Key takeaways:
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication that comes in an injection pen. Each Wegovy pen is only used one time, but you’ll need to store it properly before use.
If stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F, a Wegovy pen should last until its expiration date. If stored at room temperature between 46°F and 86°F, a Wegovy pen is good for up to 28 days.
Keep your Wegovy pens away from direct sunlight and out of extreme hot or cold temperatures. This may affect how well Wegovy works.
Always keep your Wegovy pens in your carry-on luggage while traveling. This way you can prevent it from getting lost or exposed to extreme temperature changes.
Traveling can be fun, but it can also require some planning — especially if you take medications with special storage requirements. And if you’ve been prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide), you may be looking for tips to help keep your medication safe while you’re on-the-go.
Knowing the basic Wegovy storage requirements is a good place to start. But what happens if you need to board a plane or take a long road trip? Whether you’re storing Wegovy at home or planning to travel, we’ve got you covered with five tips for storing and traveling with Wegovy.
1. Unopened Wegovy pens last longest if they’re stored in the refrigerator
If stored properly in the refrigerator, Wegovy pens should last until their expiration date (labeled as EXP on a Wegovy pen). But there are some “do’s and don’ts” when storing Wegovy in the refrigerator:
Wegovy should be refrigerated at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Before storing Wegovy in your refrigerator, make sure its temperature is within the proper range.
Keep Wegovy in its original carton. Keeping Wegovy in its original carton can help protect it from light. Exposure to light may cause the medication inside the pen to break down and prevent it from working properly.
Place Wegovy away from other refrigerated items. Don’t stack food or liquid items on top of your Wegovy carton. This will help prevent potential spills or contamination.
Avoid shelving Wegovy on the refrigerator door. The temperature in this area can fluctuate as the refrigerator door is opened and closed throughout the day.
Keep Wegovy away from the cooling element. The safest place to keep Wegovy in the middle of the refrigerator shelves. Putting it too close to the cooling element can cause it to freeze, which can affect how well Wegovy works.
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Each Wegovy pen is used one time before it’s thrown away. So, you only need to be worried about storing new Wegovy pens before use.
Don’t want to inject Wegovy cold? It’s OK to take your Wegovy pen out of the refrigerator before you inject your dose. This allows the medication to come to room temperature, which can lessen stinging from the injection.
2. Unopened Wegovy pens can also be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days
Sometimes, refrigeration isn’t possible. For example, your refrigerator may stop working or you may be traveling. In these cases, you can store Wegovy in its original carton at room temperature (46°F to 86°F) for up to 28 days. You can keep track of this date by writing it on the carton or putting a reminder on your calendar.
Note: If the expiration date on the Wegovy pen is sooner than 28 days, you shouldn’t use the pen beyond the expiration date.
3. Don’t store Wegovy pens in the freezer or use Wegovy pens that have been frozen
Never store Wegovy pens in the freezer. The extreme cold temperature can cause the medication inside the pen to break down and not work properly. This can also happen if you put Wegovy directly on ice or ice packs.
Ice packs may seem like a good idea to keep Wegovy cool. But direct exposure to ice can freeze the medication. If you want to use ice packs in a cooler, make sure there’s a barrier (like a towel) so the ice and Wegovy pens aren’t directly touching.
If you accidentally freeze your Wegovy pen, don’t attempt to thaw it. Even if the thawed medication appears normal, it may not actually be effective. Throw away any frozen or thawed Wegovy pens and use a new pen instead.
4. Keep your Wegovy pens away from excessive heat and direct sunlight
Wegovy should always be kept away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Since Wegovy is sensitive to heat and light, these conditions can affect how well it works.
Ideally, you should keep Wegovy in cool, dry places inside the house. Avoid putting it near bright windows or on hot surfaces, such as in the kitchen or outdoors. And you shouldn’t store Wegovy in a humid or steamy environment, such as the bathroom. To protect the medication from direct sunlight, keep the cap on your Wegovy pen until just prior to use.
Injection tips: Here’s how to inject Wegovy, plus other tips for getting the best results.
Wegovy side effects: Do you feel nauseated after injecting Wegovy? Learn more about potential Wegovy side effects and what you can do to find relief.
A natural boost: Medications like Wegovy work by mimicking a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). But did you know that there are foods and supplements that can increase GLP-1 naturally?
Remember to always check the Wegovy pen window prior to injecting your dose. If the liquid inside appears cloudy or has particles, don’t use it. It’s possible that it has been exposed to extreme temperatures or light. Throw that pen out and use a new Wegovy pen instead.
What should you do if your Wegovy pen is exposed to heat?
If your Wegovy pen is mailed or delivered at a warm temperature, or if you’re concerned about accidentally exposing it to heat, call your pharmacist. You can also call the Wegovy helpline at 1-833-493-4689 for guidance.
5. Keep Wegovy storage requirements in mind while traveling
Taking Wegovy on trips may seem like a challenge because of how it should be stored. But it just takes a little planning to set yourself up for success.
Bring your Wegovy pens through security in your carry-on luggage if you’re traveling by plane
Always bring your Wegovy pens with you in your carry-on luggage while traveling by plane. If it’s packed in your checked luggage, it may be exposed to extreme temperatures or pressure in the plane’s cargo hold. What’s more, it could get lost if your luggage doesn’t make it to your destination.
Wegovy may require special inspection at the airport since the pens contain liquid medication.
It may help to bring the medication carton, your prescription, or a note from your healthcare professional to show airport personnel, if needed.
Pro tip: Keep your Wegovy pens and supplies stored in a separate bag when traveling by plane. If you’re asked to check your bag, you can easily separate it from the rest of your belongings.
For long road trips, keep your Wegovy pens in a temperature-controlled environment
For long road trips, keep your Wegovy with you in the main interior of the car. It’s best to avoid storing Wegovy in the car’s trunk, where temperatures can be extreme. And if you have long stops while traveling, try to carry your Wegovy pens with you. Leaving Wegovy in the car or your luggage may expose it to temperatures that make it less effective.
You can also use a medication cooler bag or portable refrigerator with a temperature reader. It may give you peace of mind knowing your medication is in the recommended temperature range while on the road.
Frequently asked questions
You can inject Wegovy in one of three areas: the stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), upper arm, or front of the thigh. Since the upper arm is more difficult to reach, it’s best to have someone else give you the injection there. Be sure to change where you inject each time. You can use the same general body area, but don’t use the exact same spot.
Wegovy comes in a single-use injection pen that contains your prescribed dose. To administer Wegovy, follow these general steps:
Select your injection site (stomach, upper arm, or front of thigh).
Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
Remove the Wegovy pen cap and place the pen firmly against your skin.
Apply pressure, which will cause the needle to deploy and the yellow bar to start moving. You’ll hear a click once the injection starts, followed by a second click.
Continue applying pressure until the yellow bar stops.
Remove the pen from your skin and throw it away in a sharps container.
Each Wegovy pen contains one dose. So you’ll use it one time and throw it away afterward. Don’t attempt to break open the Wegovy pen to split your dose or remove any remaining liquid. This can introduce germs into the medication, which can increase the risk of getting an infection.
You can inject Wegovy in one of three areas: the stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), upper arm, or front of the thigh. Since the upper arm is more difficult to reach, it’s best to have someone else give you the injection there. Be sure to change where you inject each time. You can use the same general body area, but don’t use the exact same spot.
Wegovy comes in a single-use injection pen that contains your prescribed dose. To administer Wegovy, follow these general steps:
Select your injection site (stomach, upper arm, or front of thigh).
Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
Remove the Wegovy pen cap and place the pen firmly against your skin.
Apply pressure, which will cause the needle to deploy and the yellow bar to start moving. You’ll hear a click once the injection starts, followed by a second click.
Continue applying pressure until the yellow bar stops.
Remove the pen from your skin and throw it away in a sharps container.
Each Wegovy pen contains one dose. So you’ll use it one time and throw it away afterward. Don’t attempt to break open the Wegovy pen to split your dose or remove any remaining liquid. This can introduce germs into the medication, which can increase the risk of getting an infection.
The bottom line
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that requires special storage. If you store Wegovy in the refrigerator (at 36°F to 46°F), you can use it until the expiration date on the pen. At room temperature (46°F and 86°F), a Wegovy pen is good for up to 28 days.
You’ll want to avoid extreme temperatures when traveling with Wegovy. If you’re traveling by plane, keep your Wegovy pens with you in your carry-on luggage. The cargo hold area of the plane may be too cold for Wegovy. And for long road trips, don’t leave your Wegovy in your luggage or the trunk of the car.
If you ever have any concerns about Wegovy storage or whether your pen is still OK to use, contact your pharmacist or the manufacturer for guidance.
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References
Novo Nordisk. (2024). Wegovy semaglutide injection [package insert].
Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). Disabilities and medical conditions.
