Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated? Storage and travel tips

Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?

Before first use (unopened), Ozempic needs to be refrigerated, at a temperature between 36ºF and 46ºF (2ºC and 8ºC). You can keep unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator until the first use or until the expiration date. This date is printed on the pen and the carton.

After the first use, you can store the opened pen in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) or at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). You can use an opened Ozempic pen for up to 56 days.

It’s important to keep the pen away from sunlight and excessive heat. It may be helpful to store it in the same place after each use.

You should keep the cap on the pen when you’re not using it. Also, make sure to attach a new needle each time you inject. Before storing your pen, safely remove and discard the needle.

Note: Do not place Ozempic in the freezer or close to a refrigerator’s cooling element. Do not use Ozempic if it has frozen.

Can you inject Ozempic cold?

You can inject Ozempic cold from the fridge, but it may feel uncomfortable. According to anecdotal sources, you can leave Ozempic out of the refrigerator for 30 minutes before injecting your dose. Doing so allows the drug to come to room temperature, which may make the injection more comfortable.

Getting Ozempic from the pharmacy

Ozempic is a prescription medication you can buy from a regular or mail-order pharmacy. If you’re collecting Ozempic from a pharmacy, you’ll need to place the unopened pen in a refrigerator once you’re home.

Ozempic is available through mail-order pharmacies. This allows you to receive your medication without leaving home. A mail-order pharmacy may use protective packaging to keep the medication at the correct temperature. (Prescription medications require proper temperature control during storage, transport, and distribution, in line with federal laws and regulations.)

Once Ozempic arrives, you can check the medication for any signs of damage. Things to look for include medication discoloration and a warm or frozen pen. The liquid inside the pen should be clear and colorless.

If Ozempic has any signs of damage, discard the medication without using it. You can also contact the pharmacy or drugmaker at 800-727-6500 if you aren’t sure whether the medication is suitable.

What happens if Ozempic is left unrefrigerated?

If Ozempic is not refrigerated before first use (unopened pens), the drug may not work as intended. Also, exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range may make some medications less effective. This means Ozempic may not manage your blood sugar level as well as it typically does.

With refrigeration, unopened Ozempic will last until the expiration date printed on the carton. Left unrefrigerated, Ozempic’s active ingredient (semaglutide) may go bad before its expiration date.

If your Ozempic pen is left unrefrigerated before first use, you should discard it. If you don’t have any more unopened pens in the fridge, contact the pharmacy to get a new pen(s).

Remember not to use Ozempic if there are signs of damage, such as if the liquid looks cloudy or has visible particles. If you’re unsure whether to use an Ozempic pen, you can check with the pharmacy or call the manufacturer at 888-693-6742.

After opening a new Ozempic pen, store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 56 days. If you forget to refrigerate it after the first use, you can still use the medication.

Traveling with your Ozempic pen

The following tips may be helpful for storing Ozempic while traveling:

• store unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F
• store opened Ozempic pens in a refrigerator or at room temperature
• consider storing Ozempic in an insulated travel case
• make sure the pen does not have direct contact with ice, as it may freeze
• store Ozempic out of sunlight and away from excessive heat
• if traveling by air or train:
  • keep Ozempic in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage to avoid extreme temperatures
• if traveling by car:
  • keep Ozempic in the main body of the vehicle rather than the trunk for better temperature control
  • avoid leaving Ozempic in an empty car for long periods, as it may get too hot or too cold
• when arriving at your destination, transfer unopened pens to a refrigerator

Medical perspective

How can I stay on track with my weekly GLP-1 injections while traveling?

“It’s important to carry enough medication and supplies to last while you’re away, especially if you’re traveling longer than a week. It can be helpful to use an alarm or a reminder app on your phone to help keep you on track with your GLP-1 injections while traveling. (Please note this applies only for weekly injections such as Ozempic, not other forms of GLP-1s.)”

— Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, MBA, MHA

Learn more about safely traveling with Ozempic.

Note: Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

The takeaway

You should store unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator until their first use or until the expiration date printed on the carton.

After the first use (opened pens), you can store Ozempic in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 56 days. After 56 days, you will need to start a new Ozempic pen.

Without proper storage, Ozempic may not work effectively and may be unsafe to use. If you’re unsure whether the medication is suitable, you can contact the pharmacy or manufacturer at 800-727-6500.