Ozempic Refridgeration – Should Ozempic Be Refrigerated?

Last Updated on April 1, 2024

Ozempic Refridgeration – Safe Storage Of Ozempic in Canada

Ozempic – to chill or not to chill – that is the question. 

When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight management, Ozempic has become a game-changer for many. But amidst its benefits, a practical question looms: does it need a spot in your fridge?

It’s more than just a medication; for many, Ozempic represents a significant commitment—financially and health-wise. That’s why understanding the ins and outs of its storage isn’t just advice, it’s a necessity for maintaining its efficacy.

Plus, with my own personal weight loss battle, I’ve got skin in the game when it comes to the interplay of medications, weight and metabolic health. 

In this article, we’re zeroing in on Ozempic and that pressing refrigeration question:

Does Ozmempic need to be refrigerated? Stick with me, and you’ll discover not only the hows and whys of Ozempic storage but also how this ties into your wider weight loss strategy—fridge or no fridge.

Ozempic Refridgeration – Key Takeaways:

• Ozempic Refrigeration. You can store your Ozempic in the fridge or outside of the fridge. According to Novo Nordisk, Canada’s Ozempic supplier, Ozempic should never be frozen or stored at temperatures of 28°C or higher. Product that is stored outside of those safe temperatures should be discarded immediately as the product’s safety and effectiveness can no longer be ensured.
  
• Weight Loss Beyond Ozempic: When the goal is transformative, lasting weight loss, weight loss surgery, especially sleeve surgery, proves to be a more encompassing and effective solution compared to medications like Ozempic.
• Ozempic should be refrigerated (between 36°F to 46°F or 2°C to 8°C) until the first use.
• After the first use, it can be stored at room temperature (between 59ºF to 86ºF or 15ºC to 30ºC) for 56 days or still in the refrigerator for 56 days.
• Dispose of any Ozempic pen after 56 days of use, whether stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Unused Ozempic pens can be used until the expiration (EXP) date if stored in the refrigerator.
• Do not store Ozempic pens directly next to the cooling element in the refrigerator
• Keep Ozempic away from heat and out of light, and avoid leaving pens in the car.

Does Ozempic Need to be Refrigerated?

Ozempic can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature as long as those temperatures fall within the following ranges: 

• Safe storage at room temperature is between 15°C to 28°C, according to Novo Nordisk, Canada’s Ozempic supplier.
  
• Safe storage at refrigerated temperatures should be between 2°C to 8°C, according to the Ozempic website.

The product’s safety is best ensured when it is stored in its original packaging. Adhering to the correct storage specifications ensures the product’s stability and effectiveness throughout its shelf life.

Why does Ozempic’s temperature matter?

Maintaining the above recommended temperatures is important for Ozempic because it helps maintain the stability of the medication. 

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is a delicate molecule. When exposed to heat or improper storage conditions, it can degrade, rendering the medication less effective. By keeping it in a controlled temperature environment, we ensure that each dose of Ozempic delivers the intended therapeutic effects.

What is Ozempic’s shelf life?

After receiving a prescription for Ozempic, the product must be used within 56 days (or 8 weeks) to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness of the product. 

Check the label of your product after receiving it and do not use the product beyond the expiration date. 

Where to store Ozempic

Whether you’re storing your Ozempic in the fridge or in the cupboard at room temperature, make sure to always leave the product out of reach of children. Store your Ozempic on a high shelf, within a locked cabinet, or in a part of your refrigerator that is not easily accessed by children. 

How To Store Ozempic – Tips

When should Ozempic be discarded?

Ozempic that has been frozen or left out in temperatures greater than 28°C, should be discarded immediately as the safety and effectiveness of the product can no longer be ensured. 

If your Ozempic solution is not clear and colourless, you should not use that product. Contact your health care provider if you’re worried about the appearance of your product. 

Does Ozempic still work at room temperature?

As long as the recommended temperature ranges are adhered to for storage, your Ozempic prescription should remain safe and effective. Deviating from the recommended storage conditions outlined above may lead to a loss of potency and efficacy. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage.

NOTE: Remember that if you leave your Ozempic out at room temperature that the product should not be left in direct sunlight. Also remember that fluctuations in temperature can have an impact on your product. Be mindful of leaving your Ozempic out on particularly hot or cold days to avoid impacting the product’s safety or effectiveness. 

Can you put Ozempic back into the fridge after it’s been left out?

If your Ozempic has been frozen accidentally, or if it has been left out at temperatures of 28°C or greater, it is not recommended that you use the Ozempic product any longer. 

The medication’s stability and effectiveness may be compromised pretty quickly if it’s been left out of the recommended storage conditions. 

It’s important to contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider to provide specific details about how long your Ozempic was left out, and what temperature the room may have been at during that time, so that your healthcare provider can make specific recommendations on your continued use of that prescription. 

How long can Ozempic be left out before it stops being effective?

Hey, even I don’t have all the answers – so I contacted an agent at Novo Nordisk to find out the answer to these particular questions. Here’s what I found out: 

How long can Ozempic be left out before it stops being effective?

A: Once a patient receives Ozempic, the product must be used within 56 days in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product. If it is outside of the 56 days, the product should not be used. 

Can Ozempic go back into the fridge after it’s been left out?

A: If it is within 56 days of receipt of the product, then yes, Ozempic can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature, or can be moved between the two. As long as the product is not frozen, and as long as the room temperature is under 28°C, the product will remain safe and effective. 

What happens if Ozempic is frozen or kept at temperatures of 28°C or
more?

A: If that happens, then Novo Nordisk can no longer ensure the safety or effectiveness of that product. Ozempic that has been frozen or kept at temperatures of 28°C or greater should be discarded immediately. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the safe use of the product, you can contact Novo Nordisk yourself. Here’s the contact number I used: 1-800-465-4334. Their agent was a great help. You can also learn more on their Ozempic product page.

What happens if Ozempic stops being effective?

If your Ozempic prescription stops being effective, you may notice that the prescription is no longer effectively managing your weight loss or food cravings. If you take Ozempic to manage symptoms of type-2 diabetes, you may notice that your blood sugar levels are persistently high. 

If you are noticing signs that your Ozempic prescription is no longer effective for any reason, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to reassess your current needs and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

How to discard of Ozempic

Do not discard of any medications via wastewater or your household waste. Ask your pharmacist about the safest way to discard of medications you are no longer using. These measures will help protect the environment. 

Who to call if you’re worried about your Ozempic

If you have specific questions about your Ozempic, here’s where you can go to get more answers: 

• Your family doctor or local healthcare provider
• Your pharmacist at the drug store you get your prescriptions from
• The Canadian Pharmacists Association for details about Ozempic disbursement 
• The Government of Canada product page for info on Ozempic use and side effects
• The Government of Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Program
• The Novo Nordisk Ozempic product information page

As mentioned above, you can also directly contact Novo Nordisk, Canada’s Ozempic supplier, with specific questions about product side effects, product issues, supply chain delays, general product questions and guidance, and access to medicine and affordability information. 

When in doubt – always check with your family doctor or local healthcare provider, and make sure to double-check with the pharmacist who hands you your prescription to get the most updated information on the use storage instructions for your prescriptions.  

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to provide research-based information on the expected use and storage of Ozempic. Please contact your personal healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific information about your situation before using the product. 

A Unique Connection with Patients

Weight loss without Refrigeration

I know that Ozempic and other weight loss pharmaceuticals can be very expensive, and it’s important to you that your investment isn’t wasted by improper use or storage, so it’s critical to follow the storage instructions that come with your purchase of Ozempic. 

If you’re looking for alternatives to weight management, let me give you some extra insights – coming from someone who has both used Ozempic and undergone sleeve surgery. 

Ozempic vs. weight loss surgery

When the goal is transformative and lasting weight loss, weight loss surgery – especially sleeve surgery – proves to be a more encompassing and effective solution compared to medications like Ozempic.

Ozempic may reduce your appetite, but sleeve surgery is like experiencing the effects of Ozempic times ten thousand. Weight loss surgery is a life-changing, transformative experience that (in my experience) outweighs the temporary benefits of Ozempic. 

Many of my patients turn to Ozempic hoping for a miracle solution to years of weight loss efforts – and it just doesn’t happen. 

If you’re thinking about sleeve surgery, here’s some next steps to take:

• Evaluate your eligibility: Take a quick online quiz to see if you qualify for sleeve surgery – How Much Will I lose After Sleeve Surgery? Calculate weight loss
• Seek expert advice: Speak with a Sleeve Clinic Program Advisor 
• Become part of our community: Follow The Sleeve Clinic on Instagram 

Please note that the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding weight loss surgery.

If you are considering sleeve surgery you can book a consultation with our weight loss clinic here: Contact us! 

References:

• The Government of Canada: The supply and use of Ozempic
• National Library of Medicine: Glucagon-like peptide 1
• Ozempic facts website
• Novo Nordisk: Ozempic product information page
• Canadian Pharmacists Association
• The Government of Canada: Consumer Product Safety Program
• Novo Nordisk: Contact information