Ozempic refrigeration, storage, and travel tips

Before first use, you’ll need to refrigerate Ozempic at a temperature between 36ºF and 46ºF (2ºC and 8ºC). It’s important not to place Ozempic in the freezer or too close to a cooling element. Do not use Ozempic if it has frozen.

After you use a new pen for the first time, you can store it in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) or at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). It’s important to keep the pen away from sunlight and excessive heat. Storing it in the same place after each use may be helpful.

You’ll need to 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. (Learn more about using Ozempic pens in the “How to use Ozempic pens” section below.)

You can keep unopened Ozempic in the refrigerator until the first use or until the expiration date. (This date is printed on the pen and the carton.) After first use, you can use an opened Ozempic pen for up to 56 days.

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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 may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. 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 medicines 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 if you aren’t sure whether the medication is suitable to use.

If Ozempic is not refrigerated before first use, 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 is typical. (Ozempic is prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.)

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

What to do

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, you’ll need to get a new pen from the pharmacy.

Also, do not 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 800-727-6500.

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.

The doctor who prescribed Ozempic will explain how to use the pen the first time. Generally, these instructions involve the following steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Remove the pen cap.
3. Attach a new needle (supplied with Ozempic).
4. Check the flow and that the dose is correct.
5. Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab.
6. Inject the needle into the thigh, stomach, or upper arm.
7. Remove and safely discard the needle.
8. Replace the pen cap to protect it from light.

You can take Ozempic with or without food. If you have questions about how to use the Ozempic pen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also watch a video on the drugmaker’s website.

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.

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

Unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in the refrigerator until their first use or until the expiration date printed on the carton.

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

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