Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated?

Like many other medications, Wegovy (semaglutide) requires careful storage to stay safe and effective. But what does this entail, exactly? Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated?

For Wegovy pens, yes — the popular weight loss medication should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F–46°F until its labeled expiration date. But that doesn’t mean it can’t spend some time at room temperature when necessary, such as when traveling back from the pharmacy or even halfway around the world.

The Wegovy pill, on the other hand, is designed to be stored at room temperature and does not need to be refrigerated.

Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of Wegovy storage so you can be sure you’re handling your medication safely at home and on the road. 

Yes, Wegovy pens last the longest when stored in the refrigerator. The Wegovy pill, however, does not need to be refrigerated. 

Ensure that your refrigerator is set to the ideal temperature for storing Wegovy pens: between 36°F and 46°F. 

Once you’re ready to use Wegovy, you can remove it from the fridge and keep it at room temperature so that it is slightly less cold upon injecting. If needed, Wegovy pens can be stored out of the fridge at a room temperature of 46°F–86°F for up to 28 days.

Remember: Because Wegovy pens are single-use, you only need to worry about how to store them before their first use. Once you use a Wegovy pen, dispose of it in a medical sharps container.

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Wegovy pens can be left at room temperature (46°F–86°F) for up to 28 days. Ideally, they should be kept refrigerated. But short periods at room temperature are safe when needed, as long as the pen remains capped.

To help you keep track, write down the date you took the pen out of the fridge — or note the date 28 days later and plan to discard the pen if it hasn’t been used by then. When Wegovy isn’t refrigerated, keep it in its original carton and out of direct sunlight.

If the expiration date (marked with an “EXP” on the pen) is less than 28 days away, only store Wegovy at room temperature for the amount of time remaining before that expiration date.

Wegovy tablets can and should be left out of the fridge. Just make sure to keep them at room temperature (68°F–77°F) and in a dry, moisture-free environment that’s away from light and extreme temperatures. 

Yes, you can inject Wegovy cold, even as soon as you take it out of the refrigerator. However, some people find that doing so can cause stinging at the injection site. Letting the medication sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature may reduce that sensation. 

If you choose to let Wegovy sit at room temperature before your injection, do not place the pen under direct sunlight or use any other method to warm it up. This can cause the medication to degrade or break down. 

If the pen is exposed to temperatures above 86°F, you should discard the pen and use a new one for the injection.

No, Wegovy pens and pills should not be frozen. If the liquid in your Wegovy pen is frozen, throw it away in a sharps container and use a new one — even if the medicine looks normal or has thawed. 

To prevent freezing, do not put either Wegovy pills or pens in the freezer. For pens, set your refrigerator to 36°F–46°F and store your medicine away from cooling elements. 

If traveling with Wegovy pens in a cooler, make sure they don’t touch ice packs directly. Keep a towel or other barrier between the ice and the Wegovy carton. 

At home

Keeping Wegovy pens refrigerated is the best way to help them last until their expiration date, which is labeled with an “EXP” on the pen. 

Follow these tips for safely storing Wegovy pens in the refrigerator:

• Ensure your refrigerator temperature is set to somewhere between 36°F and 46°F.

• Keep Wegovy in its original carton to protect it from light, spills, and crumbs.

• Place the Wegovy carton on an open shelf in your refrigerator away from food, liquids, and any cooling elements. 

• Do not store food, liquid, or other items on top of the Wegovy carton.  

• Avoid storing Wegovy in the refrigerator door or crisper drawers, where the temperature and humidity conditions can change.

Wegovy pills, on the other hand, do not need to be refrigerated and should be stored at room temperature (68°F–77°F). Remember to:

• Keep tablets in the original closed bottle or blister packaging to protect them from light and moisture. 

• Do not store Wegovy pills in any other container. 

• Place Wegovy in a dry place away from moisture.

• Avoid storing Wegovy in the bathroom if it gets too hot and steamy.

While traveling

By car

When traveling by car, bring your Wegovy pens or pills with you and keep them in their original packaging, away from light and extreme temperatures. 

Injectable Wegovy can stay at room temperature (46°F–86°F) for up to 28 days, and oral Wegovy can be kept at 59°F–86°F for short periods of time. But cars and trunks can heat up quickly, so avoid leaving your medication behind when you park. Instead, keep Wegovy in a bag or tote that stays with you. 

If you use a cooler, make sure the Wegovy pens do not touch ice packs, as freezing can make the medication unusable. Placing a towel or barrier between the carton and the ice — or using an insulated medication travel cooler — can help protect the pens.

By plane

You can safely travel with Wegovy pens or pills in your carry-on luggage. Keep pens in their original carton and pills in their original bottle or blister packaging to protect them from light and make screening easier. 

Avoid packing Wegovy in checked luggage, where it may be exposed to extreme temperatures, delays, or loss.

As it’s a prescription drug, Wegovy is exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. However, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer may request to screen Wegovy separately.  Keeping the carton or bottle easily accessible — and bringing a copy of your prescription, if available — can help speed up the process.

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So, does Wegovy need to be refrigerated? Ideally, yes — at least in the case of Wegovy pens. Wegovy tablets should be kept at room temperature. Both forms should be stored away from light and extreme temperatures. If you’re concerned that your medication hasn’t been stored properly, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance.

Here are some more Wegovy storage tips: 

• Wegovy pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F–46°F whenever possible. However, they can be kept at room temperature (46°F–86°F) for up to 28 days, as long as the pens remain capped. 

• The Wegovy pill should be stored at room temperature (68°F–77°F), though the tablets can sustain temperatures of 59°F–86°F for short periods of time. 

• Never freeze Wegovy or expose it to extreme temperatures, as doing so can compromise the medication.

• When traveling, keep Wegovy pens and pills in their original packaging to protect them from light, damage, and temperature extremes. Wegovy pens can also be stored in a cooler —  just avoid placing them directly against any ice packs.

• If traveling by car, keep Wegovy in a bag near you and take it out of the car when you park. If traveling by air, pack Wegovy in your carry-on luggage.

• Once used, Wegovy pens should be safely discarded in a medical sharps container.