Quick answer: For safe Ozempic storage, refrigerate before first use. After opening, you can keep your Ozempic pens at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 56 days. Always store it properly to ensure it stays safe and effective.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication injected once a week to help regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It has also become widely known in South Africa for its role in weight management.
Like many medications that contain delicate ingredients, proper Ozempic storage is crucial to maintaining your medication's effectiveness and safety.
Improper storage can lead to wasted doses, reduced effectiveness, and unexpected health risks. If you're using Ozempic or planning to start, here's everything you need to know to store it correctly at home, keeping it safe and working as it should.
Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Ozempic needs to be refrigerated before first use. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, you should store unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C. This helps preserve the stability of the active ingredient, semaglutide.
Once a pen has been opened and you've used your first dose, you have more flexibility. You can either continue to store it in the fridge or keep it at room temperature, as long as the temperature doesn't exceed 30°C, for up to 56 days.
What happens if Ozempic is not refrigerated before its first use?
Ozempic must be refrigerated before first use because it is a biological drug. The medication's main ingredient, semaglutide, is a temperature-sensitive peptide that needs to be stored in a cold environment, specifically between 2°C to 8°C, to maintain its potency.
If Ozempic is not refrigerated, especially before its first use, the stability of its active ingredient, semaglutide, can be compromised, reducing the effectiveness of the medication. Refrigeration is critical for biologic drugs like Ozempic, as it helps slow down chemical reactions that lead to degradation and protects the integrity of the product.
Here's what can happen when semaglutide is exposed to higher temperatures:
❌ Protein instability: Semaglutide is a peptide-based drug. Peptides are made up of chains of amino acids, which are sensitive to heat. When not refrigerated, these protein structures can start to unfold or degrade, making the medication less effective or inactive altogether.
❌ Chemical degradation: Warmer temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions that naturally occur in semaglutide, leading to faster breakdown. This means the potency of Ozempic decreases, which can impact its ability to regulate your blood sugar levels effectively.
❌ Microbial growth: Biological medications are also vulnerable to microbial contamination. Without proper refrigeration, warm temperatures may encourage bacteria or other microorganisms to grow in the medication, which can pose serious safety concerns. Keeping Ozempic in the fridge helps prevent microbial contamination and maintains the sterility of the solution you're injecting.
❌ Loss of efficacy: Ultimately, if Ozempic isn't kept in the fridge before its first use, or if it's exposed to heat for too long afterward, it may lose partial or total efficacy. This means it won't work as expected to help control your blood sugar levels, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Ozempic: Best Travel Cases, Storage Tips, and Flying Guidelines
How long does Ozempic last in the fridge?
Ozempic lasts in the fridge until its printed expiration date, as long as it remains unopened and stored at the right temperature. After opening, the 56-day timer applies regardless of whether you continue to store it in the fridge or not.
Always check the expiration date on your Ozempic pens and write the date you first used the pen right on the box or a sticky note to stay safe.
Ozempic refrigeration: Do's and Don'ts
Here are a few more helpful Ozempic refrigeration tips to help you get the most out of your medication:
✅ DO:
- Store unopened pens in the refrigerator.
- Use a medical-grade Ozempic travel cooler while traveling.
- Note the date you open a pen so you can count your 56 days accurately.
❌ DON'T:
- Freeze your Ozempic. Frozen pens are no longer safe to use.
- Store in direct sunlight or near heaters.
- Leave it in your car during warm weather.
Ozempic refrigeration gone wrong? Here's what to do:
Let's be real, nobody's perfect, and mistakes happen. Maybe you forgot to put your Ozempic back in the fridge, or you left it out overnight by accident.
Don't worry! You're not the only one. The good news is that not every storage slip means the medication is ruined, and depending on the situation, your Ozempic might still be safe to use. Let's walk through what can go wrong with Ozempic storage in the fridge, and what you should do next if your refrigeration routine wasn't quite perfect.
I left my Ozempic out overnight. What now?
Mistakes happen! If you left your Ozempic out overnight, here's how to assess the situation:
If it was unopened:
- If the room temperature stayed below 30°C, the medication might still be fine.
- If it was exposed to heat or left out for over a day, call your pharmacy for advice.
If it was opened:
- As long as it hasn't been more than 56 days since first use and the temperature was under 30°C, you're probably okay.
In any case, if you're unsure, it's better to be safe than sorry, especially with a medication that's expensive and vital to your health.
I forgot to refrigerate my Ozempic: Is it ruined?
If you forgot to refrigerate your Ozempic but the pen is still unopened, and it wasn't exposed to heat, it may still be usable.
Keep these scenarios in mind:
- An unopened pen left out at room temperature < 30°C for under a few days should still be good to use for up to 56 days. After that, it should be disposed of.
- Pen left out in a hot environment (like a car): Likely ruined, especially if left out for several hours.
- Opened pen within 56 days and under 30°C: Should still be safe to use.
💡 Pro tip: To avoid this situation in the future, set reminders or store your Ozempic in a clearly labeled spot in the fridge.
How long can Ozempic be left unrefrigerated?
Ozempic can be left unrefrigerated for up to 56 days, but only after the pen has been opened and as long as it stays below 30°C.
This 56-day clock starts the moment you use the first dose. After that window, discard any remaining medication, even if there's some left in the pen.
Unopened pens should not be stored unrefrigerated for long periods unless they meet the manufacturer's storage temperature guidelines.
What Temperature Should I Keep My Ozempic Pens At?
- Before first use: 2°C to 8°C
- After opening: Up to 30°C for 56 days max
✈️ Pro tip: If you are on the go, consider using an Ozempic Travel Cooler to keep your medication at the right temperature.
Ozempic Storage: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring Ozempic on a plane?
Yes, you can travel with Ozempic. Use a cool pack or insulated medication bag to keep it cool, especially on long flights. Always carry it in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. Check out our full Ozempic travel guide here!
What if I accidentally freeze my Ozempic?
Frozen Ozempic is no longer safe to use. Discard it immediately and contact your pharmacy or doctor for a replacement.
Can I store Ozempic in a portable fridge or cooler?
Yes, as long as the portable fridge or cooler maintains a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Make sure it doesn't freeze! If you're looking for an innovative, TSA-approved travel cooler for Ozempic, check out 4AllFamily's full line of coolers and portable fridges for medications.
Does Ozempic smell or look different if it's bad?
Spoiled Ozempic may appear cloudy, discolored, or contain particles. It should always be clear and colorless. If it looks off, do not use it.
How can I remember to take my dose?
Use your smartphone's weekly reminder app or write your injection day on a calendar. Many people also align their injection day with something routine (like Sunday breakfast or Monday evening TV).
Ozempic storage: Best practices to protect your medication
Proper Ozempic storage helps maintain the effectiveness of the medication and keeps you on track with your treatment. Here are a few storage tips every Ozempic user should know:
✅ Before opening: Keep Ozempic pens in their original box in the refrigerator.
✅ After opening: Pens can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 56 days.
✅ Keep it cool: Never expose Ozempic to temperatures above 30°C.
✅Avoid freezing: If the pen freezes, even once, it must be discarded.
✅Limit light exposure: Always store Ozempic away from direct sunlight.
✅ Label the date you first used the pen to avoid using it past 56 days.
Final thoughts: keep your Ozempic safe and effective
So, does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Yes, at least until you start using it. After opening, proper Ozempic storage means keeping the pen cool, protected from sunlight, and tracking your 56-day usage window.
Following these simple guidelines can save you money, avoid health risks, and ensure you're getting the most from your medication.
Key Take Aways on Ozempic Storage:
🧊 Keep It Cool: Always refrigerate unopened Ozempic pens between 2°C-8°C to maintain potency.
📆 56-Day Rule: Once removed from the fridge, your pen is good for 56 days, as long as it stays under 30°C.
🚫 Don't Freeze or Overheat: Frozen or overheated pens should be thrown out. Exposure to extreme temperatures ruins the medication.
🧳 Travel Smart: Use insulated bags or coolers when on the go to keep your Ozempic within the safe temperature range.
In a hurry, check out the video we made on Ozempic storage below!
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 Have questions about Ozempic storage or experiences to share? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you've had a mix-up with refrigeration or found a helpful trick for remembering where and how to store your pen, share your tips, stories, or questions in the comments below. Your input could help others, too.
