Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated?

Of all the Qs people ask about GLP-1s—"How much weight will I lose?" "Are the side effects really that bad?"—the question "Where should I store it?" may seem relatively boring. But it's critical if you want to see results.

Does Wegovy have to be refrigerated?

In general, “yes, you should keep Wegovy in the refrigerator,” says Dr. Deborah Horn, D.O., medical director at the UT Center of Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance, and a clinical associate professor of surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. And the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, even says as much in the packaging insert, recommending that the weight-loss drug be stored between 36°F and 46°F.

That’s because Wegovy (the brand name for the drug semaglutide that’s been FDA-approved for weight management) is a peptide — a small protein — that’s a synthetic version of the hormone GLP-1. Too much heat or cold (as well as too much exposure to bright light), can break down the structure of this peptide. And this “can cause the medication to no longer work effectively,” says Dr. Michael G. Knight, M.D., a clinical associate professor of medicine at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “Peptides last longer when the temperature is cool.” If you refrigerate Wegovy, it will stay good until the expiration date, which is two years after the medicine is manufactured.

How long can Wegovy be out of the fridge?

Were you prescribed Wegovy as an online weight-loss medication, but forgot to put it in the fridge? Don’t worry — the medication won’t go bad for 28 days at room temperature (between 46°F and 86°F) as long as you keep it in its original carton, as too much light exposure can break down the medication in the same way heat can.

You can put Wegovy back in the fridge after it’s been sitting out, but that won’t extend its shelf life. If the drug reaches room temperature for an extended period (anything more than a day), you’ll need to use it within the 28-day window, even if you later put it in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that if the medicine was exposed to a hot environment — more than 86°F — you should throw it out. “It may no longer be safe or effective to use,” says Knight.

If you aren’t sure if your Wegovy supply is still safe to use, contact your provider, pharmacist, or the manufacturer. (The Wegovy helpline is 833-493-4689.)

Can you freeze Wegovy?

Freezing Wegovy causes the medicine to degrade, meaning it won’t work as well anymore. If the medicine becomes frozen at any point, throw it away, says Horn. Don’t thaw out the medicine and still use it. To prevent Wegovy from becoming too cold, never put it in the freezer. And if you use a cooler or ice pack to keep it chilled while traveling, don’t put the pen directly onto the ice, says Knight. Instead, wrap the medicine in a small towel first to create a buffer.

How to store Wegovy

Keeping Wegovy in the proper conditions can protect it from harmful heat, cold, and light exposure. Here’s what to do:

• Store Wegovy in its original carton to protect it from excessive light. Always leave the needle cap on until you’re ready to use it. Taking off the cap exposes the needle to germs, which could lead to an infection.

• Place it in a stable spot where it won’t get knocked around. For instance, avoid stashing it loosely in a bag or purse, where it can become damaged.

• Keep it in a cool, dry area. If you’re storing it at room temperature, skip bright or hot areas, such as a windowsill. Steer clear of humid or damp areas as well, like your bathroom.

How to store Wegovy in the refrigerator

You can absolutely just keep your Wegovy in the refrigerator. This ensures the medicine remains stable, so it’s good to use until the expiration date. But there are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Check that your refrigerator’s temperature is 36°F to 46°F. Many home fridges can become too warm, especially if you’re opening it frequently. Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure the temperature stays within the safe zone.

• Keep the medicine clear of other food items. Don’t place your Wegovy beneath or next to any groceries that could potentially leak on it, like raw meat or leftovers.

• Place the pen in a container near the front of the fridge. A reusable container with a lid protects the medicine from food drips, and placing it front and center reminds you to take your weekly dose. Don’t store it too far back in the fridge, since keeping it near the cooling element may cause it to freeze, says Knight.

• Don’t store it in the door. This area is the warmest part of the fridge since it’s exposed to outside air every time you swing the door open.

How to store Wegovy while traveling

If you miss a week of Wegovy, don’t worry. Take your next dose when you’re able to and take future ones a week later. Depending on how long you’ve been off of the medication, you may notice an uptick in hunger and Wegovy side effects, like nausea. In that case, talk to your provider, who may recommend lowering your dose in the short-term until your body becomes acclimated again.

How to travel with Wegovy

Whether you’re flying or driving, traveling often involves unexpected hiccups and unreliable conditions. But with some extra preparation, you can make sure that your Wegovy remains safely stored throughout your entire trip.

How to travel with Wegovy by plane

• Always pack Wegovy in your carry on. Your checked luggage may become exposed to temperatures that are too hot or cold, which can damage the medicine. “Plus, there’s the risk of lost luggage,” says Horn. Put the medicine in a separate smaller bag, like your purse or backpack, in case you end up having to check your carry on too.
• Leave Wegovy in its original carton, and consider bringing your prescription. Although it’s not required, having a prescription from your doctor may help you make it through TSA security smoothly.

How to travel with Wegovy by car

• Keep your Wegovy pens with you inside the passenger area of the car at room temperature. Don’t leave them in your trunk, where temperatures can become too hot or cold, says Knight. A good spot is on the seat or floorboard, away from direct sunlight.

• Taking a pit stop? Always bring your medication with you into the restaurant. Leaving your medicine in a parked car — even for a short period — is risky. For example, scientists at Arizona State University found that the interior of a car can reach more than 100°F within an hour on a summer day, even when parked in the shade.

The bottom line

If you’re taking Wegovy for weight loss, it’s important to store the medicine properly since the wrong conditions can make the drug less effective. You don’t want to freeze the medication or let it get too hot, and you should keep it out of direct sunlight. While it will stay fresh the longest in the refrigerator (somewhere between 36°F and 46°F), you can also leave it out at room temperature (between 46°F and 86°F) for up to 28 days.