Key takeaways
Traveling with semaglutide requires a bit of planning since the medication needs to be stored at specific temperatures, but it’s very doable.
Use a travel cooler with ice packs to keep your medication cool, but not frozen.
Always pack semaglutide in a bag you’ll have with you, such as your carry-on, and keep it away from sunlight or heat.
Here's what we'll cover
Here's what we'll cover
Key takeaways
Traveling with semaglutide requires a bit of planning since the medication needs to be stored at specific temperatures, but it’s very doable.
Use a travel cooler with ice packs to keep your medication cool, but not frozen.
Always pack semaglutide in a bag you’ll have with you, such as your carry-on, and keep it away from sunlight or heat.
If you’ve been taking a semaglutide drug, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, you likely already know that it comes with specific storage instructions — namely, that it should be stored in the refrigerator until first use. Rybelsus, the oral form of semaglutide, should be stored at room temperature in a dry place.
But what if you’re going on vacation? Here’s how to travel with semaglutide, whether you’re flying across the country or sailing the seven seas.
How to travel with semaglutide
Traveling with semaglutide requires a bit of planning, but it’s very doable. Follow these tips to keep your medication at the ideal temperature during road trips and plane travel:
Review the medication’s storage instructions before your trip
Store semaglutide in its original container, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight
Keep semaglutide pens cool by storing them in an insulated bag with an ice pack
Pack extra doses if you have them on hand and room in your bag
If traveling by plane, pack semaglutide in your carry-on and declare it at the TSA checkpoint
Now, let’s dig a little bit deeper into each guideline so you can travel with your meds like a pro.
1. Review the medication’s storage instructions before you go
Each version of semaglutide — be it Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or compounded — should come with a package insert that tells you how to safely store the medication, including the ideal storage temperatures. Review this information before your trip. It’s important to keep semaglutide stored under these conditions to ensure the medication doesn’t get altered and become less effective or unsafe to use.
Here are the recommended storage conditions for different versions of semaglutide.
2. Keep semaglutide away from sunlight and heat
As you can see, injectable semaglutide has very specific temperature requirements. Keep Ozempic and Wegovy in its original carton to protect the medication from direct sunlight. The same goes for Rybelsus tablets — keep them stored in the original bottle dispensed by your pharmacy to protect them from light.
Be aware that even if something is out of the sun, it can still get quite hot, especially when you're traveling. That means spots like your trunk, glove compartment, and the overhead storage area on a plane are all unsuitable options. Instead, keep your semaglutide with you in a climate-controlled area, if possible, such as the seat next to you or the storage space beneath the seat in front of you.
3. Bring ice packs to keep your medication cool
Generally, injectable semaglutide should be kept refrigerated. That’s not always possible with travel, though, which is where ice packs and an insulated bag or cooler come in handy.
Pack your semaglutide in a travel cooler or another insulated bag, and use ice packs to keep it refrigerated. Just don’t place your medication right next to the ice packs, since you don’t want it to freeze.
If you’re traveling with an Ozempic pen that’s already in use or Rybelsus, you don’t need to worry about keeping it cold. All you need to do is store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from moisture.
FYI, both freezer packs and gel ice packs are allowed in your carry-on luggage, as long as they are frozen solid. And on that note…
4. Store semaglutide in your carry-on
If you’re traveling by plane, keep your semaglutide with you in your carry-on luggage, preferably in your personal item bag (such as a purse or backpack). This way, you can not only easily declare it at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, if necessary, but also ensure the medication stays at the right temperature.
Never pack semaglutide in your checked baggage, as the temperature in the cargo hold can vary and luggage can get delayed or lost. Moreover, you don’t know how long your checked bags will be stuck on the tarmac, where they can be exposed to elements such as snow, freezing winds, sunlight, and extreme heat.
5. Pack extra doses if you have room
Things can go awry during travel. If you have space, consider packing extra medication, just in case. If your semaglutide gets too close to an ice pack or is exposed to heat, you want to have a backup you can use instead. If you’re traveling with Rybelsus, bringing a few extra doses can be helpful in case you experience any travel delays.
6. Declare your medication at TSA
If you’re traveling by plane, you may need to declare your medication at the TSA checkpoint for inspection. It usually isn’t necessary to declare or notify the TSA agent that you’re traveling with pill-form medicines, such as Rybelsus tablets. But be ready to present those that are in liquid form, such as semaglutide, for screening. At the checkpoint, remove your semaglutide from your bag and place it in one of the bins or bowls. Be aware that agents may perform additional screening tests. But don’t worry; these should only take a handful of minutes and should not affect the medication.
Pack your semaglutide in its original carton so the TSA agent can clearly see the label. If you’re packing Ozempic or using a semaglutide vial, also make sure that any syringes and needles are clearly labeled. These are only allowed through security when they’re packed with an injectable medication, like Wegovy or Ozempic. Keeping things labelled will make it easier for the TSA agent — and, in turn, you — to get through the screening process.
Medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule, but if you’re traveling internationally, the regulations may be different. Review the rules for traveling with liquid medication for any international airports included in your travels.
7. Pack your prescription
You know what can make declaring your medication at TSA easier? Having your prescription from your healthcare provider.
Bringing your prescription along is a smart idea when traveling in general. If any of your semaglutide pens or vials get exposed to extreme temperatures, and you need a refill, that’s much easier to do when you have your prescription with you.
For long trips (four or more weeks), have a plan in place for refilling your prescription. Before you leave, talk to your healthcare provider and pharmacist to see if you can fill a longer prescription before you head out. If you’ll be away for longer than a month, see if it’s possible to transfer your prescription to a pharmacy at your destination, if you’re staying within the US.
Know that for international travel, many countries allow you to pack a 30-day supply, but you must also bring a prescription or medical certificate from your healthcare provider. It’s also important to know that some medications, including compounded semaglutide, may be banned or restricted in other countries, even if they’re legal in the US. To avoid issues, check with your destination’s embassy to make sure your medications are allowed.
8. Be aware of any time changes
Both Ozempic and Wegovy should be injected weekly, on the same day each week. You can take Wegovy or Ozempic at any time of day, so long as it is the same day each week.
If you’re traveling on your injection day, plan ahead when you want to inject semaglutide. If you don’t have time for an injection prior to departure, you may want to set a reminder on your phone to inject your dose of semaglutide once you arrive — just so you don’t forget in the haze of travel.
How long can semaglutide be left unrefrigerated?
How long semaglutide can be left unrefrigerated — and at what temperature — depends on the version of the drug. In general, however, Wegovy can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days, and Ozempic can be stored at room temperature for up to 56 days after you’ve first used the pen.
Ozempic: Before first use, pens should be kept in the refrigerator ( 36°F–46°F) until the labeled expiration date. After first use, pens can be stored for up to 56 days at room temperature (59°F–86°F).
Wegovy: Before first use, pens should be stored in a refrigerator ( 36°F–46°F) until the labeled expiration date or at a temperature of 46°F–86°F for up to 28 days.
Rybelsus: Store at a cool-ish room temperature (68°F–77°F) until the labeled expiration date. Keep it in its original bottle in a dry place away from moisture.
Compounded semaglutide: Guidelines can vary, so check the package insert included with your medication and consult the pharmacy if needed.
Accidentally left your semaglutide out of the fridge? Whether or not the medication is still safe also depends on the specific brand-name drug:
Ozempic can stay stable at room temperature (59°F–86°F) for up to 56 days after its first use. If your unrefrigerated pen is new, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using it.
Wegovy can sit at room temperature (59°F–86°F) for up to 28 days before its first use. (Remember: Wegovy is a single-use product.)
While both Ozempic and Wegovy can technically handle some time out of the fridge, neither should be used if they’ve been frozen or exposed to extreme heat or light. Additionally, they should not be used if they contain particles or if the medication looks cloudy or colored.
How do you keep semaglutide cold while traveling?
To keep semaglutide cold while traveling, pack your medication in its original carton and store it inside a travel cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. Do not place it directly next to the ice pack to avoid freezing.
When traveling with semaglutide, keep the bag containing it near you and within your eyesight. You don’t want to stow it away in a place where it can get overheated, such as your glove compartment, trunk, or checked luggage. Instead, keep the cooler bag with you in your carry-on bag.
What to do if you miss a dose of semaglutide while traveling
If you miss a dose of semaglutide while traveling, don’t beat yourself up. Here’s what to do to stay on track with your injections:
If you miss a dose of Ozempic, take your missed dose as soon as you remember within five days. If it’s been more than five days since your missed dose, skip that dose altogether and take your next dose as scheduled on your normal injection day.
If you miss a dose of Wegovy, take your missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as your next dose is at least two days (48 hours) away. If your next scheduled dose is less than two days away, skip the missed dose altogether and take your next dose as scheduled on the normal day.
If you miss a dose of compounded semaglutide, refer to the instructions included with your medication; guidelines can vary.
If you miss a dose of Rybelsus, skip that dose and take your next dose as scheduled the following day.
If you miss two or more doses of semaglutide, contact your healthcare provider. They may have you restart the medication at a lower dose and slowly increase it over time to help prevent nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects.
Bottom line
Semaglutide can go with you wherever you go, as long as you plan ahead. Whether you're flying or driving, it's important to keep your medication cool, protected, and accessible throughout your trip. Follow these steps to make sure you don’t miss a dose while on vacation — and have a nice trip!
Review the package insert for your specific version of semaglutide and follow the temperature storage guidelines carefully. Ideally, Ozempic and Wegovy should be kept refrigerated at a temperature of 36°F–46°F. After first use, Ozempic can be stored at room temperature for up to 56 days, while unopened Wegovy can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
Both injectable and oral semaglutide should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, such as high heat in trunks and glove compartments in cars and cargo hold in planes.
Use a small travel cooler or insulated bag with ice packs while traveling with injectable semaglutide, like Ozempic and Wegovy. But make sure your medication is separate from (read: not directly next to) the ice packs to avoid freezing.
When traveling by plane, always store semaglutide in your carry-on luggage. Be ready to declare it at airport security with its original packaging and your prescription.
To avoid missing a dose, set reminders for your injection day, especially if you're crossing time zones or have a packed itinerary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I take my semaglutide on the plane?
Yes, you absolutely can take semaglutide on the plane. You just want to make sure you’re keeping your medication refrigerated, so you can pack it in a travel cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. (Don’t pack the semaglutide right next to the ice packs, though, as you don’t want it to freeze.) Pack your semaglutide in your carry-on, and place it in a separate bin at the TSA checkpoint. Medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule but may require additional screening.
Can I skip a week of semaglutide for vacation?
No, ideally, you should never skip a week of Wegovy or Ozempic, whether for vacation or otherwise. However, you can change your injection day to accommodate your travels, if needed. For Wegovy or Ozempic, you can choose any day, as long as your last dose was at least two days (48 hours) prior.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ozempic Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Wegovy Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). Traveling Abroad with Medicine | Travelers’ Health | CDC. Retrieved from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-abroad-with-medicine
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-a). (n.d.). Disabilities and Medical Conditions | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/disabilities-and-medical-conditions
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-b). (n.d.). Freezer packs | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/freezer-packs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-c). (n.d.). Gel Ice Packs | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/gel-ice-packs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-d). (n.d.). I am traveling with medication, are there any requirements I should be aware of? | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/i-am-traveling-medication-are-there-any-requirements-i-should-be
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-e). (n.d.). Travel Tips | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-f). (n.d.). Unused syringes | Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/unused-syringes
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2025). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/209637s025lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA-a). (2024). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets, for oral use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/213051Orig1s020,213051Orig1s021lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA-b). (2024). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/215256s015lbl.pdf
