Semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and support chronic weight management. It comes in pre-filled pens that must be stored properly to remain safe and effective. Incorrect storage can reduce potency or increase the risk of bacterial growth, which affects how well the drug works and how safe it is to use.
Most people keep their semaglutide pens in the refrigerator both before and after first use, but the exact rules depend on the brand (Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded versions) and whether the pen has been opened. Understanding these guidelines prevents waste, maintains effectiveness, and reduces the chance of using a compromised product.
This article covers official storage recommendations, what happens if pens are left out too long, how to tell if a pen is still good, and practical tips for safe handling at home or while traveling.
Official Storage Guidelines for Branded Semaglutide Pens
Ozempic and Wegovy pens have clear, manufacturer-provided storage rules that are identical for both brands. Unopened pens must be kept refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date printed on the label. Do not freeze them, and do not use any pen that has been frozen—even if it thaws.
Once you remove the pen cap for the first injection, the storage rules change slightly. The pen can be kept either refrigerated or at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C), but it must be discarded after 56 days (8 weeks), whichever comes first—whether refrigerated or not. Always protect the pen from direct light and extreme heat.
Never store pens in the freezer compartment or near the cooling vents of the refrigerator, where accidental freezing is more likely. If a pen has been exposed to temperatures outside the recommended range for more than a short time, it should be discarded.
Storage Summary for Branded Pens
- Unopened: Refrigerate at 36–46°F (2–8°C) until expiration date
- After first use: Refrigerate or keep at room temperature ≤86°F (30°C)
- Maximum use period after first use: 56 days (discard after 8 weeks)
- Do not: Freeze, expose to direct sunlight, or store near heat sources
These rules come directly from the manufacturer’s prescribing information.
Storage Guidelines for Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide (custom-made by pharmacies) does not have one universal storage rule because formulations vary. Most compounding pharmacies recommend keeping compounded semaglutide refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C) at all times, both before and after first use.
The beyond-use date (BUD) for compounded semaglutide is typically 28–30 days after the vial is first punctured or the syringe is filled. Some pharmacies assign a shorter BUD (14–28 days) if preservatives are minimal or absent. Always follow the exact BUD and storage instructions provided by the compounding pharmacy on the label.
Freezing is not recommended for compounded versions either, as it can degrade the active ingredient or cause the solution to separate. Room-temperature storage is generally not advised unless the pharmacy specifically states it is acceptable for a limited time.
Compounded Semaglutide Storage Summary
- Unopened vial: Refrigerate at 36–46°F (2–8°C)
- After first use: Refrigerate continuously
- Beyond-use date: Usually 28–30 days after first puncture (check label)
- Do not: Freeze, shake vigorously, or leave at room temperature long-term
Check the label every time you use it—pharmacy instructions take priority.
Comparison: Storage Rules for Branded vs Compounded Semaglutide
| Aspect | Branded (Ozempic / Wegovy) | Compounded Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened storage | Refrigerate until expiration date | Refrigerate until beyond-use date |
| After first use | Refrigerate or room temp (≤86°F / 30°C) | Refrigerate continuously |
| Maximum time after first use | 56 days (8 weeks) | 28–30 days (check pharmacy label) |
| Freezing allowed? | No—discard if frozen | No—discard if frozen |
| Light and heat protection | Yes—keep away from direct light and heat | Yes—keep away from direct light and heat |
This table highlights the main storage differences. Branded pens offer more flexibility after first use, while compounded versions require stricter refrigeration.
What Happens If Semaglutide Is Left Out of the Fridge
Branded pens can stay at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) for up to 56 days after first use without losing potency, according to the manufacturer. If left out longer than that, the medication should be discarded even if it looks normal.
Unopened branded pens left at room temperature for more than a few days (but still below 86°F) can usually still be used if returned to the refrigerator promptly, but the expiration date remains the original printed date—not extended. If exposed to heat above 86°F or direct sunlight, discard immediately.
Compounded semaglutide has less tolerance for room-temperature storage. Most pharmacies instruct patients to keep it refrigerated at all times. If left out for more than a few hours, the vial should be discarded unless the pharmacy has specifically approved brief excursions.
What to Do If a Pen or Vial Is Left Out
- Branded pen, after first use: Safe up to 86°F for 56 days total
- Branded pen, unopened: Refrigerate immediately; discard if exposed to heat or frozen
- Compounded vial: Refrigerate continuously; discard if left out >4–8 hours (check pharmacy label)
- Any product frozen: Discard immediately—freezing damages the active ingredient
When in doubt, throw it out—better safe than risking reduced effectiveness or contamination.
How to Store Semaglutide Safely at Home
Keep unopened branded pens in the refrigerator door or a middle shelf—avoid the back wall or crisper drawers where freezing is more likely. Opened pens can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
For compounded vials, store them in the main compartment of the refrigerator (not the door, where temperatures fluctuate more). Use the original box or a dedicated container to protect from light. Label the vial with the date it was first punctured or filled.
Travel with pens or vials in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs if refrigeration is not available for more than a few hours. Avoid placing the product directly on ice packs to prevent freezing.
Safe Home Storage Checklist
- Refrigerate unopened branded pens until expiration
- Refrigerate or keep opened branded pens at ≤86°F for up to 56 days
- Refrigerate compounded vials continuously
- Protect from light (keep in box or opaque container)
- Avoid freezing at all costs
- Check temperature of fridge regularly (36–46°F / 2–8°C)
Proper storage preserves potency and safety.
Signs That Semaglutide Is No Longer Good
Branded pens: Discard after 56 days from first use, even if solution looks clear. Discard immediately if frozen, exposed to extreme heat, or if particles, cloudiness, or discoloration appear.
Compounded vials: Discard after the pharmacy’s beyond-use date (usually 28–30 days after first puncture). Discard immediately if the solution is cloudy, has visible particles, or has changed color. Any unusual odor is also a reason to discard.
Never use a pen or vial that has been tampered with, dropped, or stored improperly. When in doubt, contact the pharmacy or manufacturer for guidance.
Visual and Sensory Checks
- Clear, colorless solution (no cloudiness or particles)
- No unusual odor
- No discoloration (yellowing or browning)
- No leaks or damage to pen/vial
- Within printed expiration or beyond-use date
If anything looks or smells off, do not use it.
Traveling with Semaglutide
Keep pens or vials cool during travel. Use an insulated cooler bag with gel packs (not loose ice) to maintain 36–46°F. Place the medication in a carry-on bag—never check it in luggage where temperatures can become extreme.
For short trips (a few days), opened branded pens can stay at room temperature if kept below 86°F. Compounded vials usually need refrigeration, so plan accordingly. Inform airport security that you are carrying injectable medication and have a prescription or doctor’s note if needed.
After travel, return the medication to the refrigerator promptly. Discard if it has been exposed to excessive heat or freezing.
Travel Storage Tips
- Use a small insulated cooler bag with gel packs
- Keep medication in carry-on luggage
- Avoid direct sunlight or hot car interiors
- Carry a copy of your prescription
- Plan extra time for security screening
These steps keep the medication safe during trips.
Conclusion
Branded semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) lasts 56 days at room temperature or refrigerated after first use, while compounded versions typically require continuous refrigeration and have a shorter beyond-use date of 28–30 days after first puncture. Proper storage—refrigeration at 36–46°F, protection from light and freezing—preserves potency and safety. Discard any pen or vial that has been frozen, exposed to extreme heat, or shows cloudiness, particles, or discoloration.
FAQ
How long can Ozempic or Wegovy stay out of the fridge after first use?
Opened branded pens are stable at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for 56 days. After that, discard even if refrigerated. Protect from direct light and extreme heat.
How long does compounded semaglutide last in the fridge?
Compounded semaglutide usually has a beyond-use date of 28–30 days after first puncture or filling. Always follow the exact date on the pharmacy label. Keep refrigerated continuously.
Can I freeze semaglutide pens or vials?
No—freezing damages the active ingredient. Discard any pen or vial that has been frozen, even if it thaws. Never store in the freezer compartment or near cooling vents.
What happens if semaglutide is left out too long?
Branded pens left out longer than 56 days after first use lose potency and should be discarded. Compounded versions left out for more than a few hours (check pharmacy instructions) may degrade or become contaminated. When in doubt, discard.
How can I tell if my semaglutide is still good?
Check that the solution is clear and colorless with no particles, cloudiness, or discoloration. For branded pens, ensure you are within 56 days of first use. For compounded vials, stay within the pharmacy’s beyond-use date.
Should I refrigerate semaglutide during travel?
Yes—use an insulated cooler bag with gel packs to keep it at 36–46°F. For short trips, opened branded pens can stay at room temperature up to 86°F. Keep in carry-on luggage.
What if my semaglutide pen looks cloudy?
Do not use it. Cloudiness, particles, or discoloration indicate possible contamination or degradation. Discard immediately and contact your pharmacy or prescriber for a replacement.
How should I store unopened semaglutide pens?
Keep unopened branded pens refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C) until the expiration date on the label. Do not freeze. Compounded vials should also be refrigerated continuously until first use.
Can semaglutide be stored at room temperature the whole time?
Branded pens can be kept at room temperature after first use for up to 56 days. Compounded versions usually require continuous refrigeration. Follow the specific instructions provided with your product.
What should I do if I’m not sure how long my semaglutide has been out of the fridge?
Err on the side of caution and discard it if it has been outside recommended conditions for more than a short time. Contact your pharmacy or prescriber for guidance. Using compromised medication can reduce effectiveness or cause harm.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.