Key takeaways
- Semaglutide is available as the following brand name medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
- How a medication is best stored depends on the form of the drug. Injection forms of these drugs need to be refrigerated, while oral tablet forms of these drugs can be stored at room temperature.
- Medications also have expiration dates. It is best not to use a medication after it’s expiration date or if it has not been properly stored. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about whether a medication is safe to take.
Semaglutide is not available as a generic medication, but it is available under the following brand names:
Ozempic is available as an injection, Wegovy is available as an injection and oral tablet, and Rybelsus is available as an oral tablet.
For semaglutide to be most effective, it must be properly stored and used according to the labeling instructions. Read on to learn more about how to best store these medications and whether they can go bad.
Note: Ozempic and Rybelus are used to help manage blood sugar levels as well as reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to prevent worsening kidney function and heart-related death in people who also have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Wegovy is approved to help manage weight loss. Talk with your doctor about which medication is right for you.
Semaglutide is approved under several different brand names. Whether or not it needs to be refrigerated depends on the form of the medication:
| Brand name | Form | Storage recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | injection | • prior to first use, the injection pen should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F • after first use of, the injection pen can be stored for 56 days at room temperature 59°F to 86°F or in a refrigerator 36°F to 46°F • do not freeze • keep the pen cap on when not in use and protect it from excessive heat and sunlight |
| Rybelsus | oral tablet | • store at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F • store product in a dry place away from moisture (in the original bottle until use helps protect the tablets from moisture) |
| Wegovy | injection | • store injection pen in the refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F • if needed, prior to cap removal, the pen can be kept between 46°F to 86°F up to 28 days • do not freeze • protect the injection pen from light • the injection pen must be kept in the original carton until time of administration |
| Wegovy | oral tablet | • store at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F • it is best if the tablets are kept in the original bottle until use to protect tablets from moisture • store in a dry place away from moisture |
How long does compounded semaglutide last in the fridge?
Compounded drugs are custom-made medications. They do not go through the same quality, effectiveness, and safety checks as drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Compounded semaglutide that is available as an injection should be stored in the refrigerator. How long it lasts in the refrigerator can be determined by the pharmacy that has compounded the medication. Talk with your pharmacist if you have questions about compounded semaglutide.
Semaglutide may go bad if it’s not properly stored.
For example, both Wegovy and Ozempic injection pens should not be used if the medication has been frozen. If they are frozen, those injection pens should not be used. Also, oral tablets should be kept in a dry place away from moisture. If they were to get wet, they may start to dissolve and not be safe to use anymore.
Can you use semaglutide after the expiration date?
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You should not use a medication after its expiration date as it can be less effective and have an increased risk of safety issues. Your doctor or pharmacist can point out where the expiration date is printed on your medication.
Semaglutide is available under the following brand name products: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. Depending on the brand name, the medication may be available as an oral tablet or injection.
While tablet versions of semaglutide may be stored at room temperature, it’s important to follow any refrigeration directions for the injected forms. It’s also important to properly dispose of any expired, unused medication.
If you have any questions about how to store or take your semaglutide medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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