How to Store Wegovy: Fridge or Room Temp?
Wegovy is a clinically significant and costly injection used to treat diabetes and aid in weight loss. It functions by imitating hormones such as GLP-1, which are in charge of promoting a feeling of fullness after eating and improving blood sugar levels.
If prescribed, proper storage maintains its stability, potency, and effectiveness throughout its use. Discover more about how to store Wegovy, best practices and common pitfalls and rules regarding it.
Should You Store Wegovy in the Fridge?
The common question of how to store Wegovy at home and whether you can store it in the fridge has always crossed users’ minds. The short answer is yes, Wegovy may be stored in the refrigerator, between 2°C–8°C before first use. Keeping it refrigerated will maintain its shelf life, which is up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.
It is recommended to store the medication in its original packaging to protect it from light. If frozen, it is vital to discard it immediately as freezing the injection can damage its effectiveness and break down its peptide structure, making it unsafe to use.
Can Wegovy Be Stored at Room Temperature?
Yes, Wegovy may be stored at room temperature after the pen is taken out of the fridge. It remains stable up to 28 days and needs to be stored under 30°C ( which is room temperature). It is important to note that shelf life is not extended by room temperature storage.
During this time, it is recommended to ensure your medication avoids direct sunlight, heat or excessive humidity as this could compromise the medication’s integrity. If the pen is not used within 28 days at room temperature, it should be discarded.
What Happens if Wegovy Is Left Out Too Long?
If your injection is left out for over 28 days, it should be discarded immediately. There are some indicators to take into account to see if it has been compromised, such as:
- It looks frozen
- Cloudy or contains particles
- Unusual smell or colour
Always check the expiration date on the packaging as well, room temperature exposure does not extend the shelf life beyond this date. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a health care professional and replace the pen to maintain both safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Travelling With Wegovy: Dos and Don’ts
If you are required to use Wegovy while travelling, there are a few things you need to be aware of regarding its storage. It is important to protect the medication from temperature extremes and ensure it’s easily accessible. Always store Wegovy in an insulated travel bag or with cool packs, but avoid direct contact with ice, as freezing can damage the medication.
It is safe to keep it in your carry-on, and not in checked luggage as you will not be able to control its temperature there. To manage effectively, it is recommended to bring a copy of your prescription in case you need to purchase extra medication and/or during security checks.
If you’re travelling internationally, check whether the PenCycle recycling program is available at your destination so you can responsibly dispose of used pens while abroad. The PenCycle program is a recycling initiative for used Wegovy injection pens. Instead of throwing them away, patients can return empty pens through participating pharmacies or mail-back services, where they are safely collected and recycled. This helps reduce medical waste and supports environmentally responsible disposal.
Wegovy Storage: Do’s and Don’ts Table
Do | Don’t |
Store in fridge (2–8°C) before use | Don’t freeze Wegovy |
Use within 28 days at room temp | Don’t store above 30°C |
Keep pens in original packaging | Don’t expose to direct sunlight |
Inspect before use | Don’t shake the pen |
Dispose if frozen, cloudy, or expired | Don’t store in checked luggage when flying |
Disposal and Recycling: What to Do with Expired or Spoiled Wegovy
Users often question how to deal with an expired or spoiled injection. It is essential to understand that you should never throw it away in your household bin. This is because they can be considered a hazard, as they are sharp and contain medical waste. Instead, the use of designated sharps containers to place the medication in before discarding, to ensure safe disposal is encouraged.
Another alternative is handing it in to a local pharmacy, who are experienced and will follow safe disposal procedures. Alternatively, the PenCycle recycling scheme allows you to return empty pens for recycling after ensuring to remove the needle first, as PenCycle does not accept pens with needles attached.
Real-World Tips from Wegovy Users
Clinical observations and manufacturer guidance indicate that temperature fluctuations can reduce effectiveness, with real-world reports supporting these findings. To address these common issues, people have given tips based on their personal experience. These include insights such as using insulated bags or cool packs designed for medication transport.
Another tip is to set phone reminders to return the pen to the fridge after use and for a 28-day expiry. Carrying a small thermometer or temperature indicator to monitor storage conditions has also proven to be very helpful. It is important to avoid placing the pen in direct contact with ice, which can freeze and damage it.
FAQs
Does Wegovy need to be kept in the fridge?
Yes, Wegovy should be kept in the fridge before first use to maintain effectiveness. After opening, it should be kept at room temperature for 28 days. Please note that it should be discarded immediately when 28 days are up.
Can I freeze Wegovy to make it last longer?
No, Wegovy should never be frozen as it will damage the medication and reduce its effectiveness significantly, making it unsafe for users.
Can Wegovy go to room temperature?
Yes, it is recommended to store Wegovy at room temperature once it has been opened, keeping it away from direct sunlight, humidity and heat.
What if Wegovy was left in a hot car overnight?
It is unsafe to use as exposure to high heat can reduce Wegovy’s effectiveness by degrading the medication. It may also change the appearance of the solution. In such cases, it is vital to contact a healthcare professional before proceeding with your dose.
Can I store my Wegovy pens in the bathroom?
It is not recommended due to the bathrooms being humid and warm, which interferes with the effectiveness of the injection.
How do I know if Wegovy has expired?
The date printed on the packaging will indicate the expiry. However, if the solution appears to be cloudy or discoloured and has particles, it should be discarded immediately.
Key Takeaways:
- Store in the fridge (2–8°C) before first use. The shelf life is up to 12 months.
- After opening, keep at room temperature (under 30°C) for up to 28 days.
- Do not freeze Wegovy, as it will get damaged.
- Keep pens in original packaging, away from heat, sunlight, and humidity.
- Discard it if it is left out over 28 days or if the solution looks cloudy, discoloured, or smells unusual.
- When travelling, use insulated bags and keep pens in your carry-on.
- Dispose of pens safely via sharps containers, pharmacies, or PenCycle recycling.
- Avoid storing pens in bathrooms due to humidity.
- Always check the expiration date before use.
- When in doubt, contact a healthcare professional.
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Disclaimer
At Weightless, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date health information that is carefully reviewed by medical professionals. However, the content on this blog is intended for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. Information here should not be used to make decisions about your personal care without professional guidance.
