Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that helps control blood sugar and help you lose weight. It works by regulating hormones that lower blood sugar and increase your metabolism.
It’s important to store your ozempic properly. That means storing it at room temperature below 86degF (30degC) or in the refrigerator between 36degF and 46degF for up to 56 days.
Refrigeration
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It works by regulating hormones that can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
It can be left out at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) for up to 56 days after you have used it. However, it must be discarded after that time, no matter how it was stored.
If you’re traveling, it is recommended that you use a medical-grade travel cooler to keep your unopened ozempic at an optimal temperature. These coolers are lightweight, easy to transport, and laboratory-tested for safety.
You should also avoid freezing ozempic, as it breaks down and does not regain its efficiency. This means that it is no longer safe to inject once it has frozen. If you freeze your ozempic, discard it right away. If you’re not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They can help you get a new pen if needed.
Heat
Ozempic pens can be left at room temperature (between 59oF to 86oF or 15oC to 30oC) for 56 days after the first use. After that, it must be thrown away.
Unused ozempic pens can be stored in the refrigerator (36degF to 46degF or 2degC to 8degC) but do not store them near the refrigerator cooling element.
When traveling, ozempic pens that are not in use can be left out at room temperature (59oF to 86oF or 16oC to 30oC) but do not place them in your car glove compartment or other hot places. Make a note of the date you first used the pen and dispose of it after 56 days, even if there is medicine left in it.
The medication inside the ozempic pen is made up of semaglutide, a liquid that looks clear and colorless. If the liquid has changed colors or you notice any solid elements in the pen, it may have gone bad and must be discarded.
Light
Ozempic is a medication for type 2 diabetes, and is commonly used to help improve blood sugar levels along with diet and exercise. It can also help lower your risk of heart disease.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to control your diabetes. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking these medicines together with ozempic.
Using other drugs that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with semaglutide may increase your risk of getting low blood sugar. You may need to check your blood sugar more often.
If you get an episode of low blood sugar, drink lots of fluids right away and call your doctor. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, weakness, hunger, and confusion.
If you take ozempic in an injection pen, store it at room temperature between 36 degF and 46 degF until it’s time to use it. You can also store it in a medical-grade travel cooler designed specifically for this purpose.
Disposal
If you leave your ozempic at room temperature for more than 56 days, even if it has medicine left in it, it must be disposed of. This is because the solution in Ozempic will break down and not regain its efficacy, regardless of whether you thaw it or store it in a refrigerator.
If your ozempic is in the refrigerator, it should be kept at 36degF to 46degF (2degC to 8degC) until you’re ready to use it. Then, store it at 59degF to 86degF (15degC to 30degC) or lower.
If you’re not using your ozempic injection pen right away, dispose of it in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. The container should be made of heavy-duty plastic, closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, and leak-resistant. The container should be labeled to warn of hazardous waste.