping you manage weight.

A Quick Review

Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes, reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, and sometimes manages obesity. This medication is only effective if you're storing and using it properly.

Unopened Ozempic pens need to be refrigerated within a range between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius). Without proper storage, Ozempic becomes unsafe and ineffective to use.