Ozempic needs to be refrigerated for storage, just like Insulin and Victoza. This is to protect the medication from excessive temperatures that can degrade its effectiveness.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you’re unsure, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Storage
When storing unrefrigerated ozempic pens, be sure to keep them away from sunlight and extreme heat. Exposure to these temperatures can destroy the medication and cause serious side effects.
Ozempic is a diabetes medication that needs to be refrigerated to maintain its effectiveness and safety. To do this, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36degF to 46degF (2degC to 8degC).
Unused Ozempic pens can be stored out of the refrigerator at room temperature (between 59degF to 86degF or 15degC to 30degC) for up to 56 days after first use. They should be disposed of after this time, whether they are still in the refrigerator or not.
Like many medications, ozempic can be sensitive to both low and high temperatures. This is why it is important to follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions and consult with your healthcare provider.
Transport
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable drug that helps lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It can also help promote weight loss in some cases.
Like Insulin and Victoza, it is highly sensitive to high and low temperatures. It needs to be refrigerated before you open it for the first time.
After first use, it can be kept in the refrigerator (36degF to 46degF or 2degC to 8degC) or kept at room temperature (59degF to 86degF or 15degC to 30degC) for up to 56 days.
If you have a lot of unopened ozempic, you may want to keep it in the refrigerator or place it back into the fridge when you leave home. You can also store it in a medical-grade container if you need to transport it.
If you have a lot of ozempic, you should always dispose of it properly. It is important to dispose of it in an FDA-cleared container for sharps disposal.
Disposal
Whether you’ve opened a package of ozempic and injected it or you’re just using it, the medication must be refrigerated. You can keep it in your fridge until you’ve used it or until its expiration date printed on the carton box.
Ozempic is sensitive to low and high temperatures, so it should never be exposed to them for prolonged periods. Frozen ozempic loses its structure, which diminishes its efficacy even after re-thawing.
Once frozen, you should dispose of the pen immediately. It should also be disposed of if it’s been exposed to temperatures that are higher than 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) for extended periods of time.
If you’ve stored ozempic unrefrigerated and there is still medicine inside the pen, it should be thrown away after 56 days, no matter where you kept it. You should write down this disposal date so you don’t forget it. Talk to your healthcare provider for more details.
Inspecting
A waste management company has been storing the remains of hundreds of NHS patients in an unrefrigerated unit for more than six months. The Health Service Journal (HSJ) cites the EA as its benefactor in reporting that the company has received multiple complaints from hospitals regarding the state of their anatomical waste. The EA has also ordered Healthcare Environmental Services (HES) to upgrade its refrigeration units to the latest technology.
In addition to the most important task, it’s a good idea to make sure you have all your injection related questions answered before you start a new round of Ozempic. Having a well-informed partner will help ensure the big picture is a win for both of you. The best way to go about this is to have a few well-researched conversations with your doctor or other medical professional.