In Germany, approximately 19% of adults are grappling with obesity, and an even larger percentage is overweight. For many, traditional approaches like diet and exercise alone fall short in combating these persistent weight issues.
This is where prescription medications for weight loss, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), play a crucial role. Since its recent approval by the European Medicines Agency in 2021, Wegovy has helped many in managing appetite and reducing caloric intake.
However, the effectiveness of the Wegovy injector pens depends significantly on how you store the pens. Semaglutide, the active component, is a biological substance extremely sensitive to heat and light, and thus requires meticulous storage and temperature control to preserve its efficacy.
We're here to help! We'll walk you through the best ways to store your Wegovy pens for effective weight management. Ready?
Wegovy Storage Temperatures
Wegovy is a fragile and delicate medication requiring careful refrigeration to maintain its effectiveness. The active ingredient, semaglutide, also found in Ozempic, is a biological drug. These drugs are particularly sensitive to temperature and light, necessitating strict adherence to storage guidelines to ensure their potency and safety.
- Before use: Wegovy pens need to be refrigerated at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. This ensures that the medication retains its effectiveness until administration or expiration date.
- After opening or removal from the fridge: Once a Wegovy pen is in use, if refrigeration isn't feasible, it can be stored at room temperature, which should not exceed 30°C, for up to 28 days. During this time, it is crucial to keep the pen shielded from light using the opaque cap provided to avoid degradation of the medication.
Why Does Wegovy Need to Be Refrigerated Before Use?
According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy pens, Wegovy remains stable and effective when kept refrigerated. Refrigeration helps preserve the integrity of the medication and ensure it provides the intended therapeutic efficacy.
When Wegovy is unrefrigerated for too long (more than 28 days), the medication begins to lose its effectiveness due to the breakdown of the biological components. It is then considered unsafe to use.
How long does Wegovy last in the fridge?
When stored in the fridge, Wegovy pens last until the expiration date marked by the manufacturer on each pen, usually about a year from the purchase date. The official expiration date is labelled on the pen itself and on its carton box. If you can't find it, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Check out our video tutorial on how to store Wegovy pens!
How Long Can Wegovy Be Out of the Fridge?
Wegovy pens can be out of the fridge for up to 28 days, provided the room temperature does not exceed 30°C and the medication is shielded from direct light. If Wegovy is exposed to higher temperatures or significant light, it may degrade faster, making it unsafe or ineffective.
One common question is whether or not you can put Wegovy back in the fridge after it's been stored at room temperature. Well, the answer is yes, you can return Wegovy to the fridge if it has been at room temperature for less than 28 days.
However, doing so does not extend its 28-days shelf life at room temperature (outside of refrigeration). Once a Wegovy pen has been out of the fridge for any length of time, it should not be used beyond 28 days from the initial removal, regardless of being put back into refrigeration intermittently.
What happens if your Wegovy pen gets too warm?
If your Wegovy pen is exposed to temperatures higher than the recommended maximum of 30°C, it can lead to rapid degradation of the semaglutide, the active ingredient in the medication. Even brief exposures to such high temperatures can significantly impact the efficacy and safety of your weight-loss injections.
Common mistakes that lead to the overheating of Wegovy pens include leaving them in a car on a sunny day, where temperatures can soar well above safe levels due to direct sunlight. Similarly, placing Wegovy pens near windows or in direct sunlight can cause rapid temperature increases that exceed the medication's safe storage limits. Additionally, storing Wegovy close to heat sources like ovens, heaters, or radiators can also expose the medication to temperatures higher than recommended.
All these scenarios can compromise the efficacy and safety of your Wegovy injections! If you find that your Wegovy pen has been exposed to temperatures warmer than 30°C, do not use it.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, should be a clear, colorless liquid. It’s not always visible, but signs that your Wegovy pen may have gone bad include unusual appearance, cloudiness, color change, or visible particles. If you notice any of these changes, do not use the pen. Dispose of it safely and obtain a new one to ensure your treatment remains effective and safe.
How Long Does a Wegovy Pen Last?
A Wegovy pen is meant to last for about a month of treatment, with one weekly injection. But it has a specific shelf life determined by two key expiration guidelines:
-
Official Expiration Date: Each Wegovy pen is labeled with an official expiration date, which is generally valid for about one year from the purchase date. If the pen is stored refrigerated, it will last until this expiration date.
-
28-Day Use Period After Refrigeration: Once a Wegovy pen is removed from the refrigerator, it has a new expiration period and should be used within 28 days. This shorter expiration begins the moment the pen is first taken out of the fridge, regardless of whether it is used immediately or not.
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, make sure to monitor both these expiration dates closely.
Never use expired Wegovy. Once it's past the labeled expiration date or the 28 days after removal from refrigeration, the medication may not be as effective and could potentially be unsafe, impacting your weight-loss treatment and potentially your health.
FAQs About Wegovy Refrigeration and Storage Temperatures
What if I forgot to refrigerate my Wegovy pen?
<>If you forgot to refrigerate your Wegovy pen, there’s no immediate cause for alarm if it’s been less than 28 days and the temperature hasn't exceeded 30°C. Under these conditions, the pen should still be safe to use within 28 days.
However, if you forgot to refrigerate your Wegovy for more than 28 days or have exposed it to higher temperatures, such as being left in a hot car, it’s best to discard it and replace it with a new one to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Does wegovy need to be at room temperature before injection?
You can inject Wegovy straight from the fridge. It does not need to be at room temperature before the injection. However, some people prefer their medication to be at room temperature, as it can make the injection more comfortable than when injecting cold Wegovy.
But this is optional and based on personal preference. The medication itself will work just as well whether it's cold from the fridge or at room temperature.
Can You Freeze Wegovy?
No. Wegovy should never be frozen. Wegovy is an aqueous solution in which semaglutide is dissolved in water. It freezes at 0°C. Freezing temperatures break the molecule. As a result, semaglutide loses its properties, and it won’t regain its therapeutic efficiency even if thawed afterward.
To prevent Wegovy pens from freezing, do not place them near the freezer compartment in your fridge. Never leave them in the car overnight. When living in or traveling to extremely cold destinations, always keep the pens in an inside pocket so that your body warmth protects them from the cold.
Share Your Insights With Us!
Do you have any questions or personal experiences with storing Wegovy pens that you'd like to share? Please leave your comments below. Your insights could be incredibly helpful to others managing their weight-loss treatment, especially in terms of storage practices or handling unexpected situations like temperature fluctuations!
