Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. As a biological medicine containing a peptide-based active ingredient, Wegovy requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability, efficacy, and safety. Proper storage is essential to preserve the medication's therapeutic properties and ensure optimal treatment outcomes. This article provides comprehensive guidance on how to store Wegovy correctly, including refrigeration requirements, what to do if storage conditions are compromised, and practical advice for travelling with your medication whilst maintaining appropriate temperature control throughout your journey.

How to Store Wegovy Correctly

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. As a biological medicine, proper storage is essential to maintain its stability, efficacy, and safety.

Wegovy pens must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C before use. The pens should be kept in their original carton to protect them from light. Never freeze Wegovy—if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded, even if it has subsequently thawed. Freezing can damage the protein structure, rendering the medication ineffective and potentially unsafe.

If needed, an unused Wegovy pen may be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks before use. If the pen has been kept out of the refrigerator for longer than 6 weeks, it should be discarded.

Important: Wegovy pens available in the UK are single-use devices. Use the pen for one injection only, then dispose of it immediately in a sharps bin. Do not attempt to reuse the pen.

Always store Wegovy pens away from the freezer compartment and avoid placing them near cooling elements where they might accidentally freeze. Keep the medication out of reach of children. If you are uncertain whether your Wegovy pen has been stored correctly, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider before use.

Refrigeration Requirements for Wegovy Pens

Maintaining appropriate refrigeration is critical for preserving the integrity of Wegovy. The recommended storage temperature range of 2°C to 8°C corresponds to standard domestic refrigerator settings. This temperature range ensures the semaglutide protein remains stable and retains its pharmacological activity.

When storing Wegovy in your refrigerator, place the pens in the main body of the fridge—typically on a middle or lower shelf—rather than in the door compartments. Door storage exposes medications to greater temperature fluctuations each time the refrigerator is opened, which may compromise stability. Similarly, avoid positioning pens at the very back of the fridge where they might come into contact with cooling elements and risk freezing.

Key refrigeration guidelines include:

• Store unused pens in the original carton to protect from light

• Maintain consistent temperatures between 2°C and 8°C

• Never place pens in the freezer or freezer compartment

• Avoid storing near cooling vents or elements

• Keep away from food items that might leak or contaminate the packaging

If you share refrigerator space with others, clearly label your Wegovy pens and educate household members about the importance of proper storage. Some patients find it helpful to designate a specific area of the refrigerator exclusively for medications. If you experience a power cut or refrigerator malfunction, check the internal temperature as soon as possible. Any time the pen spends above 8°C but below 30°C counts towards the 6-week allowance for storage outside the refrigerator. If the temperature has exceeded 30°C, the pen should be discarded.

What Happens If Wegovy Is Not Stored Properly

Improper storage of Wegovy can compromise the medication's effectiveness and safety. Semaglutide is a peptide-based biological medicine, and its three-dimensional protein structure is sensitive to temperature extremes, light exposure, and physical stress.

Exposure to excessive heat (above 30°C) can cause protein degradation, potentially reducing the medication's potency. If an unused Wegovy pen has been kept at temperatures above 30°C, or below 30°C for longer than 6 weeks, the medication should be discarded. Using improperly stored semaglutide may result in reduced weight loss efficacy.

Freezing is particularly problematic for Wegovy. When the solution freezes, ice crystals form and can irreversibly damage the protein structure. Even after thawing, frozen Wegovy will not function as intended and must not be used. Visual inspection may not always reveal this damage, so any pen suspected of freezing should be discarded as a precautionary measure.

Signs that Wegovy may have been improperly stored include:

• Visible particles, cloudiness, or discolouration (the solution should be clear and colourless)

• Damaged or cracked pen casing

• Expired expiry date

Before using Wegovy, always check that the solution is clear and colourless without particles, and that the pen is not damaged. If you have used a pen that may have been stored incorrectly and experience unexpected symptoms or lack of therapeutic effect, contact your GP or prescribing clinician. Never attempt to use medication that appears abnormal or has been stored outside recommended conditions. Your pharmacist can provide guidance on proper storage practices to prevent future issues.

Travelling with Wegovy: Storage Tips

Travelling with Wegovy requires advance planning to ensure the medication remains within the recommended storage conditions throughout your journey. Whether travelling domestically or internationally, maintaining appropriate temperature conditions is essential for medication integrity.

For short journeys, if you're using an unused Wegovy pen within the 6-week allowance for storage below 30°C, you can transport it at room temperature. However, avoid leaving pens in cars, where temperatures can rapidly exceed safe limits, particularly in summer months or direct sunlight. If you're out for the day, consider using an insulated medication travel case with a cool pack (not frozen) to maintain stable temperatures.

For longer trips or air travel, a validated medication cooling wallet or case is advisable. These portable cooling solutions maintain temperatures between 2°C and 8°C without freezing the medication. When flying, pack Wegovy in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage, as cargo holds can experience temperature extremes. Carry your prescription or a letter from your GP confirming your need for the medication, as airport security may require documentation for injectable medicines and cooling equipment.

Essential travel considerations:

• Calculate the number of pens needed for your trip duration, plus extras for delays

• Research refrigeration availability at your destination (hotels, accommodation)

• For international travel, check customs regulations regarding importing prescription medicines

• Carry a suitable sharps container for used pens

• Set phone reminders for injection times across time zones

• Keep medication in original packaging with pharmacy labels intact

If refrigeration is unavailable at your destination and you need to store pens beyond the 6-week room temperature allowance, contact your healthcare provider before travelling to discuss alternatives. Some patients arrange for medication delivery to their destination or adjust travel plans around their treatment schedule. Never compromise on storage requirements, as this may render your treatment ineffective.

If you experience any side effects from Wegovy, report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions