Does Ozempic Need to be Refrigerated? (Facts) | Articles

“Ozempic” is the brand name for the drug “semaglutide,” which is a prescription medication manufactured and sold by Novo Nordisk. As an injection, it can help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is also known for its weight-loss qualities. On its own, Ozempic can cost over $1,000 when not covered by insurance. Meaning, every injectable that you receive is something that you’ll want to keep stored properly.

Key Takeaways

“Ozempic” or semaglutide does need to be stored in either room temperatures (30 degrees celsius or 86 degrees fahrenheit). Or if the temperatures are too hot, you’ll want to store them in the refrigerator (2 degrees celsius to 8 degrees celsius or 36 degrees fahrenheit to 46 degrees fahrenheit).
According to Novo Nordisk, when storing your Ozempic in the refrigerator, you’ll want to keep it the furthest distance from the freezer unit in a combination refrigerator. Temperatures near the freezing unit may be cooler than the internal temperatures as stated on the refrigerator itself.

Does Ozempic Need to be Refrigerated?

It is not a requirement for Ozempic to be stored in the refrigerator unless the room temperature of the place where you are storing it is above 86 degrees fahrenheit.

“Ozempic” or any semaglutide that’s in injectable form should be stored at either room temperature or if the room or home is above 86 degree fahrenheit, it should get stored in the refrigerator at no cooler than 36 degrees fahrenheit.

Recommended Storage According to the Ozempic label:

Recommended Storage Prior to first use, OZEMPIC® should be stored in a refrigerator between 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC). Do not store in the freezer or directly adjacent to the refrigerator cooling element. Do not freeze OZEMPIC® and do not use OZEMPIC® if it has been frozen. After first use of the OZEMPIC® pen, the pen can be stored for 56 days at controlled room temperature (59°F to 86°F; 15°C to 30°C) or in a refrigerator (36°F to 46°F; 2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep the pen cap on when not in use. OZEMPIC® should be protected from excessive heat and sunlight. Always remove and safely discard the needle after each injection and store the OZEMPIC® pen without an injection needle attached. Always use a new needle for each injection.

For more information, see the full Ozempic label here.

Unopened Reusable Pens

Unopened and reusable pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 30 degrees celsius or 86 degrees fahrenheit). A reusable pen that's in use can be stored for anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks (depending on the diabetes medicine).

Ozempic Storage Facts

Here are storage facts you should know:

1. Prevent Overheating

The medicine must not get overheated. And should not go above 86 degree fahrenheit. Meaning, it’s best to avoid storing your Ozempic pens in your vehicle where the sun exposure might increase the internal temperatures of the vehicle to above 86 degrees fahrenheit.

2. Medicine Should Be Clear, Colorless, and Liquid

Any issues related to storage, through either overheating or improper storage (like the medicine being past the expiry date listed on the label) will cause the medicine to either have a color or contain small particles that would indicate it is no longer safe to use.

3. Always Keep the Cap on the Pen

Keeping the cap on the pen will assist in the liquid from sun exposure. This will keep the internal temperature of the semaglutide at the proper temperatures. Even if storing in your house at room temperature, you’ll want to keep the cap on the pen in case it does have some light sun exposure, causing the internal temperatures of the liquid to increase.

4. After First Use, You Have 56 Days

After you’ve used your pen for the first time, you can either store your pen for 56 days at room temperature (between 59 degrees fahrenheit to 86 degrees fahrenheit or 15 degrees celsius to 30 degrees celsius) or you can still keep it in the refrigerator for 56 days.

5. Dispose of Anything You’re Unsure With

The Ozempic pen you are using should get thrown away after 56 days (whether kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature), even if it still has Ozempic left in it. Write the future disposal date on your calendar so you can keep track. Always follow the expiry date that’s listed on the label.

How You’ll Get Ozempic

Typically, Ozempic or semaglutide comes in three types of pens from the pharmacy:

Ozempic Pen 2 mg/1.5 mL or 2 mg/3 mL:
- Contains 1 prefilled pen with either 2 mg/1.5 mL or 2 mg/3 mL of Ozempic.
- Pen delivers doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg per injection.
- Includes 6 NovoFine Plus needles.
- Intended for:
  - Initiation at 0.25 mg dose
  - Maintenance at 0.5 mg dose.
Ozempic Pen 4 mg/3 mL:
- Contains 1 prefilled pen with 4 mg/3 mL of Ozempic.
- Pen delivers doses of 1 mg per injection.
- Includes 4 NovoFine Plus needles.
- Intended for maintenance treatment at the 1 mg dose.
- Each pen lasts one month, delivering 4 doses of 1 mg strength.
Ozempic Pen 8 mg/3 mL:
- Contains 1 prefilled pen with 8 mg/3 mL of Ozempic.
- Pen delivers doses of 2 mg per injection.
- Includes 4 NovoFine Plus needles.
- Intended for maintenance treatment at the 2 mg dose.
- Each pen lasts one month, delivering 4 doses of 2 mg strength.

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Sources

Ozempic (semaglutide) [Package Insert]. Revised October 2022. Novo Nordisk. Plainsboro, NJ. Accessed April 14, 2024 at https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf
FDA. “Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss.” FDA, 31 May 2023, www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss.