How Long Can Wegovy Stay Refrigerated or at Room Temperature?

How Long Can Wegovy Stay in the Fridge?

Wegovy is a popular new prescription weight loss medication. It is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 that is released after eating to signal satiety and control blood sugar levels. Wegovy is injectable and must be stored properly to maintain its effectiveness.

About Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults living with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It is meant to be used along with diet and exercise changes.

Wegovy works by activating receptors in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. It helps you feel fuller sooner and for longer after eating, reduces cravings, and decreases the temptation and frequency of snacking.

In clinical trials, Wegovy users lost an average of 12.4% to 17.4% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks when taking the medication along with making lifestyle modifications.

Wegovy Dosage and Administration

Wegovy comes in an auto-injector pen that allows you to self-administer the medication under your skin (subcutaneously). It is meant to be injected once weekly on the same day each week.

When you first start Wegovy, there is a dose escalation schedule to allow your body to adjust and minimize gastrointestinal side effects:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg dose
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg dose
• Weeks 9-onward: 1 mg dose (or a maximum tolerated dose between 1-2.4 mg)

If a dose is missed, it can be administered as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed scheduled dose. After 5 days, you should skip the missed dose and just take your next regularly scheduled dose.

How Should Wegovy Be Stored?

Unopened Wegovy pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze Wegovy. The medication can last until the expiration date printed on the pack when refrigerated and unopened.

Once a Wegovy pen is opened, it must be discarded after 56 days if still refrigerated, even if doses remain. Never use a pen beyond the discard date printed on the pack or for longer than 56 days refrigerated once opened.

If needed, an opened Wegovy pen can be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 56 days. Just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.

How Long Does Wegovy Stay Effective in the Fridge?

An unopened Wegovy pen that has been properly stored in the refrigerator within the temperature range of 36-46°F (2-8°C) will remain effective until its printed expiration date.

Once opened and refrigerated, a Wegovy pen must be discarded 56 days after its first use, even if some medication remains. The effectiveness cannot be guaranteed after 56 days refrigerated even if the expiration date hasn't passed yet.

Wegovy should never be used after the expiration date printed on the pack or 56 days refrigerated after opening, whichever comes first. Using a pen after these dates can result in diminished effectiveness.

Can Wegovy Be Kept at Room Temperature?

If needed, an opened Wegovy pen can be kept at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 56 days. Storing opened Wegovy pens at room temperature can help when refrigeration is not possible, like when traveling.

A few tips for room temperature storage:

• Only remove the pen from the refrigerator if room temperature storage is necessary.
• Do not store above 86°F (30°C). Keep away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Write the date removed from the fridge on the pen so you know when 56 days is up.
• Never put an unopened Wegovy pen at room temperature.

Always refer to the instructions in your Wegovy information packet for the most detailed and up-to-date storage information.

Signs Wegovy May Be Expired or Ineffective

Here are some signs your Wegovy may no longer be effective and should be replaced:

• It has passed the expiration date printed on the pack.
• It has been 56 days or more since first opened when stored refrigerated.
• It has been 56 days or more since removed from the refrigerator to be stored at room temperature.
• The color of the medication has noticeably changed.
• The medication has become cloudy instead of clear.
• There are particles or lumps visibly floating in the medication.

If your Wegovy looks abnormal or you notice any of the above signs, do not use it. Safely dispose of the pen and start using a new one. Contact your doctor if you have concerns about your medication's effectiveness.

Disposing of Expired or Unused Wegovy

It is important to properly dispose of any expired or remaining unused Wegovy rather than throwing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet:

• Disposal kiosk - Many pharmacies have safe medication disposal kiosks.
• Mail-back program - You can mail unused medication to a disposal program.
• Take-back event - Check your community calendar for scheduled medication take-back events.
• Household trash - Unused Wegovy can be disposed of via household trash by mixing it with something unpalatable like cat litter or coffee grounds before putting it in a sealed container.

Be sure to check your local guidelines and regulations which may have additional instructions for safe disposal. Properly getting rid of unused Wegovy helps protect the environment and prevents misuse.

Tips for Proper Wegovy Storage

Here are some tips for properly storing your Wegovy to maintain effectiveness:

• Always store unopened pens in the original packaging refrigerated between 36-46°F (2-8°C).
• Do not freeze unopened or opened Wegovy pens.
• Write the date of first use on each pen and discard within 56 days of opening even if refrigerated.
• Only remove pens from the fridge if room temperature storage up to 86°F (30°C) is necessary.
• Never use Wegovy past the expiration date or 56 days after opening.
• Check pens for abnormal appearance or changes before injecting.
• Safely dispose of expired or unused medication.

Following the storage, use, and disposal instructions carefully can help your Wegovy work effectively for chronic weight management. Be sure to keep your pens properly refrigerated but never frozen, stay mindful of expiration dates, and contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Wegovy be stored at room temperature long-term?

No, Wegovy should not be stored at room temperature long-term. Unopened Wegovy pens should always be refrigerated until first use. Once opened, pens can be kept at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 56 days, but they should not be stored at room temperature on an ongoing basis.

What happens if Wegovy freezes?

Wegovy pens should never be frozen. Exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the medication. If a Wegovy pen freezes, it should be safely disposed of and not used.

Can I reuse a Wegovy pen?

Wegovy pens are meant for one-time use only. They should never be reused after the entire contents have been injected, even if needles are changed. Always use a new pen for each weekly injection.

How do I know if my Wegovy went bad?

Signs that Wegovy may be expired or ineffective include passing the printed expiration date, storing refrigerated for more than 56 days after opening, storing at room temperature for more than 56 days, noticeable color changes, cloudiness instead of clarity, or particles/lumps in the medication. Expired Wegovy should not be used.

Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated after injection?

No, once Wegovy is injected, refrigeration is no longer needed. Only store unused, unopened pens in the refrigerator. After injection, empty pens can be disposed of via pharmaceutical waste guidelines.

Can I use Wegovy if left unrefrigerated for a short time?

It is best to follow the refrigeration and storage guidelines closely, but brief periods of being unrefrigerated like during transport home from the pharmacy should not affect effectiveness. Avoid leaving Wegovy unrefrigerated as much as possible though.

What is the safest way to dispose of Wegovy pens?

The FDA recommends disposing of used Wegovy pens via an authorized pharmaceutical take-back program for safe destruction. Other recommended disposal methods include medication disposal kiosks, mail-back programs, take-back events, or mixing with an unpalatable substance before putting in the household trash.

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.