If you’ve recently been prescribed Wegovy, you may be wondering whether it needs to be refrigerated. Wegovy should be stored in the fridge before first use, but it can be kept out of the fridge at room temperature for a limited time once opened.
Storing your medication correctly helps ensure it remains effective for as long as it’s intended to. Below, we explain whether Wegovy needs to be kept in the fridge, how long it can be out of the fridge, and the best way to store it safely.
Storing Wegovy in the Fridge
Store your Wegovy in your refrigerator before use. You should store your weekly Wegovy injections in temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Storing your medication in the fridge can ensure it lasts as long as it should and remains as effective as it should.
Once you have used your medication for the first time, you can remove Wegovy from the fridge and begin storing it at room temperature. However, avoid storing it at temperatures above 30°C. You can store your used Wegovy at room temperature for up to 28 days.
How Long Can Wegovy Be Out of The Fridge?
Wegovy can be out of the fridge for 28 days - IF you consider the following factors:
- Light (protect it from direct sunlight)
- Temperature (keep below 30°C)
- Pen cap - keep the injection pen cap on until it’s time to inject
Your Wegovy medication should last until its expiry date when you store it in the fridge. Although this can vary, the standard expiration date is around 12 months from the date of manufacture.
You can find the expiry date on the pen itself, and on the box it comes in. Each individual pen contains 4x doses, which should last you 4 weeks.
What To Do If Wegovy Is Stored Incorrectly
How you handle a Wegovy pen depends on the storage conditions. Use the guidance below to ensure your medication remains safe and effective:
|
Scenario |
What to Do |
|
Opened Wegovy pen left out at room temperature (<30°C) |
It is safe to use for up to 28 days. Return it to the fridge as soon as possible |
|
Wegovy pen left at room temperature above 30°C |
Do not use - discard the pen |
|
Opened or unopened pen past expiry date |
Do not use - always check the expiry date on the pen or box |
|
Pen |
Do not use - discard immediately, even if unopened |
Even if your pen falls within one of the safe storage scenarios above, it’s important to check its appearance before use.
Your Wegovy solution should be clear and colourless. If you notice cloudiness, particles, or any other unusual changes, the pen may have gone bad. Discard it and use a new one.
Can I Store Wegovy in the Freezer?
No - you should not store your Wegovy pens in the freezer, or allow your Wegovy solution to freeze.
Doing so can damage the medication and make it less effective. As previously stated, if you suspect your solution has frozen, dispose of it and use a new pen.
Wegovy Storage Do’s and Don’ts
-
Do - keep your medication in its original packaging to protect it from light and damage
-
Don’t - freeze Wegovy - this can damage it and leave it ineffective
-
Do - store your medication in a cool, dark place
-
Don’t - expose your Wegovy to direct sunlight and heat
-
Do - inspect your medication before using it
-
Don’t - your medication if it has frozen or has changed in appearance
-
Do - use your Wegovy before the expiry date
- Don’t - shake your medication as this could affect its effectiveness
Travelling With Wegovy
If you are travelling with your medication, we recommend using cooler bags or ice packs to ensure it remains within the correct temperature range - especially if you’re travelling somewhere hot!
However, avoid placing your pens directly against ice or gel packs - this could result in freezing, rendering your medication ineffective.
Be sure to inform the airport security that you are carrying prescription medication, and keep it in the original packaging with the prescription labels clearly on show.
We also recommend keeping a copy of your prescription. Keep your Wegovy medication in your carry-on luggage only and not in your checked luggage.
Disposing of Wegovy
If you have left your Wegovy out of the fridge for more than 28 days - or it has frozen, changed in appearance, or been damaged - dispose of it.
Follow local regulations for medication disposal, or speak to your pharmacist for advice. Don’t throw your medication away in your household bin - instead, use a sharps container or a lidded container.
You could also use the PenCycle scheme - a free recycling scheme by Novo Nordisk. This scheme is specifically for Wegovy and Saxenda pens. Simply collect a free return box, remove (and dispose of) the needles, and return the box.
Be sure to separate the needle from the pen before you recycle - you can’t recycle pens with the needle still attached.
Looking for Affordable Wegovy?
We understand that weight loss medication can be expensive, and not everybody can afford it. This is why we ensure our medication is accessible and affordable. Our prices for Wegovy begin at just £112.000 per month.
For more details about our price ranges, visit our guide, how much Semaglutide costs in the UK.
You can cancel your subscription at any time for your peace of mind. However, we recommend sticking with it, as many patients lose up to 15% of their body weight within the first year of taking GLP-1 medication.
Make the most of unlimited support. We’re with you every step of the way and want you to make the most of your weight loss medication. You can expect regular progress assessments with our team of specialists to ensure you’re on track.
We understand that one size does not fit all, so we allow for rapid dosage adjustments to give you the best chance of success. If you’re interested in trying Wegovy, start your journey today with our online assessment.
