If you’re curious about Wegovy weight loss injections, or have just started using them, you may be wondering how easy it’ll be to make them part of your routine. Once you know what Wegovy dose your clinician has prescribed and how to inject it, Wegovy storage instructions are the next thing to get to grips with. To make sure the active ingredient (semaglutide) in your Wegovy weight loss medications is safe and effective, you’ll need to store it properly.
Luckily, learning how to store Wegovy is pretty straightforward. We’ll bring you up to speed on everything from the ideal Wegovy storage temperature to the rules for Wegovy storage after opening.
Wegovy storage guidelines and expiry timeline
Do you have to keep Wegovy in the fridge?
Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated? Before you open it, yes. It needs to be stored in a refrigerator and between 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F). It should also be kept in its original packaging and away from food, so it doesn’t get contaminated.
It’ll last until the expiry date that’s printed on the pen, as long as you keep it away from the cooling element (which is too cold) and the door (which can get too warm). If it isn’t kept at the right temperature, or goes out of date, the medication may degrade—meaning it could be less effective. If this happens, it needs to be thrown away and not used.
One of the most important things to remember is to store it out of reach of under-18s, or any vulnerable people that may live with you.
Wegovy storage after opening is slightly different, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be kept in the fridge.
How long can Wegovy be kept out of the fridge?
After first use, regardless of whether you store it in the fridge or at room temperature, it will expire after six weeks (42 days). Just make sure Wegovy doesn’t get warmer than 30°C (86°F), or colder than 2°C (35°F).
If you haven’t used it all within six weeks of opening it, it’ll need to be thrown away.
Although you don’t have to, some people find it more convenient to keep it in the fridge. The temperature will be more consistent than in a cupboard or bag.
Can you freeze Wegovy?
This one’s a hard no: Wegovy can’t be frozen.
If you keep it in the fridge, it must not get below 2°C (35°F). If your pen does become frozen, partly frozen, or exposed to frost, don’t use it and throw it away. Injecting frozen Wegovy (even if it’s been thawed out) is dangerous and can mean you get an inaccurate dose.
How to travel with Wegovy?
If you’re traveling and need to take unopened Wegovy with you, you’ll need to keep it between 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F). If it’s opened, it’ll need to remain below 30°C (86°F)—and be used within six weeks—while you’re on the move.
It’s not too tricky to regulate your medication’s temperature while on the road. Here are some Wegovy temperature storage tips for when you’re travelling:
Use a cooling case
Use a cooling bag or case to keep your medication at the right temperature. Just don’t put Wegovy right next to an ice pack as this could freeze it.
Keep it in your hand luggage
On flights, take your medication in your carry-on luggage. Luggage compartments on planes can see extreme temperatures, so there’s a risk of freezing.
Common mistakes to avoid while storing Wegovy
There are some Wegovy storage pitfalls to avoid if you want your medication to stay safe and effective:
Freezing Wegovy
Don’t freeze Wegovy or use it if it’s been frozen, even if it’s thawed out. Freezing damages the active ingredient (semaglutide).
Exposing Wegovy to light and heat
Don’t store your Wegovy in cars, direct sunlight, or warm places. Temperatures above 30°C can degrade the medication. Be sure to always put the cap back on your pen to protect it from light.
Using Wegovy after it has been out of the fridge for too long
Don’t use it if it’s open and has been out of the fridge for over six weeks. It won’t be safe to use.
Not checking expiration dates
Don’t inject Wegovy without checking the expiry date first. You’ll find it on the pen label and carton next to ‘EXP’. It refers to the last day of that month. But remember that regardless of the expiration date, the pen will expire six weeks after your first injection. So if it’s been six weeks since you first used the pen, it will need to be thrown away.
Injecting Wegovy straight from the fridge
Cold injections can cause discomfort. Some people prefer to let the pen sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.
Not removing the needle
Don’t leave the needle on your pen when you store it. Keeping it attached is dangerous and can increase the risk of infection.
Not checking the solution
Don’t use Wegovy if you notice it isn’t clear and colourless. Look through the pen window to check this before you inject it. If it’s cloudy or coloured, don’t use it and throw it away.
How to dispose of Wegovy safely
Wegovy pens contain needles, so you can’t put them in your household bin. You’ll need a sharps bin to get rid of them safely. If you order your Wegovy from Voy, we’ll deliver you a sharps bin alongside your medication. When your sharps bin is full, arrange for your local council to collect it.
Getting started with Wegovy
Starting a new medication routine can be daunting. But storing Wegovy safely shouldn’t take too long to get used to.
If you’re wondering if Voy’s weight loss programme is right for you, take our quiz to find out if it’s what you might be looking for. It only takes a few minutes.
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