The popularity of Ozempic, a new drug that helps patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, is skyrocketing. But the popular medication has a dark side: People who stop taking it often find they gain back the weight they’ve lost.
Like many injectable medications, Ozempic is highly sensitive to high and low temperatures. It needs to be stored under strict conditions.
STORAGE
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medicine that helps lowering blood sugar levels and may also help you lose weight in some cases. Like Insulin, Victoza and Trulicity, Ozempic is highly sensitive to both high and low temperatures and needs to be stored under strict conditions.
Prior to use and until the expiration date printed on the label, Ozempic pens should be kept refrigerated between 36degF to 46degF (2degC to 8degC). After first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature (59degF to 86degF or 15degC to 30degC) for up to 56 days.
After the expiration date, the pen should be thrown away, even if there is still medicine left in it. This is to reduce the risk of contamination, infection and blocked needles that lead to the wrong dose.
REFILLING
One of the most fun and entertaining aspects of traveling with diabetes is the opportunity to interact with others with similar medical needs. Among the many challenges are time constraints, language barriers and cultural differences. The key to making the trip a pleasant and memorable experience is a good dose of commonsense. Fortunately, the medical community has been a longtime ally in helping patients navigate these challenges head on. The best way to accomplish this is to educate yourself about the plethora of resources that are available to you.
TRANSPORTATION
Traveling with diabetes and medical gear can be stressful, but it’s also a lot easier if you plan ahead. A few days before your trip, make a list of everything you’ll need to pack, and then double-check it to ensure that you don’t forget anything. This will prevent you from bringing home forgotten items or having to pay for overages at the airport.
The most important thing to remember when traveling with insulin is to keep it at the right temperature. The best way to do this is by investing in a medical-grade travel cooler, which is specifically designed to keep your medication at the optimal temperature for up to 24 hours. This device is lightweight and hyper performant, making it the obvious choice for anyone who lives with temperature-sensitive medications like insulin. Alternatively, you could opt for a more conventional insulin storage container, which will be less expensive and easier to manage when on the go.
USE
If you’re traveling with an ozempic pen, it’s important to follow the proper storage instructions. New pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36degF to 46degF) before use and once used, they can be left out of the refrigerator at room temperature for up to 56 days. After that, they must be thrown away, even if there’s medicine left in the pen.
During travel, it’s also important to disinfect your ozempic pen regularly and wash it with alcohol wipes before and after each injection. This will help prevent bacteria from getting into the needle and keep your ozempic pen safe and effective.
Before you go on your trip, be sure to pack extra ozempic pens and any other supplies you might need. Having a backup supply of pens means you won’t run out of insulin while you’re away. You can also consider downloading apps that can help you track your glucose levels and remind you when it’s time to take your medication.