You are ready to use Ozempic® and you are uncertain whether you need to keep it in the refrigerator or you should keep it in the drawer of your night table.
Hello, I am Lorena, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. I help people with diabetes understand how they can make sense of their blood glucose and help you how to eat with good common sense nutrition. Scroll down to see how you can work with me.
What is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is a prescription medication (semaglutide) in injectable form used to
Improve blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes along with lifestyle changes
Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or deaths in adults with type 2 diabetes with heart disease.
Does Ozempic® Need to Be Refrigerated?
It depends whether the Ozempic® pen is new or if it has been opened.
New, unopened guidelines:
New and unused Ozempic® pens should be stored in the refrigerator. The recommended temperature for this medication is between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
How long can Ozempic® be left unrefrigerated after it’s open?
You can store the pen you are currently using at room temperature. The maximum amount of time to continue using your Ozempic pen is 56 days at room temperature between 59° F to 86° F (15°C to 30° C). If you’re in a hot climate in the summer and the temperature is over 86°F degrees, it will be better to store your Ozempic® pen back in the refrigerator to protect the medication from heat damage.
Storage guidelines
In the fridge:
You should store it with the pen cap on in the area where it is cool but not directly next to the cooling element.
At room temp:
Keep Ozempic® away from heat and out of the light. Remember to keep it out of the reach of children.
When Should I Discard Used Ozempic® Pens?
After 56 days you should throw away the pen even if there is still medication still in it.
Tip: when you start using Ozempic® count 56 days and write the date on your calendar to remind you when you need to discard the medication.
You can use your calendar on your phone and set up an alarm to remind you.
When Should I Discard New Ozempic® Pens?
Unused Ozempic® pens should be kept in the refrigerator and may be used until the expiration date (EXP) found on the box.
Can I Store the Ozempic® Pen in a Freezer?
No. Do not freeze Ozempic® and do not use Ozempic® if it has been frozen. If it becomes frozen, the medication breaks down and it is not
How fast does Ozempic® Work?
Based on the different trials, it takes approximately 4 weeks to see a drop in blood glucose and a reduction in body weight. People who take Ozempic® may also lose weight. If you would like to learn more about Ozempic and weight loss, click here.
If you want to learn about how food fits and how to make adjustments to keep your blood glucose in range, check out my program On the Plate! Eating to Keep your Blood Glucose in Check
Do you want to learn more about diabetes? Check out these blogs.
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