Quick answer: For safe Ozempic storage, refrigerate before first use. After opening, you can keep your Ozempic pens at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C) for up to 56 days. Always store it properly to ensure it stays safe and effective.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication injected once a week to help regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It has also become widely known for its role in weight management.
Like many medications that contain delicate ingredients, proper Ozempic storage is crucial to maintaining your medication's effectiveness and safety.
Improper storage can lead to wasted doses, reduced effectiveness, and unexpected health risks. If you're using Ozempic or planning to start, here's everything you need to know to store it correctly at home, keeping it safe and working as it should.
Related article: Is Your Semaglutide Safe? Storage Tips You Need to Know!
Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Ozempic needs to be refrigerated before first use. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, you should store unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This helps preserve the stability of the active ingredient, semaglutide.
Once a pen has been opened and you've used your first dose, you have more flexibility. You can either continue to store it in the fridge or keep it at room temperature, as long as the temperature doesn't exceed 86°F (30°C), for up to 56 days.
Related article: Can You Inject Ozempic Cold Straight From The Fridge?
What happens if Ozempic is not refrigerated before its first use?
Ozempic must be refrigerated before first use because it is a biological drug. The medication's main ingredient, semaglutide, is a temperature-sensitive peptide that needs to be stored in a cold environment, specifically between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C), to maintain its potency.
If Ozempic is not refrigerated, especially before its first use, the stability of its active ingredient, semaglutide, can be compromised, reducing the effectiveness of the medication. Refrigeration is critical for biologic drugs like Ozempic, as it helps slow down chemical reactions that lead to degradation and protects the integrity of the product.
Here's what can happen when semaglutide is exposed to higher temperatures:
❌ Protein instability: Semaglutide is a peptide-based drug. Peptides are made up of chains of amino acids, which are sensitive to heat. When not refrigerated, these protein structures can start to unfold or degrade, making the medication less effective or inactive altogether.
❌ Chemical degradation: Warmer temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions that naturally occur in semaglutide, leading to faster breakdown. This means the potency of Ozempic decreases, which can impact its ability to regulate your blood sugar levels effectively.
❌ Microbial growth: Biological medications are also vulnerable to microbial contamination. Without proper refrigeration, warm temperatures may encourage bacteria or other microorganisms to grow in the medication, which can pose serious safety concerns. Keeping Ozempic in the fridge helps prevent microbial contamination and maintains the sterility of the solution you're injecting.
❌ Loss of efficacy: Ultimately, if Ozempic isn't kept in the fridge before its first use, or if it's exposed to heat for too long afterward, it may lose partial or total efficacy. This means it won't work as expected to help control your blood sugar levels, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Ozempic: Best Travel Cases, Storage Tips, and Flying Guidelines
How long does Ozempic last in the fridge?
Ozempic lasts in the fridge until its printed expiration date, as long as it remains unopened and stored at the right temperature. After opening, the 56-day timer applies regardless of whether you continue to store it in the fridge or not.
Always check the expiration date on your Ozempic pens and write the date you first used the pen right on the box or a sticky note to stay safe.
Ozempic refrigeration: Do's and Don'ts
Here are a few more helpful Ozempic refrigeration tips to help you get the most out of your medication:
✅ DO:
- Store unopened pens in the refrigerator.
- Use a medical-grade Ozempic travel cooler while traveling.
- Note the date you open a pen so you can count your 56 days accurately.
❌ DON'T:
- Freeze your Ozempic. Frozen pens are no longer safe to use.
- Store in direct sunlight or near heaters.
- Leave it in your car during warm weather.
Ozempic refrigeration gone wrong? Here's what to do:
Let's be real, nobody's perfect, and mistakes happen. Maybe you forgot to put your Ozempic back in the fridge, or you left it out overnight by accident.
Don't worry! You're not the only one. The good news is that not every storage slip means the medication is ruined, and depending on the situation, your Ozempic might still be safe to use. Let's walk through what can go wrong with Ozempic storage in the fridge, and what you should do next if your refrigeration routine wasn't quite perfect.
I left my Ozempic out overnight. What now?
Mistakes happen! If you left your Ozempic out overnight, here's how to assess the situation:
If it was unopened:
- If the room temperature stayed below 86°F, the medication might still be fine.
- If it was exposed to heat or left out for over a day, call your pharmacy for advice.
If it was opened:
- As long as it hasn't been more than 56 days since first use and the temperature was under 86°F, you're probably okay.
In any case, if you're unsure, it's better to be safe than sorry, especially with a medication that's expensive and vital to your health.
I forgot to refrigerate my Ozempic: Is it ruined?
If you forgot to refrigerate your Ozempic but the pen is still unopened, and it wasn't exposed to heat, it may still be usable.
Keep these scenarios in mind:
- An unopened pen left out at room temperature < 86°F for under a few days should still be good to use for up to 56 days. After that, it should be disposed of.
- Pen left out in a hot environment (like a car): Likely ruined, especially if left out for several hours.
- Opened pen within 56 days and under 86°F: Should still be safe to use.
💡 Pro tip: To avoid this situation in the future, set reminders or store your Ozempic in a clearly labeled spot in the fridge.
Related article: How to Tell If Your Ozempic Pen Is Empty and What to Do Next: Checking, Disposal, and Dosage Tips
How long can Ozempic be left unrefrigerated?
Ozempic can be left unrefrigerated for up to 56 days, but only after the pen has been opened and as long as it stays below 86°F.
This 56-day clock starts the moment you use the first dose. After that window, discard any remaining medication, even if there's some left in the pen.
Unopened pens should not be stored unrefrigerated for long periods unless they meet the manufacturer's storage temperature guidelines.
What Temperature Should I Keep My Ozempic Pens At?
- Before first use: 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
- After opening: Up to 86°F (30°C) for 56 days max
✈️ Pro tip: If you are on the go, consider using an Ozempic Travel Cooler to keep your medication at the right temperature.
Related article: Ozempic and Heat: What Happens if Your Ozempic Pen Gets Too Warm?
Ozempic Storage: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring Ozempic on a plane?
Yes, you can travel with Ozempic. Use a cool pack or insulated medication bag to keep it cool, especially on long flights. Always carry it in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. Check out our full Ozempic travel guide here!
Related article: Navigating Airport Security with Ozempic: TSA Rules, Screening Procedures, and Packing Tips
What if I accidentally freeze my Ozempic?
Frozen Ozempic is no longer safe to use. Discard it immediately and contact your pharmacy or doctor for a replacement.
Can I store Ozempic in a portable fridge or cooler?
Yes, as long as the portable fridge or cooler maintains a temperature between 36°F and 46°F. Make sure it doesn't freeze! If you're looking for an innovative, TSA-approved travel cooler for Ozempic, check out 4AllFamily's full line of coolers and portable fridges for medications.
Does Ozempic smell or look different if it's bad?
Spoiled Ozempic may appear cloudy, discolored, or contain particles. It should always be clear and colorless. If it looks off, do not use it.
How can I remember to take my dose?
Use your smartphone's weekly reminder app or write your injection day on a calendar. Many people also align their injection day with something routine (like Sunday breakfast or Monday evening TV).
Related article: Troubleshooting Your Ozempic Pen: Common Issues, Fixes, and How to Know It’s Working
Ozempic storage: Best practices to protect your medication
Proper Ozempic storage helps maintain the effectiveness of the medication and keeps you on track with your treatment. Here are a few storage tips every Ozempic user should know:
✅ Before opening: Keep Ozempic pens in their original box in the refrigerator.
✅ After opening: Pens can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 56 days.
✅ Keep it cool: Never expose Ozempic to temperatures above 86°F (30°C).
✅Avoid freezing: If the pen freezes, even once, it must be discarded.
✅Limit light exposure: Always store Ozempic away from direct sunlight.
✅ Label the date you first used the pen to avoid using it past 56 days.
Final thoughts: keep your Ozempic safe and effective
So, does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Yes, at least until you start using it. After opening, proper Ozempic storage means keeping the pen cool, protected from sunlight, and tracking your 56-day usage window.
Following these simple guidelines can save you money, avoid health risks, and ensure you're getting the most from your medication.
Key Take Aways on Ozempic Storage:
🧊 Keep It Cool: Always refrigerate unopened Ozempic pens between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) to maintain potency.
📆 56-Day Rule: Once removed from the fridge, your pen is good for 56 days, as long as it stays under 86°F (30°C).
🚫 Don't Freeze or Overheat: Frozen or overheated pens should be thrown out. Exposure to extreme temperatures ruins the medication.
🧳 Travel Smart: Use insulated bags or coolers when on the go to keep your Ozempic within the safe temperature range.
In a hurry, check out the video we made on Ozempic storage below!
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 Have questions about Ozempic storage or experiences to share? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you've had a mix-up with refrigeration or found a helpful trick for remembering where and how to store your pen, share your tips, stories, or questions in the comments below. Your input could help others, too.
📆 Article Update History:
✅ Updated: May 1, 2025
✅ Updated: May 2, 2024
Originally Published: July 25, 2021
Comments
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hola Lucía,
Gracias por tu pregunta. Según las recomendaciones del fabricante, Ozempic sin abrir debe mantenerse en el refrigerador entre 2°C y 8°C (36°F – 46°F). Sin embargo, una vez abierto, puede permanecer a temperatura ambiente siempre que no supere los 30°C (86°F) y se use dentro de los 56 días.
En tu caso, si la pluma estuvo en un cuarto ventilado y por debajo de los 30°C durante 5 días antes de volver al refrigerador, es probable que aún sea segura para su uso, siempre que no haya estado expuesta a temperaturas más altas. Sin embargo, dado que no se recomienda almacenar Ozempic con bolsas de hielo una vez abierta, te sugeriría revisar la apariencia del medicamento y, ante cualquier duda, consultar con tu médico o farmacéutico para asegurarte de que sigue siendo eficaz.
¡Espero haberte ayudado!
4AllFamily
Lucia said:
Me dieron la pluma dentro de una caja de tecnopor con una bolsa de hielo y lo deje ahi por 5 días (fuera del refrigerador) en un cuarto ventilado con temperatura menor a 30 grados. Luego he colocado la pluma con todo y caja y bolsa de hielo en el refrigerador. Puedo usar todavía mi pluma?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
¡Hola, Ilda! Gracias por tu pregunta.
Ozempic debe mantenerse refrigerado entre 2 y 8 grados Celsius para preservar su efectividad. Enviar Ozempic por correo en un paquete normal que tarda cuatro días en llegar no es recomendable, ya que durante ese tiempo, si el medicamento no se mantiene refrigerado, podría perder su eficacia.
Para enviar Ozempic, se debe utilizar un embalaje especial que incluya hielo seco o gel refrigerante y asegurarse de que el paquete se mantenga dentro del rango de temperatura adecuado durante todo el transporte. También sería importante utilizar un servicio de envío que garantice una entrega rápida, idealmente en uno o dos días. En este caso, podrias mandarlo en una de nuestras neveras de viaje portátiles para medicamentos que si permiten mantener el medicamento refrigerado durante más de dos dias.
Te recomiendo que consultes con una farmacia o proveedor de servicios de envío especializado en medicamentos para asegurarte de que se mantengan las condiciones necesarias para que Ozempic llegue en buen estado a su destino.
Además, te mando aqui un enlace hacía otro articulo donde detallamos cuestiones de leyes y regulaciones par el envío de medicamentos por correo: https://4allfamily.com/es/blogs/medicamentos-refrigerados/how-to-ship-insulin-and-refrigerated-medications
¡Espero que esta información te sea útil!
Ilda Gonzalez said:
Hola yo quiero saber si ozempic puede mandarse por correo en paquete normal es de duración de 4 días para yegar a su destino Y si no que echa a perder gracias espero su respuesta
4AllFamily Customer Service said:
Hola Eda,
Sí, legalmente es posible viajar con Ozempic en la maleta facturada. Sin embargo, no se recomienda hacerlo debido a que las temperaturas en la bodega de carga de un avión pueden ser extremas, lo cual podría dañar el medicamento afectando su efectividad. Siempre es mejor llevarlo en el equipaje de mano!
Saludos,
4AllFamily
Eda said:
Se puede viajar con el ozempic en la maleta que facturó?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Dear Zinah,
Thank you for your interesting questions.
1. If the Ozempic pens were wrapped with ice during transportation that lasted only 1 hour, they have most probably not reach room temperature and were under refrigeration conditions. So I would say that if you’ve put them in your fridge once at home, you can consider they’ve been refrigerated the whole time.
2. We do not recommend transporting refrigerated medication with ice, mainly for two reasons. The first one is that direct contact with ice could freeze your Ozempic, which is not good. The second one is that this is not a reliable refrigeration method as you never know how quick the temp. will rise.
Most people chose to get a real, convenient, and reliable travel cooler like the ones we offer here: https://4allfamily.com
Please don’t hesitate if you have other doubts or questions!
Safe trips!
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Zinah said:
Hi,
I bought few ozempic pens fron the pharmacy , they rapped it with ice pack and I drove home for 1 hour.
My questions are
1- is that one hour concider as unrefregerated and should be used in 56 days? As i bout few pens and should use for next 6 months.
2- I am traveling with long flights , do u think that rapping with ice is enough to keep them as refrigerated?
Thank u
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Dear Romi,
You’re allowed to take injectable medications such as Ozempic through airport security. When they need to be refrigerated, you can carry them in insulated bags with ice packs or, preferably, reliable travel coolers such as the one we offer here: https://4allfamily.com/collections/all.
All of our coolers and TSA-approved.
Additionally, here’s an interesting article about traveling with refrigerated drugs like Ozempic: https://4allfamily.com/blogs/traveling-with-medicines/how-to-travel-with-refrigerated-medication
Wishing you safe and happy travels,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Romi Elnagar said:
How do you get Ozempic, with an icepack or other means of refrigeration, past airport security?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Dear Señora Dora del Pilar,
Seguramente, las bolsas frías están aquí para mantener el Ozempic frío durante el envío a su domicilio. No es necesario guardarlas una vez que haya colocado el Ozempic en el frigorífico.
Un saludo,
4AlllFamily Customer Care Team
DORA DEL PILAR ARIZA M said:
El día de hoy recibí el medicamento pero junto a el me ENTREGARON DOS BOLSAS MUY FRIAS LAS CUALES no se para que son??? Espero respuesta muchas gracias
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Dear Mandy,
You should not use a pierced pen of Ozempic. Damaged pens aren’t safe for use, and even more so if they’ve been emerged in water. The water may contain bacteria or other harmful substances that can contaminate your pen and lead to infection or other health issues.
We would definitely recommend not using it or asking for your pharmacist or doctor’s advice first.
Warm regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Mandy said:
If my pierced pen was emerged in water is it safe to use? My lovely husband allowed the pen to slip down as he grabbed cans out of the ice chest. Ice melted…pen landed in water. Please advise
Mandy said:
If my pierced pen was emerged in water is it safe to use? My lovely husband allowed the pen to slip down as he grabbed cans out of the ice chest. Ice melted…pen landed in water. Please advise
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Riham,
I’m sorry to hear about that. Unfortunately, according to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, you should not use Ozempic that has frozen, even if it has thawed afterward. It is not safe for use anymore.
Have you tried reaching out to Novo Nordisk? Maybe they can help and send you a new batch? It’s worth the try…
Let us know if it works,
Warm regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Barbara,
Sorry to hear about you feeling so bad lately. Unfortunately, we can not help you or give medical advice here. We can only recommend you talk to your doctor about your recent symptoms and seek for his advise.
We hope you’ll feel better soon,
Warm regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Riham said:
Hi
I freezed ozemptic due to receiving bad and unclear instructions.
I put all my savings to buy it and you can imagin for how long I have been dreaming of the day to start using it. It really killed me to know that I need to through it.
Is there any chance that I might lose some weight if I use it (frozen)?
What are the side effects if I do?
It is impossible for me to afford buying a new one.
Barbara Dunlap said:
I took ozempic insulin last Fri. Mng. About midnight I had chills and felt awful. Next day woke up nauseated, throwing up. Headache. It came and went every few hours.it eased up with every passing day. But every few hours I was slightly nauseated.. it lasted for 7 days. I am afraid to take to take another dose as I think it was the ozempic. Been taking it close to a yr with no effects.
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Alice,
Since no liquid came out, I believe you haven’t lost any medication. Have you managed to use your pen correctly next? We’ve recently published a new article about How to use an Ozempic pen. You can read it here: https://4allfamily.com/blogs/diabetes/how-to-use-an-ozempic-pen . I hope that’s helpful!
Best of luck,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
ALICE MEDRANO said:
I was unfamiliar with the pen and didn’t take the covers off the needle. I did it a few times and no liquid came out so I thought it was ok. Have I lost some of the medication ?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Mary,
Once Ozempic has been unrefrigerated, it stays effective for 56 days max, whether or not you have put it back in the fridge. Your pens are still safe to use, but within 56 days only.
I hope I’ve answered your question,
Best regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Mary said:
Is my pen still effective if it is received from the pharmacy refrigerated then left unrefrigerated before use? I left them unrefrigerated for a couple of weeks then returned to the refrigerator,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Caitlin,
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if your Ozempic was frozen or not. We would recommend not using them because frozen Ozempic may have lost its properties and become inefficient.
If you still decide to use them, make sure to keep a close watch on your blood sugar. Unusually high blood sugar levels may be a sign your Ozempic was frozen…In that case, throw them away and get new ones.
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Mayumi,
Yes, your pens are still good for use, but you should use them within 56 days max. Once it has reached room temperature, Ozempic is only goof for 56 days, even if it has been put back in the fridge.
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Caitlin Boulay said:
My Ozempic order was delivered and left in my community mailbox for 2 nights. Both nights it dropped to below 0°, is there a way to tell it was frozen?
Mayumi said:
Hi ,
I am a provider and my pt went out of town and got back on 11/20 , family didn’t realized that ozempic needs to be in the fridge when delivered on 11/11 ,, now all of them are in the fridge ,, if solution is clear and no Particle and when pens are in room temperature approximately 9 days ,, this is still good to use right ?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Margaret,
You can find the expiration date either on the carton box or the Ozempic pen itself.
Ozempic pens can only stay out of the fridge for a maximum of 56 days, even if they have not been used or open yet. The medicine might still look clear and have no particles in it, but that does not mean it hasn’t lost efficiency. We’d definitely advice sticking to the manufacturer’s instructions and not using this pen.
Best regards,
Margaret said:
If a pen has been left unopened/unused in average home temp (~69 degrees) for longer than 56 days, can it still be used. Medicine is still clear with no particles in it. Also, where on the packaging can you find the expiration date?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for your comment. No, keeping your Ozempic in the fridge after opening won’t make it less effective. But keep in mind that it won’t extend its expiration date, and you should use your pen within 56 days max.
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Melanie said:
If I keep my
Ozempic in the fridge even after opening, is it less effective?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Nathalie,
It’s ok, especially is your house was cool. Ozempic is good for up to 56 days once out of the fridge. Just make sure to use this pen first and within the 56 following days!
Best regards,
4AllFamily Customer Team
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Kimberley,
It’s quite unlikely that Ozempic that has gotten warm makes you sick. Most of the time, if the medication has reached high temperatures, it deteriorates and loses efficiency but should not make you vomit or have diarrhea. However, if in doubt, throw your pen away and get a new one from te pharmacy. If vomiting and diarrhea don’t stop, seek medical attention.
I hope you get better soon,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Natalie said:
Hi I forgot to put my ozempic in the refrigerator when I got it, I remembered the next morning, would this be considered bad? I put it in the refrigerator once I remember (off refrigerator for about 15 hrs). The house was quite cool.
Kimberly said:
My new prescription was in a hot car for about 4 hours (someone picked it up for me) 24 hours after I used it I have had severe vomiting and diarrhea. Could I just have a virus or is it the Ozempic?
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Red,
Unfortunately, your pen is not safe for use anymore. Ozempic that has frozen, even temporarily, loses its efficiency even if it has thawed afterwards. We do recommend you throw away this pen and get a new one.
Best regards,
4AllFamily Customer Team
Red said:
My pen was frozen by accident for 24 hours. Holiday weekend. Can it be used? What happens if I use it? Thankyou.
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Nathalie,
Yes, you can still use your Ozempic within 56 days. Ozempic can be stored out of the fridge during 56 days max. During that time, it should never be exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C).
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
4Allfamily Customer Team said:
Hi Abeer Hamzeh,
Ozempic freezes at 32°F (0°C). Once frozen, the solution breaks down. It does not regain its original efficiency. Once it has frozen, Ozempic is not safe for use anymore, even if it has thawed afterward. If your pens has spent a whole day in a freezer, it’s probably not safe for use anymore.
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Hi Kim,
Ozempic can be left out of the fridge for up to 56 days. During that time, If exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C) for extended periods of time, Ozempic pens are not safe for use anymore and should also be disposed of.
So, about the two days without refrigeration, it’s fine and you can use your pen within 56 days max.
Regarding the overnight in a hot car, it depends what was the temperature inside. If it was above 86°F (30°C), you should be careful. Below that temperature, it’s fine to use.
I hope I have answered your question,
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Team
Natalie said:
I bought ozempic and was not told to keep it in the refrigerator. It has been unrefridgerated for almost 11 hours, exposed to temperature less than 20° can I still use it?
Abeer Hamzeh said:
What happens if ozempic is accidentally kept in freezer for than one day?? Can I still use it??
Kim said:
I need to know if my ozempic is usable. I didn’t know it had to be refrigerated. It’s been two days without refrigeration and in a hot car overnight. All pharmacies within 50 miles are closed. Help!!