Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes—alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as stroke, heart attack, or death, in adults with diabetes and heart disease. In some cases, it may be prescribed off-label to help with weight loss. 

Ozempic comes in pre-filled pens that must be stored according to specific guidelines in order to remain effective.  One of the most common questions someone starting Ozempic may have is: Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated? The answer is yes, but it will depend on how long you’ve had the pen, how many times (if any) you’ve used it, and whether you are traveling. 

We spoke with Ro clinician Yael Cooperman, MD, to discuss when to refrigerate your pen and how to keep it as effective as possible. Continue reading for the best ways to store Ozempic and how to travel with your medication.

Ozempic should be refrigerated (kept between 36°F and 46°F) until the first use. It is a good idea to avoid storing your pen in the fridge door since it opens and closes throughout the day, meaning the pen may not stay cool enough. Similarly, keep Ozempic pens away from cooling elements, which could get too cold. 

After using the prefilled pen for the first time, you can then store it at either room temperature (59°F to 86°F) or in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) for up to 56 days. Don’t put the medication in the freezer at any time. 

When an Ozempic pen freezes, the medicine breaks down, making it less effective. Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, recommends discarding your Ozempic if it has frozen.  

Whether you store Ozempic in the fridge or at room temperature, it’s best to keep it away from light and heat. To protect the medicine from light, you should replace the pen cap after each dose. 

Any unused Ozempic pens can remain in the refrigerator (or at room temperature after first use) until they reach the expiration date on the label. Ozempic will expire 56 days after the pen’s first use and should be properly disposed of, even if medicine remains in the pen. It’s recommended that you keep track of this date so you know when it’s time to start a new pen. Always dispose of expired pens, even if they’re unused and properly stored in the fridge.

Any new, unused Ozempic pens should be kept refrigerated, between 36°F and 46°F. Unopened pens stay good in the fridge until their labeled expiration date. Once you’ve opened a pen, you can keep it at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) or in the fridge for up to 56 days. After that, discard it, even if there’s some left.

To keep your Ozempic pen working well, here are some simple storage tips:

• Avoid keeping Ozempic pens in the fridge door, where temperatures can fluctuate.

• Don’t put Ozempic near the fridge's cooling elements, which are usually located in the back wall or ceiling, as these spots can get too cold.

• Don’t freeze Ozempic, and if it does freeze, don’t use it.

• Keep the pen away from light and heat, and make sure the cap is on when you’re not using it.  

Can you inject Ozempic cold?

As soon as you take Ozempic out of the refrigerator, you can use it. While injecting Ozempic cold is perfectly safe, you may experience some stinging at the injection site. Keeping your Ozempic pen at room temperature after it's opened may make your injection more comfortable. 

I left my Ozempic out overnight—what should I do? The answer depends on whether you’ve used at least one dose or if the pen is new. 

If your Ozempic pen was left out overnight and you have already used at least one dose of it, you can continue to use it—a used Ozempic pen can be left at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) for up to 56 days after being used for the first time. 

However, Ozempic should always be stored in the refrigerator until its first use. If you left your Ozempic pen out overnight before its first use, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using it. They may recommend that you dispose of that pen and start a new one before your next weekly injection. This is because the drug may not work as intended if it’s not been handled properly. If you have questions on whether your Ozempic is safe to use, you can also call the manufacturer at 1-800-727-6500.

 No matter how you store the pen, it should be clear and colorless before and throughout use. If it’s not (or if it feels warm or frozen), you may want to contact your doctor before using the pen. Any signs that medicine isn’t working, such as high blood glucose, may also be a sign a pen is no longer effective. 

How to dispose of Ozempic, if necessary

Ozempic comes with Novofine pen needles. You’ll use a new one for each injection. After use, you should not toss the needles in the trash. Instead, dispose of Ozempic (or any medication with needles and syringes) in a sharps disposal container. The same container should be used for all blister packs, cartridges, pens, and vials. 

Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has a free sharps disposal program to make this process easier. After you fill out a request form, Novo Nordisk will send you the proper disposal container. Once it is full, follow your state or town’s guidelines for disposing of these containers which may include dropping them off at a safe box or scheduling a special waste pick up service. 

Traveling with Ozempic isn’t the same as vacationing with other medications or supplements. If you are traveling with unopened pens, an insulated travel case, similar to the ones used for insulin pens, is a good way to keep your pens effective while traveling. You can store a pen that’s already been opened in an insulated container or at room temperature. 

If traveling by plane, you’ll have to separate Ozempic from the rest of your carry-on items when going through security. You may also want to travel with your prescription-labeled Ozempic carton. Also, it’s best to store Ozempic in a carry-on, not a checked bag, since luggage can be delayed or lost, and you can’t control the temperature of a plane’s cargo hold area. 

Once you arrive at your destination, you should transfer your unopened pens to a refrigerator for the duration of your trip. 

If you’re using your Ozempic pen for the first time, you can reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for tips or read through the manufacturer instructions. Here are the steps to inject an Ozempic pen correctly: 

1. Wash your hands with soap and water, and remove the Ozempic pen cap

2. Attach a new needle to your pen 

3. Clean the area of skin where you'll be injecting with an alcohol swab and allow it to fully air dry.

4. Insert the Ozempic needle into your skin at the chosen injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).

5. Press the dose button and hold it down until the 0 mg mark aligns with the dose indicator.

6. Keep the button pressed and the needle in place for six seconds to ensure the entire dose is delivered.

7. With your thumb still on the button, carefully withdraw the needle from your skin.

You can take Ozempic with or without food, and you can alternate injection sites each week if you are experiencing soreness. If you have any questions about taking Ozempic, reach out to your pharmacist or provider. 

The right way to store Ozempic comes down to whether the pen is used or unused. Unused pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. After first use, they can be stored in a refrigerator (again, between 36°F and 46°F) or at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F). If not stored properly, Ozempic may not be as effective and may expire before its set expiration date. 

If you have questions about storing your Ozempic medication, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare professional. They will provide medical advice, review possible side effects, and help answer any questions you may have to ensure you get the best results from your prescription diabetes medication.