How Long Can I Leave Ozempic Out of the Fridge? Ozempic Storage Tips

How Long Can Ozempic Be Left Out of the Refrigerator?

Ozempic is an injectable medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains the active drug semaglutide and works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production after meals.

Like most injectable diabetic medications, Ozempic needs to be stored properly to maintain its effectiveness. But what if you need to take your Ozempic injection while traveling or away from home? How long can Ozempic be kept at room temperature outside of the refrigerator?

Ozempic Storage Guidelines

According to the manufacturer Novo Nordisk, unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Ozempic should not be frozen or exposed to excessive heat or sunlight.

After initial use, the Ozempic pen can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 56 days when stored below 86°F (30°C). It must be discarded 56 days after first opening, even if some medication remains.

For traveling, Ozempic pens can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 6 weeks so long as the temperature remains below 86°F. After removing from the fridge, the pen must be used within 6 weeks or discarded, even if there is medication left.

Can Ozempic Be Left Out of the Fridge Short-Term?

Ozempic can be kept at room temperature up to 86°F for a short time, such as when taking the pen with you for the day or traveling. However, it should be refrigerated again as soon as possible.

The medication will remain stable for up to 30 days when left unrefrigerated at up to 86°F. So occasionally leaving your Ozempic pen out of the fridge for a day or a few days on occasion likely poses minimal risk.

That said, exposure to extreme heat above 86°F can damage Ozempic more quickly. Try to avoid leaving it in hot environments like direct sunlight, in the car on hot days, or near heat sources. The medicine degrades faster at higher temperatures.

Does Ozempic Need to Be Refrigerated When Traveling?

When traveling for up to 30 days, your Ozempic pen does not need to be refrigerated and can be kept at room temperature up to 86°F. To maintain stability for up to 6 weeks, adhere to these travel guidelines:

• Store Ozempic in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage to better control temperature exposure.
• Use a thermos or insulated pouch to shield it from temperature extremes.
• Keep Ozempic away from direct sun exposure or heat sources.
• Check that the liquid remains clear and colorless; cloudiness indicates instability.
• Bring wipes to sanitize the pen before injecting.
• Return Ozempic to the fridge upon returning home.

These steps will help protect your Ozempic from getting too hot or cold when traveling. Maintain diligent temperature control and hygiene practices.

Does Room Temperature Affect Ozempic's Effectiveness?

Exposing Ozempic to room temperature under 86°F for short periods does not seem to significantly impact efficacy. However, prolonged heat exposure can:

• Degrade the proteins and alter chemical structure.
• Reduce potency and duration of effect.
• Cause particles or discoloration.
• Increase infection risk with repeated use.

Keep your Ozempic pen refrigerated whenever possible. But the occasional day or two at room temperature—like when left out overnight by accident—should not impair efficacy. Just try to limit warm temperature exposure.

How Can You Tell if Ozempic Has Gone Bad?

Check Ozempic visually before each use. Discard if you notice any of the following:

• Particles or discoloration in the solution.
• Cloudiness instead of a clear, colorless appearance.
• Clumping, freezing, or slushiness.
• Expiration date has passed.

Ozempic should remain stable when stored properly before and after first use. But over time, heat, cold, light exposure, and contamination can cause the solution and proteins to degrade.

If your Ozempic pen ever looks abnormal—even if the expiration date has not passed—it may be safest to discard and use a new one. An ineffective or unstable dose could lead to hyperglycemia or other issues.

Maintaining Proper Ozempic Storage and Usage

To get the most efficacy and longevity from your Ozempic pen, follow these best practices:

Read Insert Instructions

Always reference the patient insert and instructions for handling, storage, priming, injecting, and discarding your Ozempic pen properly.

Refrigerate Unopened Pens

Keep unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F until first use. Avoid freezing.

Refrigerate Opened Pens

After initial use, refrigerate your Ozempic pen between doses. Keep for up to 56 days or 6 weeks since first opening.

Limit Heat Exposure

Avoid leaving Ozempic pens out at room temperature above 86°F for prolonged periods to prevent degradation.

Check Appearance Before Injecting

Inspect Ozempic visually before each dose. Discard if you see discoloration, cloudiness, particles, etc.

Sanitize Hands and Pen

Wash hands and wipe the pen with alcohol before use to prevent infection.

Rotate Injection Sites

Rotate your injection site each week to allow skin to recover and prevent lumps or scar tissue.

Discard After 56 Days or 6 Weeks

Safely discard your Ozempic pen after 56 days since first opening, even if some medication remains.

Key Takeaways on Ozempic Storage

• Refrigerate unopened Ozempic pens until first use.
• After opening, Ozempic can be left unrefrigerated up to 30 days when kept below 86°F.
• For travel, it can be kept out of the fridge for up to 6 weeks if temperature controlled.
• Occasionally leaving out overnight poses little risk.
• Avoid prolonged heat exposure which can degrade the medication.
• Discard Ozempic after 56 days since first opening.
• Check solution appearance before injecting and discard if abnormal.

Using proper storage, handling, and discarding guidelines will help Ozempic maintain efficacy. But leaving your pen out of the fridge for short periods seems unlikely to significantly impact potency or glycemic control.

Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about how to store your Ozempic properly when traveling or during everyday use. They can provide guidance tailored to your needs and prescribe the ideal medication regimen to help manage your blood sugars.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.