Quick Answer: An unopened Ozempic pen should stay refrigerated, but once in use, it can be kept at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for up to 56 days. If left out overnight in normal room conditions, it's likely still fine. However, if exposed to heat or left out for too long, you may need a replacement. Read on for all the details!
Oops-you just realized you left your Ozempic pen out overnight, or maybe even longer. Now, you're wondering: Is it still safe to use? Will it still work? Do I need a new pen?
Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people have found themselves in this situation. Proper storage is essential for keeping Ozempic effective, but depending on how long it's been unrefrigerated and at what temperature, you might not need to toss it just yet.
In this guide, we'll cover how long Ozempic can be left out, what happens if it's not refrigerated, and what to do if you forgot to refrigerate your injection pens. We'll also go over ways to prevent this from happening in the future and answer frequently asked questions.
Understanding Ozempic: Why Proper Storage Matters
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and helps regulate insulin production.
Like many injectable medications, Ozempic contains active biological ingredients, namely semaglutide, that require proper storage to maintain their potency. Incorrect storage can degrade these ingredients, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential risks to your health.
Storage Guidelines
Let's start with the basics-how should Ozempic be stored in the first place to keep it effective? According to Novo Nordisk, its manufacturer:
❄️ Unopened Ozempic Pens (Before use)
- Store in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and use before printed expiration date.
- Keep away from direct light and do not freeze.
- If unrefrigerated (below 86°F / 30°C), it's safe for up to 56 days.
🌡️ Opened Ozempic Pens (In Use)
- Once you start using a pen, it no longer needs refrigeration.
- It can be safely stored at room temperature or back in the fridge for up to 56 days.
- Do not expose to heat above 86°F / 30°C!
Related article: Ozempic and Heat: What Happens if Your Ozempic Pen Gets Too Warm?
So, what happens if you accidentally left your Ozempic out? Let's break it down.
First: How Long Can Ozempic Be Left Unrefrigerated?
This depends on whether your Ozempic pen is opened or unopened and how warm the environment was.
🕒 If Ozempic is Unopened
- If it's been out of the fridge for just a few minutes, it's perfectly fine. You can store it back in the fridge and used before expiration date.
- If stored at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for longer than a few hours, it is still safe for use but must be used within 56 days max.
- If left in extreme heat (over 86°F / 30°C), its effectiveness may be compromised. Do not use it.
🕒 If Ozempic is Opened (In Use)
- It can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 56 days.
- If exposed to excessive heat, it may lose potency earlier.
If you're unsure how long it's been unrefrigerated or whether it was exposed to high temperatures, keep reading to learn what signs to look for.
I Left My Ozempic Out Overnight - Is It Still Safe?
The good news? In most cases, yes! If your Ozempic pen was left out overnight but the temperature stayed below 86°F (30°C), it should still be safe to use, but within 56 days only!
🚨 However, you should be cautious if:
- The pen was left in a hot car, near a heater, or in direct sunlight.
- It was exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C).
- You notice any changes in color or consistency.
When in doubt, it's always best to check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using it.
Related article: How to Travel with Ozempic: Travel Cases and Flying Tips!
What to Do If You Forgot to Refrigerate Your Ozempic?
So, you forgot to put your Ozempic back in the fridge last night or maybe for even longer. Now what?
⏳ Check how long it's been out - If it's been less than 56 days at room temperature, it's still fine. However, you must use it within 56 days max.
🌡️ Assess the temperature - If it stayed below 86°F (30°C), it's likely safe to use.
🔍 Look for changes - If the pen looks different, cloudy, or off, don't use it.
❓ When in doubt, replace it - If you're unsure, consult a pharmacist or doctor before using it.
What Happens When Ozempic Is Not Refrigerated?
If Ozempic is not refrigerated for too long or exposed to high temperatures, it may lose its effectiveness and no longer provide the intended blood sugar control benefits. Potential risks and consequences include:
❌ Reduced potency - If left unrefrigerated for more than 56 days, Ozempic is considered expired and may not work as well, leading to fluctuating blood sugar levels and potentially impacting diabetes management.
❌ Wasted medication - Once the medication loses its effectiveness, you may need to discard it, leading to financial loss and inconvenience.
❌ Possible health risks - Using ineffective Ozempic could result in poor blood sugar control, increasing the risk of prolonged hyperglycemia and diabetes-related complications.
How to Make Sure You Don't Forget to Refrigerate Your Ozempic Pens
✅ Set reminders on your phone - Use alarms or calendar notifications to remind yourself to place your Ozempic back in the fridge when you get back from the pharmacy or after use.
✅ Store it in a designated spot - Always keep your Ozempic in the same place in your fridge so you don't misplace it.
✅ Use a labeled storage container - Keeping your Ozempic in a clearly labeled bin can serve as a visual reminder.
✅ Post a note on your fridge - A simple sticky note on the fridge door can be a helpful reminder to return your pen after use.
✅ Use an Ozempic Travel Case Cooler when out - If you're on the go, use a travel cooler to maintain the correct temperature until you reach a refrigerator.
✅ Check before bedtime - Make it a habit to verify that your Ozempic is properly stored before going to sleep.
Related article: Ozempic Pen Not Working: Malfunctions and Troubleshooting Steps!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still use Ozempic if I accidentally left it out overnight?
Yes, as long as the temperature was below 86°F (30°C), your Ozempic pen should still be safe to use. The medication remains effective for up to 56 days at room temperature.
However, if you are unsure or if the pen was exposed to extreme heat, it's best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
What should I do if my Ozempic was left in a hot car?
If your Ozempic pen was left in a car where temperatures exceeded 86°F (30°C), there is a risk that the medication has degraded and lost its effectiveness. High temperatures can break down the active ingredients, making it less effective at controlling blood sugar. If you suspect it was exposed to extreme heat, you should discard the pen and use a new one.
Related article: Ozempic and Heat: What Happens if Your Ozempic Pen Gets Too Warm?
Can I put Ozempic back in the fridge after leaving it out?
Yes, you can put Ozempic back in the fridge, but only if it was stored at a temperature below 86°F (30°C) and for less than 56 days. If it was left out for an extended period or in excessive heat, refrigeration will not restore its potency. Be sure to keep track of how long your pen has been at room temperature to avoid using an ineffective dose.
How can I tell if my Ozempic has gone bad?
Ozempic is normally a clear, colorless solution. If you notice any changes in color, cloudiness, or unusual particles, do not use the pen. Additionally, if the pen was exposed to high heat or freezing temperatures, its effectiveness might be compromised. When in doubt, replace it with a new pen to ensure safe and effective blood sugar management.
What is the shelf life of Ozempic?
An unopened Ozempic pen should be stored in the refrigerator and is good until the expiration date printed on the packaging. Once opened, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 56 days but must be kept below 86°F (30°C). To maximize the effectiveness of your medication, always follow the recommended storage guidelines and track your usage timeline.
Key Takeaways
✅ Unopened Ozempic should be refrigerated but can last 56 days at room temperature.
✅ Once in use, Ozempic no longer needs refrigeration but must be kept below 86°F (30°C).
✅ If left out overnight at a normal temperature, it's still safe to use but within 56 days.
✅ If exposed to extreme heat, even briefly, it may lose effectiveness and should be replaced.
✅ When in doubt, check with a healthcare professional before using.
We'd Love to Hear from You!
💬 Have you ever forgotten to refrigerate your Ozempic? What did you do? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below! Your insights could help others who find themselves in the same situation.
