Understanding what is the shelf life of Ozempic is essential for patients with type 2 diabetes who rely on this once-weekly injectable medication to maintain optimal glycaemic control. Ozempic (semaglutide), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, requires specific storage conditions to preserve its stability and therapeutic effectiveness. Unopened pens stored correctly in a refrigerator have a shelf life of three years from manufacture, whilst opened pens remain safe to use for six weeks regardless of storage method. Proper handling, storage, and timely disposal of expired medication are crucial to ensure treatment efficacy and patient safety throughout diabetes management.

What Is Ozempic and How Should It Be Stored?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. These combined effects help improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Proper storage of Ozempic is essential to maintain its stability and therapeutic efficacy. Before first use, unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. The pens must be kept in their original carton to protect them from light. It is important never to freeze Ozempic; if the medication has been frozen, it must not be used and should be discarded. Freezing can affect the quality and efficacy of the medication.

After first use, the pen may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to 6 weeks. The pen cap should be replaced after each injection to protect the solution from light. Patients should avoid storing the pen with a needle attached, as this may cause leakage, air bubbles, or contamination. Additionally, Ozempic should be kept out of reach of children and away from direct heat sources or sunlight. Never share your Ozempic pen with anyone else, even if the needle is changed, as this risks transmission of infection. Following these storage guidelines ensures the medication remains safe and effective throughout its intended use period.

Shelf Life of Unopened Ozempic Pens

The shelf life of an unopened Ozempic pen is determined by the expiry date printed on the carton and pen label by the manufacturer. When stored correctly in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and protected from light, unopened pens have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture, as specified in the UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Patients and healthcare professionals should always check the expiry date before dispensing or using Ozempic. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated on the packaging. It is crucial never to use Ozempic beyond this date, even if the pen has remained unopened and properly refrigerated. Using expired medication may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy, as the active ingredient (semaglutide) may have degraded over time, potentially leading to inadequate glycaemic control.

Pharmacies and healthcare facilities must implement robust stock rotation procedures to ensure that Ozempic pens with the earliest expiry dates are dispensed first. Patients who receive their medication through repeat prescription services should inspect the expiry date upon receipt and contact their pharmacy if they have concerns about receiving pens close to expiry. If you have unopened Ozempic pens that are approaching their expiry date but you do not anticipate using them in time, consult your GP or diabetes specialist nurse. They may be able to adjust your prescription quantity or frequency to minimise waste. Never share your medication with others, and always return unused or expired pens to a pharmacy for safe disposal in accordance with local medicines waste guidelines.

How Long Does Ozempic Last Once Opened?

Once an Ozempic pen has been opened and used for the first time, its in-use shelf life is 6 weeks (42 days), regardless of the expiry date printed on the pen. This 6-week period begins from the date of the first injection. After this time, the pen must be discarded, even if it still contains medication. This recommendation is based on stability data and microbiological safety considerations, as the sterility of the solution cannot be guaranteed beyond this period once the seal has been broken.

During the 6-week in-use period, the opened pen may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C). Many patients find room temperature storage more convenient and comfortable, as injecting cold medication can sometimes cause mild discomfort at the injection site. However, the pen must be kept away from direct heat and light. It is good practice to write the date of first use on the pen label to help track when the 6-week period expires. Some patients find it helpful to set a reminder on their phone or calendar.

The number of doses per pen varies by strength. The 2 mg/1.5 mL pen provides up to 4 doses at the 0.5 mg maintenance dose or up to 8 doses at the 0.25 mg starting dose. The 4 mg/3 mL pen provides 4 doses at the 1 mg dose, and the 8 mg/3 mL pen provides 4 doses at the 2 mg dose.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure whether your pen is still within the safe use period, consult your pharmacist or diabetes care team rather than risk using potentially degraded medication.

Signs Your Ozempic May Have Expired or Degraded

Before each injection, patients should visually inspect the Ozempic solution through the pen window. Ozempic should appear as a clear and colourless or almost colourless solution without particles. If the solution does not meet these criteria, do not use the pen.

Key warning signs that Ozempic may have expired or degraded include:

• Discolouration: If the solution appears cloudy, yellow, brown, or has any other colour change, do not use it.

• Particles or precipitates: The presence of visible particles, crystals, flakes, or sediment indicates the medication should not be used.

• Cloudiness or turbidity: Any loss of clarity suggests the medication should not be used.

• Freezing damage: If you know or suspect the pen has been frozen (even if subsequently thawed), it must be discarded.

• Damaged pen: Cracks, leaks, or mechanical damage to the pen device may compromise sterility.

It is important to note that semaglutide is a protein-based medication, and proteins are particularly susceptible to degradation when exposed to temperature extremes, light, or physical stress. Even if the solution appears normal, medication that has been stored incorrectly (e.g., left in a hot car, exposed to direct sunlight, or frozen) should not be used.

If you notice any of these signs, do not inject the medication. Contact your pharmacist or diabetes care team for advice and to obtain a replacement pen. Using medication that has not been stored correctly may result in inadequate glycaemic control. When in doubt, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and obtain a fresh pen. Return any suspect pens to your pharmacy for proper disposal.

If you experience any suspected side effects from Ozempic, report them via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

What to Do If Your Ozempic Has Passed Its Expiry Date

If you discover that your Ozempic pen has passed its expiry date or exceeded the 6-week in-use period, do not use it under any circumstances. Using expired medication may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy, as the potency and sterility cannot be guaranteed. This could potentially lead to poor glycaemic control and increased risk of hyperglycaemia or diabetic complications.

Immediate steps to take:

• Do not inject the expired medication.

• Contact your GP surgery or diabetes specialist nurse as soon as possible to request a replacement prescription.

• Check your blood glucose levels more frequently if you have missed doses, particularly if you experience symptoms of hyperglycaemia (increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision).

• Return the expired pen to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Never dispose of medication in household waste or down the drain, as this can harm the environment.

• Dispose of used needles in a proper sharps container, which you can obtain from your GP surgery or pharmacy. Return full sharps containers according to local arrangements.

To prevent this situation recurring, implement a medication management system. Request repeat prescriptions in good time (typically 7–10 days before you need them), store your medication correctly, and label opened pens with the date of first use. If you frequently have unused medication expiring, discuss this with your healthcare team, as your prescription quantity may need adjusting.

If you have missed a dose due to expired medication, take it as soon as possible if it is within 5 days of your scheduled dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose. If you have missed more than one dose or are concerned about your diabetes control, contact your GP or diabetes care team for guidance. They may recommend temporary blood glucose monitoring or adjustments to other diabetes medications. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare team is essential for safe and effective diabetes management.

Frequently Asked Questions