Wegovy shelf life is a critical consideration for patients using this GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability and therapeutic efficacy. Unopened pens must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C until the printed expiry date, whilst in-use pens can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks after first use. Understanding proper storage, recognising signs of degradation, and adhering to expiry guidelines are essential to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and patient safety throughout your weight management journey.

What Is Wegovy and How Should It Be Stored?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed by the MHRA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The recommended maintenance dose is 2.4 mg after a period of dose escalation. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, semaglutide works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake. This mechanism helps patients feel fuller for longer, reduces hunger, and supports sustained weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Proper storage is essential to maintain Wegovy's stability and therapeutic efficacy. Before first use, Wegovy pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. The medication should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze Wegovy—if the pen has been frozen, do not use it.

After first use, Wegovy can be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks. The pen cap should be replaced after each injection to protect the medication from light. Always use a new needle for each injection and never share your pen with others. When travelling, unopened pens must remain refrigerated (2-8°C), while in-use pens may be kept at room temperature for short periods, but should not be exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight. Always check the expiry date printed on the pen label—this date applies only if the medication has been stored correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Tell If Your Wegovy Has Expired or Gone Bad

Identifying whether your Wegovy pen has expired or deteriorated is an important safety measure. The expiry date is clearly printed on both the pen label and the outer carton. This date indicates the last day of the month during which the manufacturer guarantees the medication's potency and safety, provided it has been stored correctly. Using Wegovy beyond this date is not recommended, as the active ingredient may have degraded, reducing its effectiveness.

Beyond checking the expiry date, patients should perform a visual inspection before each injection. Wegovy solution should be clear and colourless. If you notice any of the following changes, the medication should not be used:

• Cloudiness or discolouration – the solution appears milky, brown, or has changed colour

• Visible particles – floating specks, crystals, or sediment in the liquid

• Damage to the pen – cracks, leaks, or if the pen is malfunctioning

• Freezing – if the pen has been frozen at any point, even if thawed

It is also important to track when you first used the pen. Even if the printed expiry date has not passed, Wegovy must be discarded 6 weeks after first use, regardless of whether doses remain. It's helpful to write the date of first use on the pen label. Use a new needle for each injection and do not use the pen if it is cracked, leaking, or not working properly.

If you are uncertain whether your Wegovy is still safe to use, do not take the risk. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing clinician for advice. Never use medication that appears abnormal or has been stored incorrectly, as this could compromise both safety and treatment outcomes.

What Happens If You Use Expired Wegovy?

Using expired Wegovy poses two primary concerns: reduced efficacy and potential safety risks. The active pharmaceutical ingredient, semaglutide, is a peptide that can degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat, light, or improper storage conditions. After the expiry date or beyond 6 weeks of first use, the concentration of active semaglutide may fall below therapeutic levels. This means the medication may not provide the expected appetite suppression and weight management benefits, potentially stalling your treatment progress.

Do not use Wegovy after the expiry date or more than 6 weeks after first use, as potency and safety cannot be guaranteed. The manufacturer's expiry date and in-use period are based on stability testing to ensure the medication works as intended.

From a clinical perspective, using expired medication undermines the reliability of your treatment plan. If you inadvertently use an expired pen and do not achieve expected weight loss, it becomes difficult to determine whether the issue is medication-related or due to other factors. This can lead to unnecessary dose adjustments or additional investigations.

If you have used expired Wegovy, do not take extra doses. Start a new pen and contact your prescriber or pharmacist for advice. They may advise continuing with a fresh pen and monitoring your response. For safe disposal, place used needles in an approved NHS sharps bin and follow local NHS/pharmacy instructions for pen disposal or return. Never dispose of sharps in household waste. If you experience any suspected side effects from Wegovy, report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). Maintaining accurate records of expiry dates and first-use dates is the best way to avoid using expired medication.

Proper Storage Tips to Maximise Wegovy Shelf Life

Maximising the shelf life and maintaining the quality of your Wegovy requires consistent attention to storage guidelines. Here are practical tips to ensure your medication remains safe and effective:

Refrigeration best practices:

• Store unopened Wegovy pens in the main body of the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), not in the door where temperature fluctuates

• Keep pens in their original carton to protect from light

• Ensure the refrigerator temperature is stable—use a fridge thermometer if necessary

• Never place Wegovy in the freezer compartment or near freezer elements

After first use:

• You may continue refrigerating the pen or store it at room temperature (below 30°C)

• Write the date of first use on the pen label to track the 6-week window

• Always replace the pen cap after each injection to protect from light and contamination

• Use a new needle for each injection and never share your pen with others

• Keep the pen away from direct sunlight, radiators, and hot surfaces

Travel considerations:

• Unopened pens must be kept refrigerated (2-8°C) at all times

• In-use pens may be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks

• Use an insulated medication travel case if travelling in hot weather

• Never leave Wegovy in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or in checked aeroplane luggage where it may freeze

• Carry a copy of your prescription when travelling

General safety measures:

• Inspect each pen before use for clarity, colour, and particles

• If the pen has been dropped, check for cracks, leaks or malfunction. Do not use if damaged

• Keep medication out of reach of children

• Place used needles in an NHS-approved sharps container and follow local guidance for pen disposal

By following these storage recommendations, you can ensure that each dose of Wegovy delivers the intended therapeutic benefit. If you have questions about storage or notice any changes in your medication, consult your community pharmacist or healthcare provider promptly. Proper medication management is a key component of successful weight management treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions