Does Ozempic Need to Be Refrigerated?

Does Opened Ozempic Need Refrigeration?

Not necessarily. According to the prescribing information, once you inject your first dose, you can store your Ozempic pen at room temperature between 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC) for 56 days or refrigerate it between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). 

However, when you refrigerate, you must keep it away from the freezer compartment and freezer packs, and if you store it at room temperature, make sure to keep it in a cool place away from light or heat, as this can cause it to degrade quickly. 

Should You Use Ozempic That Has Been Exposed to High Temperatures?

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is a protein-based medication. High temperatures can cause proteins to degrade and destabilize. If Ozempic is exposed to high heat for a long period of time, the semaglutide may start to break down and lose potency.

Therefore, using an Ozempic pen that has been exposed to high temperatures is ideally not recommended because it will be less stable and effective, and there are also potential safety issues.

Should You Use Frozen Ozempic That Has Been Thawed?

For starters, you should never freeze Ozempic, as freezing can cause irreversible changes in the medication’s structure, impacting its effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended not to use Ozempic that has been frozen and thawed because it will not be as well as it’s supposed to and neither is it safe. 

Ozempic Storage Tips

Ozempic should always be stored properly to maintain its effectiveness. Here are some tips to ensure proper refrigeration of Ozempic:

• Store unopened Ozempic pens and needles in the original carton in a refrigerator, but don’t freeze.
• Once opened, the Ozempic pen can be stored for 56 days, either refrigerated or kept at a room temperature no higher than 86°F (30°C).
• When traveling, use an insulated travel case to store your Ozempic. 
• Avoid storing the medication in places like a car glovebox or bathroom cabinet where temperature fluctuations can occur.
• Check the expiration date printed on the Ozempic pen, and do not use expired medication. Discard opened pens after 56 days.
• Keep Ozempic pens in the original sealed foil pouches until first use to protect from light.
• Do not expose Ozempic to heat or direct sunlight.
• Inspect the medication prior to each injection. Discard it if it appears cloudy or discolored. Properly refrigerated Ozempic should look clear and colorless.
• Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure that the temperature remains between 36°F and 46°F.
• When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of refrigeration to maintain Ozempic’s potency.

Handling and Administration Tips

Handling Ozempic correctly is as important as storing it properly. Before each use, it’s important to inspect the medication; it should be clear and colorless. Any change in color or consistency could indicate a problem. 

Additionally, it’s important to follow the administration guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. This includes understanding the dosing schedule and the proper technique for injection.

Closing Thoughts

Storing Ozempic properly not only ensures its potency and effectiveness, but you also don’t have to worry about its safety. However, doing the complete opposite of that can literally put your health at risk of complications, especially if you’re using it to manage diabetes.

If you’re in doubt about how to properly store Ozempic, speak with your healthcare provider.