Key takeaways:
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that treats Type 2 diabetes in adults. The medication comes in an injection pen that has specific storage requirements.
Unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in the refrigerator, away from the cooling element. The temperature should be between 36°F and 46°F. When stored this way, the pens should last until their expiration date.
After the first use, an Ozempic pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F). It should be stored with the pen cap on and away from excessive heat and sunlight. After it’s opened, an Ozempic pen can last for up to 56 days.
If traveling by plane, bring your Ozempic pens through security with you, instead of packing them in your checked luggage. And if you’re traveling by car, be sure to keep your Ozempic pens in a temperature-controlled environment.
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When you first filled your Ozempic (semaglutide) prescription, your pharmacist likely walked you through the basics — how to inject a dose, what to expect, and more. But you should also know how to store your Ozempic pens properly, in order to get the most from your treatment.
One thing you might not have thought of is what to do with your Ozempic when you’re on the go. But whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply looking for tips to store your Ozempic pens properly, we’ve got you covered.
Below are five things you should know about storing and traveling with Ozempic.
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1. Unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in the refrigerator
Unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in your refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F. Avoid storing your pens near the refrigerator’s cooling element. Otherwise, the medication inside could get too cold or even freeze.
You should also avoid storing your Ozempic pens in your refrigerator door. Since the door may be opened and closed throughout the day, storing your pens here can expose them to fluctuating temperatures.
When unopened Ozempic pens are stored in the refrigerator, they’ll last until their expiration date. You can find the expiration date (listed as “EXP”) on the pen’s label.
What happens if Ozempic isn’t refrigerated before first use?
If your unopened Ozempic pens aren’t stored in the refrigerator before first use, they may not last until their expiration date. The manufacturer can only guarantee a pen will last to the expiration date if it has been stored according to the product’s instructions.
How long your Ozempic pens last may depend on several factors, such as how long they spend outside of the refrigerator. For example, if your new Ozempic pen was only out of the refrigerator for a short period of time, it may still be OK to use. For guidance, contact your pharmacist or call the manufacturer at 1-800-727-6500.
2. Don’t store Ozempic pens in the freezer or use Ozempic pens that have been frozen
You shouldn’t store your Ozempic pens (unopened or opened) in the freezer or near the cooling element in your refrigerator. If you do, the medication inside the injection pen can freeze. This can cause it to start breaking down, potentially making it less effective.
If one of your Ozempic pens freezes, don’t use it — even if it’s thawed and the medication looks OK. Throw it away and use a new pen to inject your dose.
3. You can store open Ozempic pens either in the refrigerator or at room temperature
After using a new Ozempic pen the first time, you can store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F). Kept in either setting, opened Ozempic pens are good for up to 56 days after the first use.
If it has been longer than 56 days since a pen was first used, don’t use it again — even if there’s still enough liquid inside for another dose. If you use an opened Ozempic pen that’s more than 56 days old, it may not work as well and may not be safe to use. Throw it away and use a new Ozempic pen to inject your dose. The same is true if a pen’s expiration date has passed, even if it has been less than 56 days since the first use.
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You can inject Ozempic right after taking it out of the refrigerator. But it’s also OK to remove your Ozempic pen from the refrigerator 30 minutes or so before your dose. This can help you avoid the stinging that can happen from injecting cold Ozempic.
4. Keep your Ozempic pens away from excessive heat and sunlight
Similar to how freezing temperatures can affect Ozempic, excessive heat and sunlight can also damage the medication. This is why it’s important to store your Ozempic pens properly, ensuring they’re safe and effective to use. As part of that, make sure the pen cap is on the pen when it's not in use, in order to protect the medication from direct sunlight.
If you’re receiving Ozempic from a mail-order pharmacy, there’s a chance it may be exposed to extreme temperatures while in transit. Most mail-order pharmacies use special packaging and have processes in place to protect the medication. But you should still examine your prescription package upon receipt.
You may not always be able to tell if an Ozempic pen was exposed to excessive heat. But there are a few signs you can look for, including:
The contents inside the package feel warm.
The ice packs used to keep the medication cold are completely melted.
The medication in the pen’s window looks cloudy or discolored, or you notice particles in the liquid.
What should you do if your Ozempic pen is exposed to heat?
If your Ozempic pen arrives and you think it has been exposed to heat, contact your mail-order pharmacy for next steps. And if the medication in the pen isn’t clear, colorless, and particle-free, throw the pen away regardless.
If you’ve left your Ozempic pen in a hot or sunny environment by mistake, reach out to your pharmacist or call the manufacturer at 1-800-727-6500 to discuss whether it’s still OK to use.
5. Keep Ozempic storage requirements in mind while traveling
Traveling with medication can be complicated — especially when it needs to be kept at a certain temperature. But proper planning can help set you up for success when traveling with Ozempic.
If you’re traveling by plane, bring your Ozempic pens through security in your carry-on luggage
When traveling by plane, avoid putting your Ozempic pens in your checked luggage. Otherwise, they could be exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure in the plane’s cargo hold. Instead, bring them along in your carry-on luggage.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows diabetes-related medications and supplies through security checkpoints. If you’re traveling with Ozempic pens, be sure to separate them from the rest of your belongings as you’re going through screening. And if possible, bring your pens in their original cartons to help security more easily identify the medication.
If you’re bringing unopened Ozempic pens, an insulated travel case (such as those used for insulin pens) can be a good option for keeping them at the right temperature. But avoid packing your pens directly on ice, otherwise they could get too cold or freeze.
Keep in mind that requirements and procedures for traveling with Ozempic may be different if you’re traveling abroad. Check with your destination’s airport or U.S. embassy for more information.
If you’re traveling by car, keep your Ozempic pens in a temperature-controlled environment
When you’re planning a long road trip, it’s important to store Ozempic properly before and after reaching your destination, as well as during any long pit stops.
While driving, you should store unopened Ozempic pens in a container that will help keep them cold during the trip, such as an insulated travel case. And keep your pens (unopened or opened) in the car’s main interior. Don’t put them in luggage that’s kept in your trunk, since the temperature may not be well-controlled.
If you’re taking a long pit stop, avoid leaving your Ozempic pens in the car, especially when there’s warmer weather or below-freezing temperatures. And once you reach your destination, make sure you have access to a refrigerator to store any unopened pens.
Frequently asked questions
After first use, Ozempic pens can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 56 days. But if you accidentally left an unused Ozempic pen out overnight, speak to a healthcare professional before using it. You can also contact the manufacturer directly at 1-800-727-6500.
If you use expired Ozempic, it may not work as well. That’s because the active ingredient, semaglutide, can start breaking down and lose potency over time. The manufacturer can only guarantee stability if the pen is used within the expiration (or in-use) date.
It’s best to stay on schedule with your Ozempic doses to ensure that your blood glucose (sugar) levels are being managed. But if you anticipate missing a dose, talk to your healthcare team for personalized guidance. If you do miss a dose:
Administer it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within 5 days of when you were supposed to take it.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer your next shot on your regular day.
Missing an occasional dose may not cause major problems. But repeated missed doses can make Ozempic less effective.
After first use, Ozempic pens can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 56 days. But if you accidentally left an unused Ozempic pen out overnight, speak to a healthcare professional before using it. You can also contact the manufacturer directly at 1-800-727-6500.
If you use expired Ozempic, it may not work as well. That’s because the active ingredient, semaglutide, can start breaking down and lose potency over time. The manufacturer can only guarantee stability if the pen is used within the expiration (or in-use) date.
It’s best to stay on schedule with your Ozempic doses to ensure that your blood glucose (sugar) levels are being managed. But if you anticipate missing a dose, talk to your healthcare team for personalized guidance. If you do miss a dose:
Administer it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within 5 days of when you were supposed to take it.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer your next shot on your regular day.
Missing an occasional dose may not cause major problems. But repeated missed doses can make Ozempic less effective.
What happens if semaglutide gets warm?
If injectable semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) gets too warm (above 86°F), it may not work as well. This is because the medication may start to break down. If you left your pen in a hot place or you’re unsure how warm it got, check with your pharmacist before using it.
The bottom line
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that has specific storage requirements. Unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in the refrigerator, ensuring they last until their expiration date. After the first use, a pen can be stored in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) or at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) for up to 56 days.
If you’re traveling with Ozempic, you still need to follow these storage instructions. For air travel, bring your Ozempic pens through security in your carry-on luggage. If you’re taking a long road trip, keep your Ozempic pens in the car’s main interior instead of packed in luggage that’s stored in the trunk.
If you have any questions about storing your Ozempic pens, or if they’re still safe to use, reach out to your pharmacist.
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References
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). What can I bring with me on the plane.
Novo Nordisk. (2025). Ozempic semaglutide injection [package insert].
