A common path for those starting a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic often goes something like this: Your doctor prescribes it, you fill it, and then once you’re home, all the questions you forgot to ask start swirling in your mind. How do I inject it? What if I forget a shot? How many doses come per pen? And wait — does this stuff need to be refrigerated?
Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Ozempic — the brand name of the drug semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes — needs to be refrigerated before you begin using it, which is why the pharmacy will store it somewhere cold before you pick it up, according to Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, medical director of WeightWatchers. Most experts take that to mean below 40°F.
But once you start using a pen, which holds multiple doses, you can keep it at room temperature (around 59°F to 86°F) for up to 56 days, according to Ozempic’s guidelines. The preservatives in the formula will keep it good for that eight-week period. Since a typical pen is used up within a month, you shouldn’t have to worry about refrigerating it again. That said, you can just keep storing it in the fridge if you want to — the colder environment won't damage the medication.
What happens if Ozempic isn't refrigerated before its first use?
If Ozempic isn’t properly refrigerated before its first use, the active ingredient (semaglutide) can degrade, which means it may not work as well. If you immediately start using the pen and finish it within 56 days of bringing it home from the pharmacy, then you should be fine to leave it at room temperature for the entire time.
Can I freeze an Ozempic pen?
No, you shouldn’t put your Ozempic pen in the freezer. “If it’s frozen and thawed, the medicine can stop working as well,” says Nadolsky. Freezing medications causes them to undergo both physical and chemical changes that can make them not work as well, so don’t go below 36°F.
Can semaglutide (Ozempic) get hot?
While it’s fine if Ozempic is in a warm house up to 85°F or so, you don’t want to go too much over that per Ozempic’s instructions. “If it sits in direct sunlight or becomes too hot, it can become less effective,” says Nadolsky. Given this, you want to store your pens away from windows and direct sunlight. Instead, keep them in temperate, dark conditions like a kitchen cabinet. If you accidentally forget your medicine in a hot car or leave it somewhere else really warm, give your pharmacist a call to check on what your next steps should be.
How should you store Ozempic after opening?
Beyond the temperature guidelines, you’ll want to keep your medication in a secure place where it won’t be misplaced (so probably not on a messy bathroom countertop) and outside the reach of kids, says Nadolsky. If you’re traveling or commuting to work and need to take your Ozempic, store it in a small cooler with an ice pack in it to avoid overheating, he adds. The most important thing with Ozempic (and other GLP-1 medications for weight loss) is to keep it with you in your carry on and not throw it in checked bags, where it can be lost or exposed to extreme temperatures.
What are some common Ozempic side effects?
When taking Ozempic, experts say to watch out for the following common side effects (in no particular order):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, or itching)
For a full list of side effects, visit the Ozempic website.
The bottom line
Ozempic is an FDA-approved GLP-1 medication for type 2 diabetes. When you get it from your pharmacy, you’ll want to store it in your fridge until first use. Then, put it in a dry, temperate environment that’s not in direct sunlight — anywhere between 36°F and 86°F is great. It will be safe at that temperature for up to 56 days. If you’re on the move, invest in a portable lunchbox or cooler. And never check your medicine in your luggage when traveling.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be regarded as a substitute for guidance from your healthcare provider.