How to store Wegovy (semaglutide): unopened at 2 to 8 °C, the 28-day room-temperature window, never freeze, safe travel. Not medical advice.
Key points
- 01Keep unopened pens refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C. Novo Nordisk's Instructions for Use describes storing unopened Wegovy pens refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C (36 to 46 °F) until first use. The fridge is the default home for any pen you are not going to use in the next few days.
- 02Store pens in the original carton, away from the back wall. Keep the pens in the original carton to protect semaglutide from light. Place them on a middle shelf, not in the door and not against the cold back wall, where the temperature can drop below freezing.
- 03The room-temperature window is up to 28 days below 30 °C. The Wegovy prescribing information describes storage at room temperature up to 30 °C (86 °F) for up to 28 days. That is a shorter window than the 56 days on Ozempic. For whether the fridge or room temperature suits you, see our guide on whether Wegovy needs to be refrigerated.
- 04Never freeze; discard a pen that has frozen. The prescribing information describes discarding a frozen Wegovy pen even after it thaws. Freezing permanently alters the protein structure of semaglutide. This is exactly why the pen does not belong against the cold back wall of the fridge.
- 05Let a refrigerated pen warm before injecting. The Instructions for Use describes a refrigerated dose as more uncomfortable to inject. About 30 minutes out of the fridge brings the pen to room temperature, which patient education links to less stinging. For the steps themselves, see the guide on how to inject Wegovy.
- 06Inspect the solution and check the expiry before each dose. The Instructions for Use describes checking that the solution is clear and colorless before use. A pen with cloudy, discolored, or particulate liquid is not used. Check the expiration date on the pen and carton as well.
- 07For travel, keep the pen cool and in carry-on. Keep the pen, cap on, in carry-on baggage, not the hold, where it can freeze. For long stretches in heat a simple cooling pouch keeps the contents cool; our guide to GLP-1 travel cases covers the options and the flying with GLP-1 medications guide covers airport security.
- 08Discard after 28 days at room temperature or after use. Write the date the pen first left refrigeration on the carton. A pen must be discarded after 28 cumulative days at room temperature even if it still holds medication. Because each Wegovy pen is single-dose, it is discarded after every use in any case.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to store Wegovy?+
Unopened Wegovy pens are stored refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C in the original carton per the prescribing information, on a middle shelf away from the cold back wall. Alternatively they can be kept at room temperature up to 30 °C for up to 28 days. Not medical advice.
How long can Wegovy be out of the fridge?+
The Wegovy prescribing information describes a window of up to 28 days at room temperature below 30 °C. That is shorter than the 56 days on Ozempic. After 28 cumulative days the pen must be discarded even if it still holds medication.
Can Wegovy be frozen?+
No. The prescribing information describes discarding a frozen pen; it must not be used after thawing. Freezing alters the protein structure of semaglutide. Do not store the pen against the cold back wall of the refrigerator.
Do I need to let Wegovy warm up before injecting?+
The Instructions for Use describes a refrigerated dose as more uncomfortable. About 30 minutes out of the fridge brings the pen to room temperature. Do not warm it in a microwave, hot water, or direct sun.
How do I know a Wegovy pen is no longer usable?+
Do not use a pen that has frozen, is past its expiration date, has spent more than 28 days at room temperature, or holds cloudy, discolored, or particulate solution. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
