How Do You Store Semaglutide Medication?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in drugs sold under the brand name of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus that helps manage type 2 diabetes and contributes to weight loss. In order to use semaglutide as an optimally effective agent, the proper storage conditions must be adhered to based on information available from the manufacturers and other relevant healthcare personnel. 

This article gives an understanding of how to store semaglutide safely in its injectable or oral tablet form or answers to general questions about its storage and stability.

Does Semaglutide Require Refrigeration?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications imitate the GLP-1 hormone, which signals the body to secrete insulin, and make it easier for the patient’s blood sugar levels to be controlled. Furthermore, GLP-1 has the ability to communicate with the brain to produce signals of satiety in order to help with obesity.

The storage requirements for semaglutide depend on the form in which the medication is prescribed:

• Rybelsus (Oral Tablet)
  Orally administered semaglutide is known under the name Rybelsus. It comes with the description that it should be stored at room temperature. The bottle itself is sealed with a blue top with a drying agent which helps to avoid moisture that deteriorates the medicine. The pills are advised to be stored in their original packaging for the best results to be achieved.
• Ozempic (Injectable Pen)
  Ozempic is supplied in a pre-filled pen to inject. Any pen that has not been used should be put in the refrigerator. But as soon as they are opened and in use they can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 56 days. After this time, any amount of medication that is left and even if the pen looks like it has not been used at all should be discarded. It is important not to freeze Ozempic because freezing can spoil the effect of this medication.
• Wegovy (Injectable Pen)
  Wegovy like Ozempic is a semaglutide injection that is recommended for use in adults. If the pens are unopened they should be stored in the refrigerator. If refrigeration is not possible then the product can be stored under normal temperature conditions for a maximum of 28 days. Light exposure to the medicine must be limited so as to retain the effectiveness of the medicine.

Can Semaglutide Expire or Go Bad?

Yes, semaglutide may become ineffective if stored wrong or if the properly stored product is used beyond the expiration date. Your doctor or pharmacist may explain to you where to look for the expiration date on your medication. Every product has a labeled expiration date on the packaging but due to some reasons the medicine may get spoiled even before the expiry date.

• Avoid Freezing: 

Neither Ozempic nor Wegovy should ever be frozen. Frozen medication can lose its stability and efficacy.

• Storage Limits:
  • Wegovy is safe to be stored at normal room temperature with its package unopened for up to 28 days.
  • Ozempic pens that were opened should be disposed of after 56 days even if the pen remained in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Can Semaglutide Tablets Be Stored Outside Their Original Container?

Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus) can be preserved at room temperature, but it is not recommended to put them in a pill box or leave them on a kitchen counter.  That blue cap on the original container has a drying agent that defends the tablets from moisture, which is so important for their quality It is therefore advisable to keep Rybelsus tablets in its original container.

General Tips for Storing and Handling Semaglutide

To ensure the medication remains effective, adhere to the following tips:

• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Follow all the storage directions that come with the medication and check with the doctor if you have doubts about any of these.

• Check Expiration Dates: Never take semaglutide beyond the printed expiration date or beyond the number of days specified after opening the product.

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: The medication should be kept out of sunbeams, high temperatures or cold.

Takeaway

Semaglutide is an effective drug for type 2 diabetes treatment and has the benefits of weight loss. It is very sensitive and needs to be stored properly in order to be effective.

• More on this, products such as Rybelsus tablets are required to be stored at room temperature within its immediate container and the blue cap should remain closed.
• The injectable forms such as Ozempic and Wegovy mostly need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be at normal temperature for some time depending on whether the bottles are opened or not.